In late spring and early summer, the garden is a diverse and eye-catching composition of color, form and fragrance set among native ferns and wildflowers. In winter, the sky opens up above the garden's canopy and the natural architecture of the surrounding stone outcroppings is revealed. Two level loop trails wind through the site. Secondary trails wind through the garden and up the adjacent cove. The National Native Azalea Repository was established to help preserve and protect native azaleas.
All seed is collected from documented wild origins and is propagated in our nursery.
Although none of the species is listed as threatened or endangered, habitat for these plants continues to be lost to development. Protecting the biodiversity of native azaleas is of vital importance to the Arboretum. The North Carolina Arboretum is ideally located for such a repository. Ten of the azalea species are found in the Southern Appalachians, nine in North Carolina and five in Buncombe County. The majority of the species are found within 100 miles of the Arboretum.