Hilltop Oasis in Asheville-The Gentlings Garden

A feeling of tranquility and harmony was my first impression of the garden of Jasmin and Peter Gentling.   No glitz, no prominent sculpture , no beds of bright, bold colorful flowers to dazzle the eyes - just Mother Nature in all her glory, the garden merging seamlessly into the forest beyond. 

It has a very impressive history -the Who's Who of society has owned the property or slept there.  But more impressive to me was what the Gentling's did during their 40 years of living here.  Except for the large trees they have selected and planted everything in the garden.  And what Mr. Gentling said was very dear to my heart - he plants with an eye for texture more than color, which is a philosphy I've always believed in.  A garden that  looks good when it's not in bloom is to me a great achievement.

Hearing the singing of the birds and breathing in the cool mountain air added to the serenity of this hilltop paradise.   As Jasmin Gentling said just going out in the morning with a cup of coffee and sitting on the back patio  ( lower right ) listening to the birds singing brings her more joy than just about anything else. 

Peter Gentling is a native Texan who attended college in Chicago and we talked a little about his days there as a student.  We're both artists and talked also about art.  His late brother is a very prominent Texas artist .  The Gentlings are just like their garden -down to earth, natural and very enthusiastic about welcoming over 80 gardening geeks to view their paradise, for which I'll always be grateful.  I've seen Versailles, the Biltmore, the grand gardens of Europe and Asia, but I've never seen anything lovelier than the Gentling's garden .