Tuesday, May 22, 2012

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 .

15 comments:

  1. I agree Carolyn, what a gorgeous garden rich in textures and colors! It was an honor to visit.

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  2. Love the way you arranged your photos from the Gentling garden - also one of my favorites from this year's Fling.

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  3. Carolyn, I thoroughly agree with you. The Gentlings were such lovely people, and their garden was breathtaking. I wanted to curl up in the gazebo and never leave. I hope they were serious about us visiting again, because I'm already planning my next journey to see the Gentlings! Lovely photos and post!

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  4. Aw, what a very nice tribute to this wonderful mountain garden.

    It was a pleasure meeting you after so many years. You have always been an inspiration to me and a big motivator to not only me but others as well.

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  5. Carolyn,
    This garden is one of my absolute favorites, ever! It was so beautiful and full of wonderful plants...heaven has to be just like it! It was so nice to meet you! I look forward to the next time.

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  6. I quite agree that this garden is inviting and serene. A labor of love on this mountain side.

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  7. Such a beautiful garden. I didn't know about the history so thanks for sharing this. Carolyn, it was so great meeting you!

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    1. Great meeting my "home boy ", too, Phillip. Loved your splendid photographs and posts from the Asheville Fling.

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  8. Looks like a lovely, shady sanctuary! Pretty!

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  9. What a huge compliment to the Gentlings...I so agree! Great to have meet you and look forward to seeing you again....

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  10. That is a beautiful place! Isn't it fun to come across people who you have things in common with?

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  11. Yes, the Gentling's garden was lovely. What a peaceful retreat.

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  12. Carolyn, This garden was both magical and majestic. It was very fun to meet and talk with you at the fling. Hope I can do it next year. Carolyn

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  13. Well said about this special place on earth!

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  14. Thank you all for your kind comments. I just now am getting around to fixing this section it has been giving me nothing but headaches. So nice to meet everyone of you at the FLing. It was so much fun and interesting as well.

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