Tulips and Mt. Pisgah view at Biltmore Estate

tulips in the walled garden at Biltmore Estate

view of Mt. Pisgah from the terrace at Biltmore Estate

It's always wonderful to swing through the Biltmore Estate in April;  the tulips in the walled garden are at their peak right now, and the cool air of spring (following a front) brought clear views of the Blue Ridge mountains and Mt. Pisgah beyond.

A lovely morning excursion.

Biltmore view

With spring here, the transitions from winter gray to spring green are proceeding rapidly.

A lovely benefit of now being in the mountains full-time is being able to appreciate those transitions here first hand.  I saw them, of course, in the Piedmont, too, but here, with mountain views, luminous morning light, and the winds and clouds that seem to be part of the weather here, it's been a joy to be able to visit the exceptional Biltmore landscape views over multiple visits the last week or so.

Spring has been popping out everywhere there, especially in the walled garden, with tulips and the espaliered fruit trees in flower.

But this view, toward Mt. Pisgah, is one I especially enjoy.  Right now, the contrast between winter and spring is evident.

This morning, it was a treat.

view from terrace, Biltmore Estate