Flower Carpet, Courtesy The Biltmore Company

Jewel-tone colors of stained glass are the inspiration for this year’s Flower Carpet event at Biltmore, set for Aug. 20 through Sept. 12, on the South Terrace of Biltmore House.

Biltmore’s third annual Flower Carpet – made up of more than 100,000 plants – takes its shape and color from a set of 1880s stained glass windows created by innovative artist and interior designer John La Farge. These windows, part of George Vanderbilt’s vast art collection, are now on display at Biltmore’s new Antler Hill Village.

Unlike traditional stained glass artists whose works were flat and conservative, La Farge incorporated three-dimensional elements and layers of complex plating to provide depth. This revolutionary style allowed for the rounded and faceted glass to form sparkle-like jewels. Biltmore’s Travis Murray, crew leader of the Walled Garden, created the magnificent design for this year’s Flower Carpet.

Plant selections have been chosen to glow in shades of red, orange, blue, yellow and grey throughout the 14,400 square-foot design. These include Iresine Purple Lady; Marigold Janie Tangerine; Coleus Dark Star fading into Angelonia’s from dark purple, lavender to white; Marigold Janie Bright Yellow; Zinnia Profusion White; Euphorbia Diamond Frost and Zinnia Angustifolia Star White; Begonia Prelude Rose and Harmony Scarlet.

The Flower Carpet, Courtesy The Biltmore Company

On select evenings, the estate will be open for Flower Carpet Evenings. Soft lighting, beautiful sunset views and live jazz music create a special ambiance for viewing the carpet. Picnic options will be available by reservation online or by phone when purchasing tickets. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase on site. A dining concierge will be stationed at the event to assist with dinner reservations at Bistro, Arbor Grill or The Dining Room.

The Biltmore is George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre estate. Mr. Vanderbilt created Biltmore as an escape from everyday life. Now, his descendants invite you to enjoy his legacy of hospitality. Your admission includes self-guided tours of the breathtaking Biltmore House & Gardens and the new Antler Hill Village—featuring theWinery, The Biltmore Legacy, and  Village Green.

For additional information on the Flower Carpet event, please call 877-BILTMORE or visit www.biltmore.com.