In our continuing quest to find safe and fun entertainment close to home Chris and I ventured out to Flat Rock, NC last week to explore some lovely gardens at the Flat Rock Playhouse located at 2661 Greenville Hwy in Flat Rock, NC 28731. I had seen an article in BlueRidgeNow.com about the gardens surrounding the playhouse and thought it would be the perfect little trip for us. I was right. It was.
The article relates how garden volunteers have created a new QR (Quick Response) labeling system so that visitors can get additional information on the hundreds of plants that are on the over nine acre campus. Each of the 62 different garden beds have signs which include the QR code which when scanned on a smart phone gives information on the Muddy Boots website about that particular bed. It contains pictures and more information that visitors can read. It is a great little system and I loved pulling up the information on my phone.
We ran into a couple of the Master Gardener volunteers on our way in and they warned us about the impending storm but I was determined to get in the gardens before it let loose and we managed to spend just enough time exploring the gardens before the skies broke open. It was lovely.
The Flat Rock Playhouse is unfortunately closed for the season and many people are sad about that, of course, but it is so lovely that the gardens are open for visitors to walk around and enjoy. Picnic lunches are even encouraged and that will be a great spot for us to enjoy one of our weekly picnics in the future.
Of course I was thrilled to see the Little Free Library which is nestled in amongst the flowers and plants. It was loaded with great books and next time I go I will definitely take a few to share.
We were so thrilled to be able to stroll the grounds and are so grateful to all of the people who are in charge of keeping the grounds looking so great. It is the perfect spot to share a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Have you found anyplace new recently that makes you smile like this little garden made me smile? I would love to hear about it . Remember that each comment means a 50 cent donation to our Comments for a Cause – Fill the Bus -Clothes for Back to School.
14 Comments
Leave a commentI would love to get to this.
I thought of you when we were there. You would love it!
Looks like a lovely place and I love the QR system. I always like knowing names of things I see or photograph so this is really helpful.
It really is lovely and I love QR codes! So easy to learn more!
HI Beth,
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments about our gardens. We do indeed love being there and keeping up with the creative side of The Playhouse.
I do have a small request and wonder if you could change Muddy Sneakers to Muddy Boots. Sadly this was printed in the Times News as such but the company that has done the QR Readers is Muddy Boots and Muddy Sneakers is a childrens summer camp in the area. !
Thanks so much
Tamsin Allpress
Happy to do that — I did kind of wonder when I read that!!! Thanks for letting me know so I could get it corrected!
Lovely place you found and a Little Free Library to boot! 🙂
That was the icing on the cake!
Oh, I would love touring these gardens. I appreciate how you and Chris are discovering places to get out and about in a safe way. We are aiming for the same.
We are definitely trying to find safe activities to do and all of the outdoor adventures we are having lately have been great. Gotta love the big outdoors.
What a beautiful garden!! Chuck and I enjoy places like this so much. So peace & beautiful.
Thanks, Shirley. We did love it and you are correct –so peaceful!
I’m the Resident Scene Designer at FRP (when we’re open!) and I have so loved watching the gardens grow and evolve. Also, another benefit is the ability to walk around the property on the days the gardeners are working and visit with them and share what a difference they’ve made on the property. Their pride in their work is certainly matched by our pride in working at a place where so many volunteers have enhanced and elevated our ‘home.’ I always feels so grateful for all that they do.
Thank you so much for your insight into all that the gardeners do. We are so blessed here to have so many talented artists, performers and gardeners who give of their time and talents! Thanks for stopping by!