Hurricane Helene Update
It’s now been almost three months since Hurricane Helene forever changed the landscape of our beautiful gardens. Before: Our gardens were flourishing and just beginning to show signs of autumn. After: The gardens that were left were buried under tons of sand and debris. Today: We have stopped looking back, and we are eagerly looking forward to the new year and new possibilities. Come catch up with us on what today looks like.
We remain uncertain about what the future holds for our beloved old Bridge. At the end of October, Thrasher Group sent a letter to Lake Lure town leadership stating “Thrasher has determined that the bridge is unsafe for use and should be closed immediately.” The Bridge has been closed since that time. An additional meeting with Odom Engineering confirmed Thrasher’s findings.
In November, the Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Mitigation Division of FEMA met at the Bridge with town leaders. We are awaiting their findings and any plans they may have regarding the Flowering Bridge.
With help from about 40 volunteers with the nonprofit organization Spokes of Hope, we have been able to recover a few garden areas on both the east and west ends. These volunteers, from both North and South Carolina, worked alongside some of our own volunteers for several days clearing sand and debris, power washing remaining garden paths, and helping lay down mulch for future garden areas.
The last couple of months have been tough, but we have a good thing going. Today: The Flowering Bridge organization remains committed to preserving as much as we can and continuing forward. Today: The west end garden area has been planted with pansies and ornamental kale for the winter months, and the east end gardens will be planted this week. If you do visit the Flowering Bridge, please make sure to stay on the walkways. Lake Lure businesses are open; however, Chimney Rock Village is still closed to the public. Its merchants have temporary shops set up in the Marketplace area of the Tryon Equestrian Center until spring 2025.
We believe in tomorrow.
The late actress Audrey Hepburn once said “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” We think it’s the perfect theme for us in 2025. We will be spending the winter months planning, designing and working toward creating new garden spaces when the time is right. Our volunteers are creative and extremely dedicated, and while we don’t know what the new gardens will look like, we are excited about the possibilities our blank canvas presents. We also expect to open our Education Center in 2025, which will enable us once again to offer classes and workshops on a wide variety of topics.
Today we are filled with deep gratitude for the hundreds of comments on our social media sites, for the unwavering support that the Flowering Bridge has received, and for the donations we have received following Hurricane Helene. Continue to watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for current and accurate information as we continue our recovery. We wish you the happiest of holidays, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Please continue to check our Facebook page for updates.
Thank you to local artist Bob Graham, owner of the Smoky Mountain Cowboy art gallery in Lake Lure, for these incredible photos…
A Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful
The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is home to more than 2000 species of plants, lovingly tended by local volunteers. From the Bridge, visitors can look upstream to view the famous Chimney Rock, and downstream where the river flows into Lake Lure surrounded by the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is always something to see as the plant and garden decorative displays change with the seasons. Visitors often comment on the unexpected blooms that appear at unusual times due to the isothermal microclimate of Hickory Nut Gorge. Even in the coldest months, festive lighting invites a walk across the Bridge both day and night. Our unique gardens are free and open to the public all year. The vast majority of the gardens are wheelchair accessible.
Our vision for building an onsite Education Center is becoming a reality.
We’re excited to announce that we have officially broken ground on our new Education Center! The building has a small footprint offering huge opportunities. Its design is in keeping with our beautiful mountain surroundings and includes a front porch and comfortable seating. A dedicated indoor space will provide the ability to expand our educational programs and conduct classes year-round, regardless of weather. Parking will be limited, but the Bridge will be open throughout construction. Additional parking is available at the Lake Lure Welcome Center.
THE STORY OF OUR GARDENS
Officially dedicated on October 13, 2013, the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge blooms atop the historic, three-arch Historic Bridge #7 in Lake Lure, NC. Built in 1925, the Bridge carried traffic between Lake Lure and Chimney Rock for 85 years. When it was decommissioned in January 2011, a group of citizens got permission from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to preserve and enhance the structure, forming the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. Over a two-year period, they sought donations, made sure the structure could sustain the additional weight of stones, dirt, and foot traffic, and with the help of a landscape design firm, created a design for the original gardens and implemented it as funds became available. On April 13, 2013, twelve themed gardens were planted in raised beds across the 155-foot span, including rock and succulent, rose, tropical, whimsical, wildflower and herb gardens. The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge was officially dedicated on October 13, 2013.
Over time, additional gardens have been added on either side of the Bridge, most recently a pollinator, children’s and even a dog garden. Called “A Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful,” our unique park now features 30 gardens — an entire acre of plants — and has become one of the most-visited attractions in Western North Carolina, drawing more than 180,000 visitors a year. It is lovingly maintained by 40 devoted volunteers, some of whom have been involved from the beginning. Garden art and seasonal features created by local artists and volunteer gardeners fill the gardens with whimsy and charm. Since its creation, the Flowering Bridge has been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a certified wildlife habitat, and certified and registered by the Monarch Watch as an official Monarch Waystation. It is also a designated public garden along the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail, and its murals have won it a place on the Appalachian Mural Trail.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To maintain gardens that are enjoyable, inspirational and used to educate people about gardening and its health and environmental benefits.
Lush, inviting garden spanning a bridge over a popular mountain lake, with plantings, decor, and an audio tour that speak to gardeners, lovers of dogs and children’s lit, and anybody who wants a change of pace from mountain tourist draws.
Such a beautiful and creative way to display nature’s beauty…we loved the little surprises around every corner! Can’t wait to come back and see everything during different seasons. Thank you to all the hard-working volunteers!
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
3070 Memorial Hwy
PO Box 125
Lake Lure, NC 28746
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is a volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Donations to help preserve and maintain the bridge and gardens are appreciated — and tax-deductible.
