THE STORY OF OUR GARDENS
Officially dedicated on October 13, 2013, the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge was built 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 were added on either side of the Bridge, including a pollinator, children’s and even a dog garden.
Called “A Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful,” our unique park featured 30 gardens — an entire acre of plants — and became one of the most-visited attractions in Western North Carolina, drawing more than 180,000 visitors a year. In September 2024, Hurricane Helene forever changed the landscape our beautiful gardens. The beloved old bridge had to be demolished. Despite the destruction, the LLFB volunteers are committed to developing new gardens and continuing our mission. New gardens have been planted and they are lovingly maintained by 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.