Keeper of the garden

Sunday, June 21, 2009
By Ann Fish Staff Writer

Photo Caption: A unique interpretation of traditional quilt block patterns are shown with plants, representing the close ties between heritage crafts and gardening and the contemporary art and craft of quilting. Courtesy of the North Carolina Arboretum

ASHEVILLE — In 1987, when Reidsville native George Briggs first arrived in the area of Pisgah National Forest set aside for the North Carolina Arboretum, the only thing on the 424 acre site was a mobile home.

Now the arboretum, located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains just south of Asheville, features 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of hiking and bike trails as well as indoor and outdoor exhibits .

Briggs has overseen it all, from his first day on the job when he and his five-member staff worked out of a trailer. This temporary office housed Briggs, an assistant director, secretary and three grounds workers, he said.

“Early on, we had a master plan that was underway,” Briggs said. Since the arboretum is on federal land, he said, it is a complicated site both administratively and economically.

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