Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Newsletter

November 2026

Our mission is to maintain gardens that are enjoyable, inspirational and used to

educate people about gardening and its health and environmental benefits.

The New Rainbow Bridge is here!

The Rainbow Bridge is here!

We are very excited to announce that the Rainbow Bridge was installed on October 8th and visitors are already bringing collars to hang on the railings. A big thanks to Blake and Ethan from Handcrafted Garden Bridges, who drove all the way from Mulberry, Arkansas to install the bridge at our location. The designer of the Rainbow Bridge, Amy Wald painted the rainbow colors on the floorboards and added a special attachment that celebrates the recovered collars from the original Rainbow Bridge. The recovered collars have been returned to the new Rainbow Bridge.

Blake and Ethan from Handcrafted Garden Bridges of Mulberry, AR.

The bridge, made of cedar, was transported unassembled and reconstructed on site.

463 collars from the original Rainbow Bridge were recovered from the lake by Army Corps of Engineers contractors. Bridge volunteer, and designer of the Rainbow Bridge, cleaned and cataloged all of the collars. Photos and descriptions of all of the collars are on our website.

Visitors are welcome add pet collars and tags at any time. We are so pleased to meet visitors from all over the country who have come to see the new Rainbow Bridge.

To ensure that other visitors will have room to add their collars, please do not leave toys, pictures, painted rocks or other items.

Rainbow Bridge Celebration and Rock Painting with Amy Wald

November 7th - 10AM to 1pm

In honor of our new Rainbow Bridge, we are holding a special event for visitors and families. The event is free to the public.

And, for a donation of $10 or more, you can make a special rock to take home with you. The designer of the Rainbow Bridge, Amy Wald, will help you paint a pet remembrance rock with your pet’s name on it.

(Note: we are not accepting the rocks to be placed at the Rainbow Bridge. Visitors can place only pet collars and tags in the Rainbow Bridge garden.)

Education Center Events

Upcoming Class
How to Plant a Tree (The Right Way!)

Wednesday, November 18, 2026
10 am - 12 pm

Attend our tree planting workshop to learn how to avoid common tree planting mistakes and even learn how to grow your own potted tree! Participants will leave the class with a freshly potted tree they can take home to nurture or plant in the ground..

The cost is $20.00 per person, and the workshop is limited to 10 participants. All supplies are included. You must pre-register for this workshop and the registration fee is non-refundable.

» Register online

Upcoming Event

Christmas at the Bridge

Saturday, December 12, 2026
9:30 am - 12:30 pm

At this Holiday Event for families and children, we will have games and craft activities. There will be photo opportunities with a special visit from Santa and his elves. Visitors are invited to explore the gardens and see the our holiday themed vignettes depicting countries around the world.

Our gift shop will be open for holiday purchases, including t-shirts, jewelry and art from local artists.

Upcoming Classes at the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge’s Educational Center

November 14, 2026 – Holiday Teacup Fairy Gardens

» Register Online

November 17, 2026 - How to Plant a Tree (The Right Way!)

» Register Online

December 2, 2026 – Christmas Wreath Workshop

» Register Online

Registration links will be provided a few weeks before each class.

Rainbow Bridge Certificates

For visitors who have placed their pet's collar on the Rainbow Bridge, we offer Rainbow Bridge certificates as a way to commemorate the event.

This 8 ½” x 11” certificate includes an embossed Lake Lure Flowering Bridge seal and a small charm with the inscription “I’ll meet you at the Rainbow Bridge.”

Rainbow Bridge Certificates can be purchased in our Gift Shop, or on our website.

Order a Rainbow Bridge Certificate our Website

Garden Spotlight

The Woodland Fairy Garden

Our Woodland Fairy Garden pays homage to our fairy garden seasonal features that have been a favorite of visitors every year. The garden features tiny fairy scenes dotted throughout the garden. Created by Flowering Bridge volunteers, the fairy scenes include a book shop, a beach scene, a bakery and more. Low growing flowers and plants grow throughout the garden.

The garden is located between the Atrium and the Kiosk.

This garden is a favorite with our young visitors.

~ Photos by Alice Garrard

The fairy scenes are fashioned inside sections of tree trunks found after the Hurricane.

The garden was created by Bridge volunteer in January 2026.

More Gardens on our Website

Holiday Theme - Christmas Around the World
November 17 - January 12

We'd like to invite you, your family and friends to visit the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge this holiday season. This year's theme is "Christmas Around the World." Whether you come during the day or in the evening, you're sure to be delighted by our holiday-themed vignettes and lights displayed throughout our gardens.