Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Newsletter

September 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 Return of the Pumpkin People is coming
October 20 - November 3

Make sure to visit us in October to see the cutest pumpkins around! Beginning October 20, the gardens will be loaded with pumpkins celebrating our fall season. But don't wait too long; our pumpkin patch will only last until November 3.

Education Center Eventss!

Upcoming Class
Pet Rememberange Rocks

Saturday, October 17, 2026
10 am - 11:30 am

In this class, Flowering Bridge volunteer Amy Wald will show participants how to paint rocks in remembrance of lost pets. She will share the technique of mandala or “dot art”, a craft of painting symmetrical, geometric patterns made of tiny dots and lines onto smooth stones. Paint pens will be provided, so participants can add their pet’s name.

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

The Return of the Pumpkin People!

Saturday, October 24, 2026
9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Wear your Halloween costume!!
Find all the pumpkin people throughout our gardens.

Fun Photo opportunities!

For the Kids -
Paint a mini pumpkin - Face painting - Meet the Pumpkin Person - Scarecrows

Don't miss the fun when the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Education Center hosts a three-hour event for children and families.

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

October 7, 2026 – Fall Wreath Workshop
» Register Online

October 17, 2026 - Pet Remembrance Rocks Workshop

» Register Online

November 14, 2026 – Holiday Teacup Fairy Gardens

» Register Online

December 2, 2026 – Christmas Wreath Workshop

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

New Fountains and Water Features!

Over the last few months, we have

installed some fabulous fountains and water features. Some are new and some are survivors from the original gardens.

Recovered from the sand in the Atrium after the storm, the Tranquility Fountain is delighting visitors in the new Courtyard.

An 80 foot water feature has been installed in the Rainbow Bridge Garden. Custom made just for us by Jay's Landscaping, this "creek" will flow beneath the new Rainbow Bridge. Above the garden is a spectacular view of the Chimney Rock.

The Come Sit Awhile Waterfall was custom built for us by Jay's Landscaping and Supply of Columbus, NC. This beautiful feature is sponsored by the Emily and Charlie Yelton family and the David and Sally Royster family.

The Reflection Point Fountain, was originally donated by Kathy Tanner in honor of her mother. It was first installed on the east end, but it was moved to the Come Sit Awhile Garden when the Hurricane hit. The fountain was recovered and restored by volunteers and is now in the Reflection Point Garden.

Did You Know?

We Have a Gift Shop!

We have T-shirts and caps for sale, as well as notecards, garden art, handmade jewelry, and much more. Stop by the Education Center on Tuesdays or Thursdays when our volunteers are working and check out our merchandise.
Sorry, in person sales only. We do not ship.

Garden Spotlight

The Swing Garden

The Swing Garden is a place to kick back and enjoy the view of the Chimney Rock above. The swing, surrounded by hydrangeas, roses and seasonal flowers is the original swing recovered from the original gardens.

Enjoy the view of Chimney Rock in this special swing, which is a Hurricane Helene survivor.

This garden's caretakers are Susie Ellis and Holly Barret.

More Gardens on our Website

The original Swing Garden was destroyed in Hurricane Helene. Garden caretaker Susie Ellis surveys the damage in this photo.

The damaged swing was found in the debris and was repaired by Spokes for Hope volunteer Dan Cook after the storm.

The swing was installed last spring by volunteers Ron Melton and the late Bert Hardwick.

Our volunteer coordinator Lisa Willis (above) works with each new volunteer to find the best fit for you.

Volunteer Application

Interested in Joining Our

Volunteer Team?

Volunteers are a vital part of our organization and provide major support in the care and maintenance of the gardens. We love the diverse talents and creativity that our volunteers bring to our gardens.

Not a gardener?
No problem!

We have lots of opportunities for anyone who wants to share their skills with us. We need people with teaching, photography, artist, computer skills and more.

If you would like to become a volunteer, please visit our website and complete the volunteer form online. You can also stop by the garden on any Tuesday or Thursday and speak with our volunteers. We would love to have you join us!

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
3070 Memorial Hwy

PO Box 125

Lake Lure, NC 28746

Quick Links

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is a volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Donations to help preserve and maintain the bridge gardens are appreciated — and tax-deductible.