Mini-me Asheville in Bloom

Witnessing the variety of natural beauty around Asheville doesn't have to take you multiple days of hiking through the wilderness. That is, if you're willing to catch of glimpse of Asheville's flora in miniature.

The North Carolina Arboreteum has created an amazing bonsai collection of plants native to the southern Appalachian region.

In addition to a Mt. Mitchell bonsai (pictured right), you'll find a number native plants in bonsai form, including bullrush, wild columbine, horsetail, foamflower, ebony spleenwort and Allegheny spurge.

You'll also be dazzled by a mountain scene of American hornbeam, dwarf azalea and creeping thyme.

The Arborteum has an ongoing effort to add as many native bonsai as possible, so you'll never know what you may find.

One thing's for sure, though. You won't see anything else like it.

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden is open Monday throughSaturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.