I had the honor last weekend of joining in the garden tours as part of Azalea Festival weekend here in Wilmington, NC. I was there to capture images of two local high school seniors as they added charm and nostalgia to the amazing gardens on the tour. This was my first time visiting gardens as part of Azalea Festival and it will not be my last! I was in awe of the atmosphere I was transported to at 3 different gardens...two in the Forest Hills area and one on the waterway in Porter's Neck. Each garden was completely different, equally breathtaking and most definitely labors of love. In addition, the girls that sign up to be Azalea Belles take part in a time-honored tradition that takes immense time over a week of appearances, dress selection and fittings prior to the festival, and maintaining the authenticity of being a belle during modern times! Be sure to visit the gardens next year and chat with each belle...they are all preparing for graduation and the adventures that will follow. See all they do with the efforts of the Cape Fear Garden Club.