Calendar of Events

with Asheville Wellness Tours.

Celebrate the ephemeral beauty of flowers during this immersive morning nature retreat! In Japan, the birthplace of forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku), they celebrate the annual cherry blossom bloom (Sakura) with a practice known as Hanami, which translates to “contemplate the flowers.” This experience gently invites us to cultivate our attention and sensory awareness, while noticing the evanescent nature of flowering, both within and around us. Together, we will explore our relationships with native wildflowers, ourselves, each-other, and the more-than-human-world.

Your guide will lead you on a colorful journey through the blossoming spring forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing and nature therapy together for a restorative morning on some of the trails less traveled at the North Carolina Arboretum. We’ll celebrate the experience in community, enjoying a wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks. Bring an open mind and an open heart. All are welcome. Presented through Adult & Continuing Education Programs in collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

The plantings in our Heritage Garden represent the rich history of crafts in the Appalachian region. Join us for demonstrations in paper making, broom-making, quilting, woodworking, natural dyes and more. Purchases crafts from local artists and enjoy a drink from the Gardener’s Shed.

Interested in selling your work or doing a demonstration? Contact [email protected] for more info!

Explore 22 beautiful greenhouses filled with mixed patio planters, hanging baskets, perennials, houseplants, shrubs, and plant starters. Enjoy live music, food from Smashville Food Truck and Mountain Man BBQ, a craft fair featuring jewelry and home goods, kids’ activities including a scavenger hunt and potting station, plus a mechanical bull! Appalachian Standard CBD products also available. With 600-900 attendees expected, carpooling is recommended. Free admission.

This class offers a creative, hands-on experience perfect for all skill levels!  Participants will decorate terracotta pots using vibrant paints to transform each one into a heartfelt gift just in time for Mother’s Day.  Feel free to get creative with your design!  Everyone will get seeds to take home with them to plant in the pot once the paint is dry, creating a thoughtful and lasting token of appreciation for Mother’s Day.

Tuesday May 6th, 2:00 – 4:00. $20/$15 for Friends of Bullington Gardens.

The Weaverville Tailgate Market located at 60 Lakeshore Drive, Weaverville, NC 28787 will again host Extension Master Gardener plant clinics on the first Wednesday of the month for the 2025 season!

At each Plant Clinic, Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answers all of your gardening questions and address your related concerns. Feel free to bring plant or insect samples for identification and/or problem resolution.

You can pick-up soil test kits and receive information about in-person programs and activities at The Learning Garden and the Gardening in the Mountains seminars. Please stop by to learn more!

The Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong,

Located at the Historic Train Depot in the heart of downtown Hendersonville’s Seventh Avenue District. Opening its doors every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, this market is a testament to local community support and sustainable living. Running from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, the market boasts over 30 vendors within a 60-mile radius. Explore a diverse array of offerings, including farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, dairy, honey, baked goods, crafts, and beverages. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by live music every Saturday, creating a festive backdrop for your market adventure. Don’t miss special events like Tomato Day, Wellness Day, and Juneteenth Celebration, offering unique experiences throughout the season. With ample free parking available, the Hendersonville Farmers Market is your go-to destination for a weekly outing celebrating local producers, growers, and the community spirit.

Mark your calendar and get ready for the 2025 Spring Fling Plant Sale, sponsored by the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County, the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society, and Men’s Garden Club of Asheville.

Featuring perennials, 35 different varieties of daylilies, natives, herbs, and vegetables.

Visit the Plant Clinic tent with questions, and don’t forget to drop by the Kid’s Corner.

A Rain or Shine event.
Remember to bring your wagon!!

Garden photography workshop with Camilla Calnan.

Do you want to take better photos in the gardens? Join us for a hands-on workshop where we use whatever camera you are working with to learn tips, tricks, and techniques to take the photos you are hoping to capture. Working from whatever level you are currently and using your phone, point and shoot camera, or SLR camera, we will discover new ways to think about photography to help you grow in your photography.

This program takes place in the classroom and outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with this special brunch event! Join us for a delicious meal surrounded by beautiful scenery. Treat your mom to a day she won’t forget with a variety of dishes to choose from. Show your appreciation for all that she does with a lovely meal in a charming setting. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make her day extra special!

The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Spring Standup Contest Series: ROUND 2

Thursday May 14, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p

The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)

These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics on the show will do 3-1/2 minutes of comedy. Audience votes for their favorites of the night thru ballot voting. Comics are separated in 3 groups of 7 contestants. This show’s 3 top comics from each category will be paid and be brought back with other show winners to compete in our pageant finale, date TBA.

Comics on the show:
Aiden Lamb, Andy Frampton,
Art Sturtevant, Austin Elfers,
Becca Steinhoff, Ben Jennings,
Clay Jones, Cloud Hudson,
Evelyn Pekarek,
Foster, Issac Truman, James Burks,
Jason Reel, Jordan Ballard, Julia Macias,
Justin Blackburn, Makenzie Manent,
Roman Fraden, Sam Arrowood, Sully

This is an in-person program, held at The Learning Garden

Program: Butterfly, Pollinator and Hummingbird Gardens – What’s the Difference?

Presenter: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer

Program Description: Pre-planned “butterfly gardens”, “pollinator gardens”, “monarch gardens”, “beneficial bug gardens” and “hummingbird gardens” are often available to purchase as mixed seed bundles from garden centers and mail-order or on-line garden catalogues. These terms are often confusing and many of the pre-planned planting schemes will result in colorful gardens that do not adequately support pollinators or other beneficial animal habitats.

This class will discuss what makes up a good habitat and give more specific recommendations for butterfly, Monarch butterfly, pollinator and hummingbird gardens. Resources for obtaining a wide range of appropriate plants will be provided.

After the presentation we will visit a pollinator garden in The Learning Garden; please dress appropriately for the weather. The classroom size is limited so register to reserve your seat!

The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. Please Click here to register via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/butterfly-pollinator-and-hummingbird-gardens-whats-the-difference-tickets-1335472216349?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Learning Garden, located at the Extension Office, 49 Mt. Carmel Road, is offering the public the opportunity to Visit and Learn in the garden on selected Thursdays, February – October. The Thursday in-person programs will consist of eight garden-specific program areas.

If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

There’s more than one way to design a vegetable garden — and some of the most beautiful and productive gardens use vertical structures to grow! Cages, poles, trellises, even creative builds like bean houses — these structures aren’t just practical, they’re eye-catching and a little whimsical, too.

Growing vegetables on structures is fun. It saves time and labor, makes harvesting a breeze, and helps you squeeze more out of every square foot.

Join Mary Alice Ramsey, a lifelong gardener, as she shares her favorite garden structures, personal tips, and stories from her own garden. You’ll leave inspired to grow upward — not just outward!

Presentation is free, and registration with Eventbrite is required.

Click this link to register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gardening-in-the-mountains-presents-growing-veggies-on-garden-structures-tickets-1335471263499?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you have questions, contact the Buncombe County Extension office at 828-255-5522.

The Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong,

Located at the Historic Train Depot in the heart of downtown Hendersonville’s Seventh Avenue District. Opening its doors every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, this market is a testament to local community support and sustainable living. Running from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, the market boasts over 30 vendors within a 60-mile radius. Explore a diverse array of offerings, including farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, dairy, honey, baked goods, crafts, and beverages. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by live music every Saturday, creating a festive backdrop for your market adventure. Don’t miss special events like Tomato Day, Wellness Day, and Juneteenth Celebration, offering unique experiences throughout the season. With ample free parking available, the Hendersonville Farmers Market is your go-to destination for a weekly outing celebrating local producers, growers, and the community spirit.

In this series of classes learn about tree health care and maintenance.

By cultivating and protecting healthy diverse habitats for pollinators, for wildlife, for healthy flora and fauna, we benefit the individuals who live in and enjoy these spaces and for our community, as a whole. By creating natural areas in your yard and leaving the leaves each fall you can benefit many kinds of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals which depend on the native plants and their fallen leaves and seeds for shelter, food and habitat.

Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast to learn how we can do things better!

May 22, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.

The Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong,

Located at the Historic Train Depot in the heart of downtown Hendersonville’s Seventh Avenue District. Opening its doors every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, this market is a testament to local community support and sustainable living. Running from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, the market boasts over 30 vendors within a 60-mile radius. Explore a diverse array of offerings, including farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, dairy, honey, baked goods, crafts, and beverages. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by live music every Saturday, creating a festive backdrop for your market adventure. Don’t miss special events like Tomato Day, Wellness Day, and Juneteenth Celebration, offering unique experiences throughout the season. With ample free parking available, the Hendersonville Farmers Market is your go-to destination for a weekly outing celebrating local producers, growers, and the community spirit.

Garden Jubilee, one of the largest gardening shows in Western North Carolina, will be held on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Memorial Day weekend. With nearly 200 plant and craft vendors lining Main Street, the Historic downtown will be transformed into a garden wonderland. 

Local and regional nurseries, orchards and crafters will offer a wide variety of plants and handmade delights and gardening experts will be on hand to share the latest gardening tips and techniques. 

Let’s dive deep into lavender!  Participants will learn about the history of this plant, discover how it’s used to promote relaxation and wellness, and make their own DIY lavender products to take home.  We will make bath salts, pillow sprays, and tea blends to bring relaxation home!

Tuesday May 27, 2025, 2:00-4:00. $25.00/$21 for Friends of Bullington Gardens.

As spring transitions to summer, we see changes in the plants around us.  Naturalist and botanist Alexandra Holland leads this walk at the Arboretum, pointing out the array of late spring wildflowers in bloom and discussing seasonal differences in the landscape. Learn some basics of wildflower and tree ecology and identification while taking in the beauty of the season.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Biltmore Park’s Farmers Market features fresh seasonal produce, delicious homemade pastries, premium meats and seafood, beautiful vibrant flowers, and more. There’s always something to take home with you! It’s the perfect way to support local small businesses and celebrate community this summer. Visit biltmorepark.com for more information.

The Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong,

Located at the Historic Train Depot in the heart of downtown Hendersonville’s Seventh Avenue District. Opening its doors every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, this market is a testament to local community support and sustainable living. Running from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, the market boasts over 30 vendors within a 60-mile radius. Explore a diverse array of offerings, including farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, dairy, honey, baked goods, crafts, and beverages. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by live music every Saturday, creating a festive backdrop for your market adventure. Don’t miss special events like Tomato Day, Wellness Day, and Juneteenth Celebration, offering unique experiences throughout the season. With ample free parking available, the Hendersonville Farmers Market is your go-to destination for a weekly outing celebrating local producers, growers, and the community spirit.

Come learn about the biology and natural history of fungi in the Southeast and beyond. This talk will highlight the interconnections between fungi, animals, and plants. Todd will also discuss some of the region’s best edible species along with where and how to find and identify them.

Join us on this birding walk around the NC Arboretum gardens and trails in search of our most colorful residents. We will go over best practices for using binoculars, recommendations for purchasing your own binoculars, and popular field guides to use. Bring your own binoculars but if you do not have a pair we have some loaner binoculars available to use during the program.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Thanks to the generosity of New Belgium Brewery, the RAD market is heading back to the river! Join over 30 of Asheville’s most dedicated growers, bakers and creators in celebrating our return, starting Wednesday June 4th and all subsequent Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. until winter hours begin in November.

Biltmore Park’s Farmers Market features fresh seasonal produce, delicious homemade pastries, premium meats and seafood, beautiful vibrant flowers, and more. There’s always something to take home with you! It’s the perfect way to support local small businesses and celebrate community this summer. Visit biltmorepark.com for more information.

The Henderson County Curb Market, located at 221 N. Church Street in downtown Hendersonville, extends an invitation for its June Jamboree on Saturday, June 7th, from 8:00am – 2:00pm. The Market will offer live Bluegrass music by Liberty Road, a hot dog plate lunch available for purchase, a craft for Father’s Day at the children’s activity table, and a local authors’ signing. Visitors will enjoy chatting with Market vendors and shopping for produce and the many unique items created by local crafters. Fresh baked goods (including gluten free selections), free range eggs, preserves and honey will also be offered. With each purchase, a raffle ticket will be given for a chance to win a basket filled with Curb Market items donated by vendors. This is sure to be an enjoyable, relaxing day for all.

Immerse yourself in the rich community of local flavors, crafts, and more at the Hendersonville Farmers Market. Set against the charming backdrop of the Historic Train Depot in downtown Hendersonville’s Seventh Avenue District, this weekly market is not just an event; it’s a celebration of local resilience, sustainability, and the vibrant tapestry of community life.

Opening its doors on May 3rd and continuing its operations every Saturday until October, rain or shine, the Hendersonville Farmers Market stands as a testament to the commitment to supporting local producers and growers within a 60-mile radius. The market unfolds from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., offering an expansive window to explore the diverse offerings brought forth by over 35 vendors. From farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, and dairy to honey, baked goods, crafts, and beverages, the market is a treasure trove for those seeking high-quality, locally sourced products.

But it’s not just about shopping; it’s an experience. Live music sets the tone every Saturday, infusing the air with a lively ambiance. The market goes beyond the usual with special events such as Tomato Day, Wellness Day, and the Juneteenth Celebration sprinkled throughout the season, providing unique and immersive experiences for visitors.

Hendersonville Farmers Market isn’t just a market; it’s locally grown, community strong. It’s a place where families, friends, and neighbors come together to revel in the joys of fresh food, local craftsmanship, and shared moments. With ample free parking available around the market space, it’s a hassle-free destination for a weekly outing where the richness of local life takes center stage. Join us on this journey of flavors, traditions, and togetherness, and make Hendersonville Farmers Market a cherished part of your weekends.