The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.

Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline Hours
March:  Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September:  Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October:  Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00

We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.

GAIA Herbs has long been a leader in the medicinal herb industry, and will host WNC Medicinal Herb Growers for this field-based workshop focused on plant material. We’ll discuss seed and plant sourcing, direct seeding vs. transplanting, and plant propagation for certain species. Participants will learn about the rhythms of planting and field preparation at the GAIA Herbs Farm based in Brevard. Come prepared for a fun day of learning and hands-on experiences.

Old Kentucky Home -The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.

House tours are offered daily at half past each hour. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.

Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free

Hours of Operation

April 1st through May 26th, 2022

The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.

Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline Hours
March:  Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September:  Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October:  Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00

We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.

New in 2022, The Learning Garden, located at the Cooperative Extension Office, 49 Mount Carmel Road will provide opportunities to Drop-In and Learn in the garden. Each month, selected gardens will offer demonstrations and programs, while all our gardens will be open to the public.

In addition, our Helpline desk will be open indoors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for in-person consultations, where Extension Master Gardeners^SM will provide problem solving assistance. Feel free to bring questions and samples (plant and insect) to the Helpline desk during your visit to the Learning Garden.

May 25 demonstrations will be:

• Composting Area:  Basics of Composting:  Learn to compost with a multi-bin system: what to use and what not to use, how to mix it, how to monitor the pile, when is it ready, and how to use the finished product.
• Rose Garden:  Managing Black Spot:  This presentation will cover strategies for controlling this important problem in roses.  NOTE: This program will be presented in the on-site classroom at 10 and 10:30.
• Vegetable Garden: Square Foot Gardening: A 32 Square Foot Garden can grow 32 different crops. Join us as we explore Square Foot Gardening. Big results in a small space.

Our gardens open at 9 a.m. and demonstration programs will run between 10 and 11 a.m. Come, walk around, and soak in our lovely gardens! Most programs are informal and continuous – exceptions are noted above.

Note: almost all activities will be held outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather.

Registration is not required.  Plan to Drop in and Learn!

Happy EMGs Eager to Answer Your Questions!

Additional information about The Learning Garden is located on this website.

You can also attend one of our weekly garden workday events:
Pearson Garden and Nursery Garden workdays Wednesdays from 3-5pm. Located at 408 Pearson Dr. in Montford. Please click this link to sign up. Contact [email protected] for more information. 

Hall Fletcher Elementary School FEAST Garden Wednesdays 2:45-4:00pm, 60 Ridgelawn Rd. Please click this link to sign up. Contact [email protected] for more information. 

Lucy Herring Elementary School Peace Garden (formerly Vance Elementary School) in West Asheville.  Workdays Tuesdays 2:45-3:45. The garden will again be closed to the public from 8 AM- 2:30 pm so that classes can use the garden for outdoor learning. Please contact  [email protected] for questions and to RSVP

**We give away free produce donated by Mother Earth Food every week at our Sharing Table Mondays after 3 pm

Old Kentucky Home -The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.

House tours are offered daily at half past each hour. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.

Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free

Hours of Operation

April 1st through May 26th, 2022

The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.

Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline Hours
March:  Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September:  Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October:  Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00

We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.

Join us at Eliada Home’s campus for a small group guided walking Farm Tour. Tours last approximately 1 hour. Participants will learn about outdoor and greenhouse growing practices, aquaponics, hydroponics, market gardening, corn maze production, and learn about our Animal Therapy program.

We will be meeting at the PARC building and walking to the different greenhouses, garden site, and a visit with our animals. Reservations required, tickets are $10 each visitor (to be collected at the time of the tour).

We recommend bringing the following: comfortable shoes for walking on pavement and grass, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.  This tour is not handicap accessible and will require participants to climb stairs and walk on uneven ground.

We will begin out tour promptly at the starting time, so please arrive 5-10 min early to allow for parking and check-in. If you are running late or cannot make your tour, please email [email protected] or call #828-348-2287.

All proceeds from ticket sales from your farm tour go directly back to helping the Campus Farm Program grow more food for the children of Eliada!

Click above photo to sign up for a time slot and number of people in your group. Payment for tour will be collected when you arrive. Cards accepted.

This tour is best suited for school age children ages 10+ and adults.

Old Kentucky Home -The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.

House tours are offered daily at half past each hour. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.

Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free

Hours of Operation

April 1st through May 26th, 2022

Calling all garden lovers! The North Carolina Arboretum’s annual outdoor plant sale is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Revitalize your garden and home when you shop with us this spring.

On Friday and Saturday, May 27 and 28, we’ll be offering an assortment of plants grown right here in the Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse — including many of the beautiful plants featured in our seasonal landscapes. We’re also partnering with over 20 local growers and businesses for a tailgate-style market offering an even greater selection of annuals, perennials, natives, houseplants, art, planters and natural products. Come explore and shop the seasonal delights of spring to the sounds of live music. The sale will run from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily.

The Plant Sale and Vendor Market will take place outdoors in the second bay of the Arboretum’s main parking lot. The Arboretum’s standard $16 parking fee applies for all non-members.

Participating Vendors Include:
Bear Necessities Farm
BeeCrzy
Blackberg Creative Studios
Blazing Star Flowers
Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Co.
Broom’s Blooms
Buggy Pops (Friday only)
Camilla Calnan Photography (Friday only)
Connections Gift Shop
Flat Creek Plant Farm
Flower Moon Nursery
Half Light Honey
High Country Nursery
Imladris Farm (Saturday only)
Lunar Whale Herbs
M. R. Gardens
North Carolina Ginseng & Goldenseal Company
Pride & Archive
Poppies
Sandy Mush Herb Nursery
Shanti Elixirs
Sister of Mother Earth
Stellata
Sustainabillies
The Farm Connection
Wehrloom Honey
Well Seasoned Table
Wilderness Botanica (Friday only)

Live Music:

Friday, May 27: The Roaring Lions

Saturday, May 28: Sparrow and her Wingmen

Know Before You Go

• Supplies are limited. We recommend arriving earlier during the sale to find the best selection.
• Dogs are not permitted in the plant sale area, so plan to have someone accompany you that can take them for a walk around campus while you shop if you want to bring your pet to the Arboretum.
• The event will be held rain or shine, so please check the forecast and dress appropriately for the weather.
• Bring your wagons and boxes to help carry home your haul!
• Cash and checks are the preferred method of payment.
• The Arboretum’s standard $16 parking fee applies for all non-members.

Thank you for your support! We can’t wait for you to join us for the 2022 Plant Sale and Vendor Market!

Forest Bathing with Fireflies

Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sunset and starry skies to fireflies, we’ll marvel at Mother Nature’s light shows as we explore the forest, hoping to encounter the elusive Blue Ghost Firefly species!

The evening begins with a gentle, guided stroll together through a peaceful forest, ending in an open meadow where we’ll settle in as the sun sets and sparkling fireflies emerge all around us. Though we cannot guarantee a showing, we will also hope to see the elusive Blue Ghost Fireflies and will surely enjoy the forest at twilight.

Unplug in a peaceful, private setting with a series of nature connection invitations led by a certified forest therapy guide. Quiet your mind and awaken your senses as we sink into the heightened awareness of this special evening experience. Together, we’ll deepen our connection with nature, community and ourselves. The best part: there’s no right or wrong way to forest bathe; just bring an open heart, adventurous spirit and be yourself. All is welcome in the forest.

This special offering takes place on private property with group sizes limited to 15 for a more intimate experience. Prefer a more exclusive experience? PRIVATE Firefly Tours are available Sun-Thurs, May 29-June 12 with advanced notice.

Roses will be on display from Western North Carolina’s top rosarians, along with collections from local gardens including: the Biltmore Estate, the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Rose Garden, and the Red Cross Rose Garden.

For more information visit the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society website or contact Dianne Sneath, ABRRS Rose Exhibit Chairperson, at [email protected]

Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society

The Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society is part of the Carolina District of the American Rose Society.  We are an educational, non-profit organization dedicated to the cultivation of roses in the Asheville area and Southeastern United States.  The Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society has kept rose culture alive by its intent of growing and showing the best of the best roses for the enjoyment of the Asheville Community. This year we are thrilled to celebrate the 130th Anniversary of The American Rose Society, by offering this rose exhibition to the public.

After a two year hiatus, the Extension Master Gardener^SMPlant Clinics are back and in-person at Asheville City Market.  Formerly known as Info Tables, Master Gardener volunteers will be at the Asheville City Market, located at 52 N. Market Street, Asheville, NC 28801 on May 28, June 25, July 30, and August 27 to answers to all of your gardening questions and address your concerns.

EMGV ready for Q&A at the Plant Clinic

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 activities at The Learning Garden and Gardening in the Mountains seminars.  Please stop by to learn more!

Old Kentucky Home -The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.

House tours are offered daily at half past each hour. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.

Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free

Hours of Operation

Calling all garden lovers! The North Carolina Arboretum’s annual outdoor plant sale is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Revitalize your garden and home when you shop with us this spring.

On Friday and Saturday, May 27 and 28, we’ll be offering an assortment of plants grown right here in the Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse — including many of the beautiful plants featured in our seasonal landscapes. We’re also partnering with over 20 local growers and businesses for a tailgate-style market offering an even greater selection of annuals, perennials, natives, houseplants, art, planters and natural products. Come explore and shop the seasonal delights of spring to the sounds of live music. The sale will run from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily.

The Plant Sale and Vendor Market will take place outdoors in the second bay of the Arboretum’s main parking lot. The Arboretum’s standard $16 parking fee applies for all non-members.

Participating Vendors Include:
Bear Necessities Farm
BeeCrzy
Blackberg Creative Studios
Blazing Star Flowers
Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Co.
Broom’s Blooms
Buggy Pops (Friday only)
Camilla Calnan Photography (Friday only)
Connections Gift Shop
Flat Creek Plant Farm
Flower Moon Nursery
Half Light Honey
High Country Nursery
Imladris Farm (Saturday only)
Lunar Whale Herbs
M. R. Gardens
North Carolina Ginseng & Goldenseal Company
Pride & Archive
Poppies
Sandy Mush Herb Nursery
Shanti Elixirs
Sister of Mother Earth
Stellata
Sustainabillies
The Farm Connection
Wehrloom Honey
Well Seasoned Table
Wilderness Botanica (Friday only)

Live Music:

Friday, May 27: The Roaring Lions

Saturday, May 28: Sparrow and her Wingmen

Know Before You Go

• Supplies are limited. We recommend arriving earlier during the sale to find the best selection.
• Dogs are not permitted in the plant sale area, so plan to have someone accompany you that can take them for a walk around campus while you shop if you want to bring your pet to the Arboretum.
• The event will be held rain or shine, so please check the forecast and dress appropriately for the weather.
• Bring your wagons and boxes to help carry home your haul!
• Cash and checks are the preferred method of payment.
• The Arboretum’s standard $16 parking fee applies for all non-members.

Thank you for your support! We can’t wait for you to join us for the 2022 Plant Sale and Vendor Market!

(UU requires vaccinations to enter the facility)

It’s easier than you think to turn your garden into a food paradise for native pollinators.

Join us for a fun, interactive workshop to learn the secrets of a successful pollinator garden. We’ll also share the process to certify your garden as a pollinator habitat.

Participants will receive one free native plant.

Bring your questions and get expert advice from pollinator landscape expert Betsy Savely, co-chair of GreenWorks Asheville Bee City’s Leadership Committee. This workshop is part of Bee City’s 10th anniversary yearlong pollination celebration.

Forest Bathing with Fireflies

Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sunset and starry skies to fireflies, we’ll marvel at Mother Nature’s light shows as we explore the forest, hoping to encounter the elusive Blue Ghost Firefly species!

The evening begins with a gentle, guided stroll together through a peaceful forest, ending in an open meadow where we’ll settle in as the sun sets and sparkling fireflies emerge all around us. Though we cannot guarantee a showing, we will also hope to see the elusive Blue Ghost Fireflies and will surely enjoy the forest at twilight.

Unplug in a peaceful, private setting with a series of nature connection invitations led by a certified forest therapy guide. Quiet your mind and awaken your senses as we sink into the heightened awareness of this special evening experience. Together, we’ll deepen our connection with nature, community and ourselves. The best part: there’s no right or wrong way to forest bathe; just bring an open heart, adventurous spirit and be yourself. All is welcome in the forest.

This special offering takes place on private property with group sizes limited to 15 for a more intimate experience. Prefer an exclusive experience? Private Firefly Tours are available Sun-Thurs May 29-June 12 with advanced notice.

Roses will be on display from Western North Carolina’s top rosarians, along with collections from local gardens including: the Biltmore Estate, the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Rose Garden, and the Red Cross Rose Garden.

For more information visit the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society website or contact Dianne Sneath, ABRRS Rose Exhibit Chairperson, at [email protected]

Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society

The Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society is part of the Carolina District of the American Rose Society.  We are an educational, non-profit organization dedicated to the cultivation of roses in the Asheville area and Southeastern United States.  The Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society has kept rose culture alive by its intent of growing and showing the best of the best roses for the enjoyment of the Asheville Community. This year we are thrilled to celebrate the 130th Anniversary of The American Rose Society, by offering this rose exhibition to the public.

The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.

Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline Hours
March:  Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September:  Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October:  Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00

We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.