Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Holistic Crop Management
Apr 27 all-day
Online

This is a 6 Week Series from 3/23/21 through 4/27/21.

Organic Growers School is excited to offer this curriculum and training opportunity to Southern Appalachia for a second year in partnership with Certified Naturally Grown.

Manage for Your Farm’s Future:
Growing a viable farm business is sustained by continuous learning of the land and your products. In this workshop series, growers across Southern Appalachia and beyond will gain tools to manage their crop production for whole-farm success.

Regionally Specific Tools:
The Holistic Crop Management series focuses on the growing regions of Northern Georgia, Eastern Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and Southwestern Virginia. Webinar sessions will feature farmers and agricultural experts from these areas. Through curated group activities in the virtual setting, participants will be able to build a network with experienced growers who know farming and the land.

Workshop Structure:
In response to the need for virtual learning opportunities during the pandemic, we have restructured this workshop series from in-person workshops to a six-part webinar series, which includes a mixture of videos, resources, and live virtual meetings. The curriculum uses Certified Naturally Grown standards as the guidelines for holistic principles, and each session will consist of discussion-based exploration of soil health, pest management, disease control, and weed maintenance, along with several components of the Holistic Management framework.

Participants are not required to be Certified Naturally Grown or Certified Organic to join the webinar; however, the skills gained in these sessions will equip farmers to take on certification confidently should they choose. While this webinar series focuses on farming in the Southern Appalachians, farmers from any region will gain valuable knowledge and are invited to join.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021
The Garden Helpline Is OPEN. Master Gardeners Work Remotely to Answer Your Questions
Apr 28 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Online w/ Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County

The pandemic continues to keep many of us at home and in our gardens! Our gardens will continue to grow and we will continue to have gardening questions.

To answer those questions, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline open to the public. We are available to respond to your phone calls and emails.  Send an email or leave a voice message at any time and a Master Gardener will respond during the Helpline hours listed below.

The information we provide is consistent with NC State University horticultural research and an integrated pest management approach which includes cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline

Call 828-250-4878
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline hours

Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon

The Extension office remains closed to the public and most Master Gardener programs for the public are being held virtually. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office. They are in a box outside the front door.

To learn more about Extension Master Gardener volunteers and gardening in Buncombe County, visit our website at https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/

For updates about programming and other information or to contact staff with the NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center, visit https://buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu/

 

Learn the Surprising Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity
Apr 28 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online

Janet McKee, Speaker, Best-Selling Author, High Performance™ Success Coach, Wellness Expert and CEO of SanaView, is on a mission to inspire and teach you proven and effective ways to Embrace a Better Life; a life that is richer, happier, healthier, and more fulfilling. “Sana” is Latin for “wellness” and her organization provides a “view” into enjoyable ways to dramatically improve your life.

After obtaining her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and climbing the corporate ladder in several Fortune 500 companies, Ms. McKee became passionate about helping others achieve stress-free successful lives by pursuing a wellness degree from Columbia University. After working for many years to help people achieve greater levels of wellbeing, Ms. McKee expanded her expertise by researching how psychology impacts a person’s ability to achieve personal and professional goals. Based on this work, she has achieved the status of being selected as one of only 200 elite Certified High Performance Coaches™ in the world and has received the honor of being awarded membership into the National Association of Experts, Writers and Speakers.

Ms. McKee is the creator of the innovative and acclaimed Accelerated High Performance Program and emPower 3 Leadership + Lifestyle Retreat designed to help others fuel their passion, positivity and purpose. Through her Stressless Success Shift™, she inspires others to break negative patterns and achieve greater success. She is a vibrant and inspirational speaker who is known for captivating audiences through the use of real-life stories that engage, entertain, uplift and empower people with real solutions that they can begin to use immediately to realize their dreams.

Whether you consult with Ms. McKee directly, or hire her to speak to your organization, or peruse her multitude of online courses and inspirations, you are certain to become more knowledgeable, uplifted and motivated to improve your life.

As the founder of SanaView, Ms. McKee has released her new best-selling book titled, Stressless Success: The Surprising Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity, along with her own recipe book titled, Fabulous Recipes for Vibrant Health, and co-authored a best-selling book with Brian Tracy and other experts titled, Ready, Set, Go!. Ms. McKee is also the Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary, Bethany’s Story about the healing power of food. Because of her passion for healthy living, Ms. McKee spends her free time helping to develop SanaView Farms, her 52-acre historic landmark organic farm nestled in the Laurel Mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she teaches ways to regenerate our land and our health through natural living and eating. A true powerhouse of positive energy and motivation, Ms. McKee is poised to dramatically improve the lives of everyone she touches.

Teaching proven methods to achieve greater levels of energy, engagement, joy and confidence are the keys to her success in helping others.

Thursday, April 29, 2021
Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
Apr 29 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
ONLINE Lecture Series – “Bonsai at The North Carolina Arboretum: More Than Meets the Eye”
Apr 29 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Online w/ NC Arboretum

Join us for “Bonsai at The North Carolina Arboretum: More Than Meets the Eye,” a six-part series of online lectures led by Bonsai Curator Arthur Joura and special guests who will be taking an inspiring in-depth look into the ancient art of Bonsai and the creative ways in which the practice has been adapted here at the Arboretum.
The series kicks off this Thursday, January 28, at 4 p.m., and Adult Education is thrilled to present this first session FREE to Arboretum members!
Friday, April 30, 2021
Organic Growers School Mentor Services
Apr 30 all-day
Organic Growers School

Erica was a HUGE supporter of my farm and was a major part in my expansion. Without the support and help from her, I am not sure I could have done this!

Erica Shanks

Farm Mentee, Farm Owner at Bearded Bird Farms

The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:

  • farm design and production
  • marketing and business development
  • systems management
  • connecting them to the regional farming community

By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

 

Who is eligible to apply

We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.

Preference is given to graduates of Farm Beginnings® (or other relevant farmer training programs) and members of CRAFT.

Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.

We are also offering a limited number of mentorships focused on forest farming, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. These will be offered as free or reduced fee mentorships. If you are interested, you can indicate that on your application.

Learn more about Forest Farming from ABFFC.

Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
Apr 30 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
The Garden Helpline Is OPEN. Master Gardeners Work Remotely to Answer Your Questions
Apr 30 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online w/ Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County

The pandemic continues to keep many of us at home and in our gardens! Our gardens will continue to grow and we will continue to have gardening questions.

To answer those questions, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline open to the public. We are available to respond to your phone calls and emails.  Send an email or leave a voice message at any time and a Master Gardener will respond during the Helpline hours listed below.

The information we provide is consistent with NC State University horticultural research and an integrated pest management approach which includes cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline

Call 828-250-4878
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline hours

Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon

The Extension office remains closed to the public and most Master Gardener programs for the public are being held virtually. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office. They are in a box outside the front door.

To learn more about Extension Master Gardener volunteers and gardening in Buncombe County, visit our website at https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/

For updates about programming and other information or to contact staff with the NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center, visit https://buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu/

Saturday, May 1, 2021
Organic Growers School Mentor Services
May 1 all-day
Organic Growers School

Erica was a HUGE supporter of my farm and was a major part in my expansion. Without the support and help from her, I am not sure I could have done this!

Erica Shanks

Farm Mentee, Farm Owner at Bearded Bird Farms

The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:

  • farm design and production
  • marketing and business development
  • systems management
  • connecting them to the regional farming community

By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

 

Who is eligible to apply

We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.

Preference is given to graduates of Farm Beginnings® (or other relevant farmer training programs) and members of CRAFT.

Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.

We are also offering a limited number of mentorships focused on forest farming, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. These will be offered as free or reduced fee mentorships. If you are interested, you can indicate that on your application.

Learn more about Forest Farming from ABFFC.

Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
May 1 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
31st Annual Asheville Herb Festival
May 1 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
WNC Ag Center
Sunday, May 2, 2021
Organic Growers School Mentor Services
May 2 all-day
Organic Growers School

Erica was a HUGE supporter of my farm and was a major part in my expansion. Without the support and help from her, I am not sure I could have done this!

Erica Shanks

Farm Mentee, Farm Owner at Bearded Bird Farms

The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:

  • farm design and production
  • marketing and business development
  • systems management
  • connecting them to the regional farming community

By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

 

Who is eligible to apply

We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.

Preference is given to graduates of Farm Beginnings® (or other relevant farmer training programs) and members of CRAFT.

Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.

We are also offering a limited number of mentorships focused on forest farming, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. These will be offered as free or reduced fee mentorships. If you are interested, you can indicate that on your application.

Learn more about Forest Farming from ABFFC.

Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
May 2 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
31st Annual Asheville Herb Festival
May 2 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Ag Center
Monday, May 3, 2021
The Garden Helpline Is OPEN. Master Gardeners Work Remotely to Answer Your Questions
May 3 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Online w/ Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County

The pandemic continues to keep many of us at home and in our gardens! Our gardens will continue to grow and we will continue to have gardening questions.

To answer those questions, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline open to the public. We are available to respond to your phone calls and emails.  Send an email or leave a voice message at any time and a Master Gardener will respond during the Helpline hours listed below.

The information we provide is consistent with NC State University horticultural research and an integrated pest management approach which includes cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline

Call 828-250-4878
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline hours

Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon

The Extension office remains closed to the public and most Master Gardener programs for the public are being held virtually. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office. They are in a box outside the front door.

To learn more about Extension Master Gardener volunteers and gardening in Buncombe County, visit our website at https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/

For updates about programming and other information or to contact staff with the NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center, visit https://buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu/

 

Organic Growers School Summer Gardening Series
May 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Organic Growers School
summer tomatoes garden

 

Topics: How to build Sensational Compost, Forging a new relationship with Weeds, Crops for Summer, Watering, Fertilizing, Pollinators and Companion Plants

Summer Gardening Series
May 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Virtual

We’ve expanded our Gardening Series to cover three seasons!

All classes will be fully ONLINE.

Our Gardening Series will feature 2 classes for each season: Spring, Summer & Fall.

You can purchase each season individually, or buy all three for a discounted rate.

Register here: https://organicgrowersschool.org/gardeners/gardening-series/

Summer:
May 3rd and 10th, 2021
6:00-7:30pm EST
Topics: How to build Sensational Compost, Forging a new relationship with Weeds, Crops for Summer, Watering, Fertilizing, Pollinators and Companion Plants

Wednesday, May 5, 2021
The Garden Helpline Is OPEN. Master Gardeners Work Remotely to Answer Your Questions
May 5 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Online w/ Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County

The pandemic continues to keep many of us at home and in our gardens! Our gardens will continue to grow and we will continue to have gardening questions.

To answer those questions, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline open to the public. We are available to respond to your phone calls and emails.  Send an email or leave a voice message at any time and a Master Gardener will respond during the Helpline hours listed below.

The information we provide is consistent with NC State University horticultural research and an integrated pest management approach which includes cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline

Call 828-250-4878
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline hours

Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon

The Extension office remains closed to the public and most Master Gardener programs for the public are being held virtually. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office. They are in a box outside the front door.

To learn more about Extension Master Gardener volunteers and gardening in Buncombe County, visit our website at https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/

For updates about programming and other information or to contact staff with the NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center, visit https://buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu/

 

Learn the Surprising Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity
May 5 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online

Janet McKee, Speaker, Best-Selling Author, High Performance™ Success Coach, Wellness Expert and CEO of SanaView, is on a mission to inspire and teach you proven and effective ways to Embrace a Better Life; a life that is richer, happier, healthier, and more fulfilling. “Sana” is Latin for “wellness” and her organization provides a “view” into enjoyable ways to dramatically improve your life.

After obtaining her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and climbing the corporate ladder in several Fortune 500 companies, Ms. McKee became passionate about helping others achieve stress-free successful lives by pursuing a wellness degree from Columbia University. After working for many years to help people achieve greater levels of wellbeing, Ms. McKee expanded her expertise by researching how psychology impacts a person’s ability to achieve personal and professional goals. Based on this work, she has achieved the status of being selected as one of only 200 elite Certified High Performance Coaches™ in the world and has received the honor of being awarded membership into the National Association of Experts, Writers and Speakers.

Ms. McKee is the creator of the innovative and acclaimed Accelerated High Performance Program and emPower 3 Leadership + Lifestyle Retreat designed to help others fuel their passion, positivity and purpose. Through her Stressless Success Shift™, she inspires others to break negative patterns and achieve greater success. She is a vibrant and inspirational speaker who is known for captivating audiences through the use of real-life stories that engage, entertain, uplift and empower people with real solutions that they can begin to use immediately to realize their dreams.

Whether you consult with Ms. McKee directly, or hire her to speak to your organization, or peruse her multitude of online courses and inspirations, you are certain to become more knowledgeable, uplifted and motivated to improve your life.

As the founder of SanaView, Ms. McKee has released her new best-selling book titled, Stressless Success: The Surprising Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity, along with her own recipe book titled, Fabulous Recipes for Vibrant Health, and co-authored a best-selling book with Brian Tracy and other experts titled, Ready, Set, Go!. Ms. McKee is also the Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary, Bethany’s Story about the healing power of food. Because of her passion for healthy living, Ms. McKee spends her free time helping to develop SanaView Farms, her 52-acre historic landmark organic farm nestled in the Laurel Mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she teaches ways to regenerate our land and our health through natural living and eating. A true powerhouse of positive energy and motivation, Ms. McKee is poised to dramatically improve the lives of everyone she touches.

Teaching proven methods to achieve greater levels of energy, engagement, joy and confidence are the keys to her success in helping others.

Thursday, May 6, 2021
Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
May 6 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
Friday, May 7, 2021
Organic Growers School Mentor Services
May 7 all-day
Organic Growers School

Erica was a HUGE supporter of my farm and was a major part in my expansion. Without the support and help from her, I am not sure I could have done this!

Erica Shanks

Farm Mentee, Farm Owner at Bearded Bird Farms

The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:

  • farm design and production
  • marketing and business development
  • systems management
  • connecting them to the regional farming community

By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

 

Who is eligible to apply

We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.

Preference is given to graduates of Farm Beginnings® (or other relevant farmer training programs) and members of CRAFT.

Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.

We are also offering a limited number of mentorships focused on forest farming, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. These will be offered as free or reduced fee mentorships. If you are interested, you can indicate that on your application.

Learn more about Forest Farming from ABFFC.

Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
May 7 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
The Garden Helpline Is OPEN. Master Gardeners Work Remotely to Answer Your Questions
May 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online w/ Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County

The pandemic continues to keep many of us at home and in our gardens! Our gardens will continue to grow and we will continue to have gardening questions.

To answer those questions, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline open to the public. We are available to respond to your phone calls and emails.  Send an email or leave a voice message at any time and a Master Gardener will respond during the Helpline hours listed below.

The information we provide is consistent with NC State University horticultural research and an integrated pest management approach which includes cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline

Call 828-250-4878
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline hours

Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon

The Extension office remains closed to the public and most Master Gardener programs for the public are being held virtually. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office. They are in a box outside the front door.

To learn more about Extension Master Gardener volunteers and gardening in Buncombe County, visit our website at https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/

For updates about programming and other information or to contact staff with the NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center, visit https://buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu/

Blacksmithing & Brews
May 7 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Ever wanted to try your hand at blacksmithing? Here’s your chance to experience the basics of shaping hot steel with a hammer and anvil in our unforgettable Blacksmithing and Brews workshop. You’ll fire up the forge with our seasoned educator Mo, who’s been teaching hands-on living history at Earthshine for over sixteen years. He’ll guide you every step of the way, helping you work a piece of rough steel into a one of a kind, hand crafted knife form you can take home. You’ll stoke the coal fire, hammer glowing metal straight from forge, and learn all kinds of history, lore, techniques, and tricks about the craft.

After the workshop, you can enjoy a local brew on the front deck of our main lodge overlooking Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge. You can take it easy, soaking up the mountain views while you sip, or keep working to refine your project, taking it from the rugged, fresh out of the fire look to a smoother, cleaner finish. We’ll even throw in a take-home kit with a few essential tools you can use to turn your project into a piece of art worth displaying.

No experience is needed and all equipment is provided. Ages 13+ are welcome, but you must be at least 21 to be served beer. If you’re under 21, we’ll provide lemonade, tea or sparkling water. Each person participating will take home their own wrought iron crude knife form that can be used as a letter opener or simple spreading utensil.

We’ll emphasize safety procedures throughout the entire program. Each participant will have their own set of safety equipment throughout the program, including gloves and safety glasses. Face coverings are required whenever participants cannot be 6 feet apart. Equipment is sanitized after each class.

Build Your Own Terrarium Workshop
May 7 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
828 Market on Main

Join us in kicking off the Spring season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters! Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium. Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)

Saturday, May 8, 2021
Organic Growers School Mentor Services
May 8 all-day
Organic Growers School

Erica was a HUGE supporter of my farm and was a major part in my expansion. Without the support and help from her, I am not sure I could have done this!

Erica Shanks

Farm Mentee, Farm Owner at Bearded Bird Farms

The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:

  • farm design and production
  • marketing and business development
  • systems management
  • connecting them to the regional farming community

By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

 

Who is eligible to apply

We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.

Preference is given to graduates of Farm Beginnings® (or other relevant farmer training programs) and members of CRAFT.

Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.

We are also offering a limited number of mentorships focused on forest farming, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. These will be offered as free or reduced fee mentorships. If you are interested, you can indicate that on your application.

Learn more about Forest Farming from ABFFC.

Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
May 8 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
2021 Spring Fling Annual Rose and Plant Sale
May 8 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Area Red Cross

The rose and plant sale sponsored by the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society and the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County will offer a huge selection of plants for any garden spot. Choose among many varieties of roses, and perennials for sun or shade. Expert rosarians will help you choose the perfect rose. Extension Master Gardener volunteers will help you select the right plant for the right place and answer your gardening questions.

Blacksmithing & Brews
May 8 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Ever wanted to try your hand at blacksmithing? Here’s your chance to experience the basics of shaping hot steel with a hammer and anvil in our unforgettable Blacksmithing and Brews workshop. You’ll fire up the forge with our seasoned educator Mo, who’s been teaching hands-on living history at Earthshine for over sixteen years. He’ll guide you every step of the way, helping you work a piece of rough steel into a one of a kind, hand crafted knife form you can take home. You’ll stoke the coal fire, hammer glowing metal straight from forge, and learn all kinds of history, lore, techniques, and tricks about the craft.

After the workshop, you can enjoy a local brew on the front deck of our main lodge overlooking Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge. You can take it easy, soaking up the mountain views while you sip, or keep working to refine your project, taking it from the rugged, fresh out of the fire look to a smoother, cleaner finish. We’ll even throw in a take-home kit with a few essential tools you can use to turn your project into a piece of art worth displaying.

No experience is needed and all equipment is provided. Ages 13+ are welcome, but you must be at least 21 to be served beer. If you’re under 21, we’ll provide lemonade, tea or sparkling water. Each person participating will take home their own wrought iron crude knife form that can be used as a letter opener or simple spreading utensil.

We’ll emphasize safety procedures throughout the entire program. Each participant will have their own set of safety equipment throughout the program, including gloves and safety glasses. Face coverings are required whenever participants cannot be 6 feet apart. Equipment is sanitized after each class.

Cost: $95 per person
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: Ages 13 and over

Sunday, May 9, 2021
Organic Growers School Mentor Services
May 9 all-day
Organic Growers School

Erica was a HUGE supporter of my farm and was a major part in my expansion. Without the support and help from her, I am not sure I could have done this!

Erica Shanks

Farm Mentee, Farm Owner at Bearded Bird Farms

The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:

  • farm design and production
  • marketing and business development
  • systems management
  • connecting them to the regional farming community

By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

 

Who is eligible to apply

We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.

Preference is given to graduates of Farm Beginnings® (or other relevant farmer training programs) and members of CRAFT.

Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.

We are also offering a limited number of mentorships focused on forest farming, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. These will be offered as free or reduced fee mentorships. If you are interested, you can indicate that on your application.

Learn more about Forest Farming from ABFFC.