Calendar of Events
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.
Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce that for the fifteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.
Student learns vegetable gardening
We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our website page, 2022 School Garden Grants, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2022 School Garden Grants Application.
All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 7, 2022, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 5, 2022. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.
We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 44 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.
School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2022.
Guidelines for 2022 School Garden Grants can be found at 2022 School Garden Grants (buncombemastergardener.org)
When it snows, gardeners may rejoice that a blanket of the cold stuff serves as welcome insulation during frosty weather, protecting plants from wind damage and moderating soil temperature. Of course, snow—and ice—are sometimes more destructive than helpful. Plan how to take advantage of snow’s benefits and minimize potential damage.
Tie up branches of evergreens with multiple leaders to prevent this kind of damage!
Things to do before a storm
If forecasters predict several inches of snow, preventing harm to your landscaping is easier than dealing with the aftermath.
- Mark where your yard ends and the street begins. Putting up snow stakes may prevent snowplow damage to your street-side plantings. You can purchase commercial stakes or make your own from rebar or pressure-treated 1-inch by 1-inch wooden stakes painted orange. For our area, stakes 3 feet tall are tall enough—bury them 8- to 12-inches deep.
- You may want to mark the location of garden paths or sidewalks to facilitate clearing them after the storm and to avoid inadvertently treading on your plantings.
- If you have particularly vulnerable shrubs or trees, tying up branches or constructing shelters may help prevent breakage. Better yet, consider resistance to snow and ice damage when selecting trees and shrubs for your landscape (see list of more and less resistant tree species, below).
- Think twice about using deicers before or after a storm—particularly salt-based ones—to avoid poisoning plants (see additional information about the benefits and risks of specific ice melters, below).
Minimizing damage after a storm
Your landscape may come through a storm unscathed but if not, take care to avoid causing even more damage to your plants or yourself!
- Be careful about trying to remove snow or ice from trees and shrubs.
- Often it is best to leave snow or ice to melt on its own.
- Never stand under a snow or ice laden tree—branches may break unexpectedly!
- Shaking a tree to remove snow can do more harm than good.
- Don’t try to remove snow using downward brushing. Rather, try reaching underneath branches from a distance with a broom or pole to dislodge snow.
- Avoid shoveling snow onto your plantings. In addition to the weight of the snow, you may be adding soil, grit, and/or gravel to your beds.
- Consult an arborist about whether you can save severely damaged trees: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch
- Use proper pruning techniques to remove damaged branches on trees and shrubs; see first link below for more resources about pruning and other management issues.
Take time to dream!
Be sure to survey your landscape during and after a storm, not only to prevent or repair winter damage, but to evaluate where you might add winter interest in future years, and what new projects you’ll undertake this spring, summer, and fall. Happy year-round gardening!
Article by Buncombe County Extension Master GardenerSMVolunteers
I invite you to commune with Mary Magdalene’s sacred mysteries for healing, personal transformation and self mastery.
Mary Magdalene’s story is shrouded in mystery. In the sacred circle, we invoke her truth, wisdom and deep love and reverence for visceral teaching, clearing and activation.
Each month we will gather to connect and commune with the essence of this visionary aspect of divine feminine. We will explore the alchemy of Mary Magdalene in relationship to her Divine attributes of mysticism, sacred sexuality, Divine adoration, surrender, faith, and unity consciousness to support the expression of your authentic self along your path of self mastery. I will offer teachings on alchemical interventions and guided meditation to invite the Divine Feminine to rise in greater ways of clarity, vibrancy and empowerment in your life.
Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce that for the fifteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.
Student learns vegetable gardening
We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our website page, 2022 School Garden Grants, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2022 School Garden Grants Application.
All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 7, 2022, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 5, 2022. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.
We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 44 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.
School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2022.
Guidelines for 2022 School Garden Grants can be found at 2022 School Garden Grants (buncombemastergardener.org)
When it snows, gardeners may rejoice that a blanket of the cold stuff serves as welcome insulation during frosty weather, protecting plants from wind damage and moderating soil temperature. Of course, snow—and ice—are sometimes more destructive than helpful. Plan how to take advantage of snow’s benefits and minimize potential damage.
Tie up branches of evergreens with multiple leaders to prevent this kind of damage!
Things to do before a storm
If forecasters predict several inches of snow, preventing harm to your landscaping is easier than dealing with the aftermath.
- Mark where your yard ends and the street begins. Putting up snow stakes may prevent snowplow damage to your street-side plantings. You can purchase commercial stakes or make your own from rebar or pressure-treated 1-inch by 1-inch wooden stakes painted orange. For our area, stakes 3 feet tall are tall enough—bury them 8- to 12-inches deep.
- You may want to mark the location of garden paths or sidewalks to facilitate clearing them after the storm and to avoid inadvertently treading on your plantings.
- If you have particularly vulnerable shrubs or trees, tying up branches or constructing shelters may help prevent breakage. Better yet, consider resistance to snow and ice damage when selecting trees and shrubs for your landscape (see list of more and less resistant tree species, below).
- Think twice about using deicers before or after a storm—particularly salt-based ones—to avoid poisoning plants (see additional information about the benefits and risks of specific ice melters, below).
Minimizing damage after a storm
Your landscape may come through a storm unscathed but if not, take care to avoid causing even more damage to your plants or yourself!
- Be careful about trying to remove snow or ice from trees and shrubs.
- Often it is best to leave snow or ice to melt on its own.
- Never stand under a snow or ice laden tree—branches may break unexpectedly!
- Shaking a tree to remove snow can do more harm than good.
- Don’t try to remove snow using downward brushing. Rather, try reaching underneath branches from a distance with a broom or pole to dislodge snow.
- Avoid shoveling snow onto your plantings. In addition to the weight of the snow, you may be adding soil, grit, and/or gravel to your beds.
- Consult an arborist about whether you can save severely damaged trees: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch
- Use proper pruning techniques to remove damaged branches on trees and shrubs; see first link below for more resources about pruning and other management issues.
Take time to dream!
Be sure to survey your landscape during and after a storm, not only to prevent or repair winter damage, but to evaluate where you might add winter interest in future years, and what new projects you’ll undertake this spring, summer, and fall. Happy year-round gardening!
Article by Buncombe County Extension Master GardenerSMVolunteers
Kickoff 2022 with the Western Regional SBCN and EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems as we present a virtual series on enhancing your farming business. Convenient online classes for you to attend and hear from speakers with information, tips, and more. Registration is FREE!
Join us at 6 pm on Thursdays, January through March, to hear from EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems. We encourage you to take this time to engage with fellow agribusinesses, entrepreneurs and resource providers while learning new skills and the power of collaboration along the way.
Kickoff 2022 with the Western Regional SBCN and EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems as we present a virtual series on enhancing your farming business. Convenient online classes for you to attend and hear from speakers with information, tips, and more. Registration is FREE!
Join us at 6 pm on Thursdays, January through March, to hear from EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems. We encourage you to take this time to engage with fellow agribusinesses, entrepreneurs and resource providers while learning new skills and the power of collaboration along the way.
January 20- Online Farm Taxes Explained: Property, Equipment and Sales. Dive deeper into farm taxes as they pertain to the many different sides of your farming business. Ask a local farmer about their experience navigating taxes and learn some tips of your own.
January 27- Online Sales Platforms for Direct to Consumer Sales: There are many choices to consider! Hear what works for some regional farmers and determine which platform may be a good fit for your operation.
February 3- Agritourism in Southwestern NC Trends and Storytelling: NCSU researchers spent a year learning from regional providers. What are their findings and recommendations? February 10- Airbnb, HipCamp and Harvest Host: Exploring farm visit options for lodging on your farm. Hear farmer success stories
February 17- Using Social Media to Promote your Farm Business: Facebook, Insta, and Twitter how to get followers and keep them!
February 24- Liability for On Farm Visits: Protect your visitors, your farm and home.
March 10- Making Value Added Products at Home: Regulations for a Home Certified Kitchen & Marketing Options
March 17- Food Safety: Good practices and Regulations for the farm
and market
March 24- Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Management: Services and Cost Share for your Farming Operations
Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce that for the fifteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.
Student learns vegetable gardening
We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our website page, 2022 School Garden Grants, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2022 School Garden Grants Application.
All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 7, 2022, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 5, 2022. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.
We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 44 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.
School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2022.
Guidelines for 2022 School Garden Grants can be found at 2022 School Garden Grants (buncombemastergardener.org)
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Volunteer at Spring Conference!
We work hard to make the Spring conference available to all. We’re excited to offer the opportunity to volunteer in exchange for a weekend and/or pre-conference pass. We truly couldn’t do this without our spectacular volunteers! Nearly 200 of you will make this conference a success.
We are still finalizing the volunteer opportunities available at the 2022 Spring Conference & Market and will be updating our volunteer page as soon as possible! In the meantime, please reach out to our Spring Conference Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].
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Learn how to properly prune ornamental trees and shrubs with Bullington’s John Murphy.
Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce that for the fifteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.
Student learns vegetable gardening
We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our website page, 2022 School Garden Grants, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2022 School Garden Grants Application.
All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 7, 2022, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 5, 2022. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.
We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 44 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.
School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2022.
Guidelines for 2022 School Garden Grants can be found at 2022 School Garden Grants (buncombemastergardener.org)
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Volunteer at Spring Conference!
We work hard to make the Spring conference available to all. We’re excited to offer the opportunity to volunteer in exchange for a weekend and/or pre-conference pass. We truly couldn’t do this without our spectacular volunteers! Nearly 200 of you will make this conference a success.
We are still finalizing the volunteer opportunities available at the 2022 Spring Conference & Market and will be updating our volunteer page as soon as possible! In the meantime, please reach out to our Spring Conference Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].
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Volunteer at Spring Conference!
We work hard to make the Spring conference available to all. We’re excited to offer the opportunity to volunteer in exchange for a weekend and/or pre-conference pass. We truly couldn’t do this without our spectacular volunteers! Nearly 200 of you will make this conference a success.
We are still finalizing the volunteer opportunities available at the 2022 Spring Conference & Market and will be updating our volunteer page as soon as possible! In the meantime, please reach out to our Spring Conference Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].
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Volunteer at Spring Conference!
We work hard to make the Spring conference available to all. We’re excited to offer the opportunity to volunteer in exchange for a weekend and/or pre-conference pass. We truly couldn’t do this without our spectacular volunteers! Nearly 200 of you will make this conference a success.
We are still finalizing the volunteer opportunities available at the 2022 Spring Conference & Market and will be updating our volunteer page as soon as possible! In the meantime, please reach out to our Spring Conference Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].
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Volunteer at Spring Conference!
We work hard to make the Spring conference available to all. We’re excited to offer the opportunity to volunteer in exchange for a weekend and/or pre-conference pass. We truly couldn’t do this without our spectacular volunteers! Nearly 200 of you will make this conference a success.
We are still finalizing the volunteer opportunities available at the 2022 Spring Conference & Market and will be updating our volunteer page as soon as possible! In the meantime, please reach out to our Spring Conference Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].
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Master Gardener Volunteer, John Bowen, will share his knowledge and expertise on how to get your seeds started and plants off to a healthy start. This zoom presentation is in partnership with the Buncombe County Master Gardener Volunteers and Black Mountain Blooms Seed Lending Library. |
Starting your own seeds can be intimidating, but it also happens to be empowering and cost-effective! This class will explore the basics of how to start your own seeds as well as potential problems you’ll run into, understanding your seeds (and seed packets), and what to look for in healthy seedlings.
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Gardening in the Mountains presents: Presenter: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer Herbs are commonly grown in gardens and containers for a variety of uses. This presentation will provide general information about growing and using herbs with a focus on those used for culinary purposes. You’ll get Ideas about how to process and use culinary herbs year-round. Recipes for making various types of herb pesto, vinegar, butter, rubs, and oils will be discussed and provided in a handout. |
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Volunteer at Spring Conference!
We work hard to make the Spring conference available to all. We’re excited to offer the opportunity to volunteer in exchange for a weekend and/or pre-conference pass. We truly couldn’t do this without our spectacular volunteers! Nearly 200 of you will make this conference a success.
We are still finalizing the volunteer opportunities available at the 2022 Spring Conference & Market and will be updating our volunteer page as soon as possible! In the meantime, please reach out to our Spring Conference Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].
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Gardening in the Mountains presents: Presenter: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer Herbs are commonly grown in gardens and containers for a variety of uses. This presentation will provide general information about growing and using herbs with a focus on those used for culinary purposes. You’ll get Ideas about how to process and use culinary herbs year-round. Recipes for making various types of herb pesto, vinegar, butter, rubs, and oils will be discussed and provided in a handout. |
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Gardening in the Mountains presents: Presenter: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer Herbs are commonly grown in gardens and containers for a variety of uses. This presentation will provide general information about growing and using herbs with a focus on those used for culinary purposes. You’ll get Ideas about how to process and use culinary herbs year-round. Recipes for making various types of herb pesto, vinegar, butter, rubs, and oils will be discussed and provided in a handout. |
Organic Growers School is excited to bring this training opportunity to Southern Appalachia in partnership with Certified Naturally Grown. Holistic Crop Management aka CNG’s Bootcamp South, is a six-part webinar series led by local farmers and agricultural resource specialists. Growers will gain the tools to manage soil health, weeds, pests and diseases for whole-farm success.
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Tools from the Holistic Management Framework: Learn how to view the farm as an ecosystem while managing the four ecosystem processes to establish balance and promote productivity on your farm.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
A Holistic Approach to Soil Health: Learn and apply whole farm management methods, basics of soil science and soil monitoring to increase your farm’s soil health and productivity.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Managing Pests Holistically: Gain an ecological understanding of pest biology, and management strategies commonly used to prevent pest damage.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Managing Disease Holistically: Discover ecologically-based preventive, and integrated practices to reduce the impact of disease on your farm.
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Managing Weeds Holistically: Understand common weed biology, ecology, and identification, as well as preventative practices to reduce weed pressure.
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Implementing Holistic Decision-Making Skills for your Farm: Learn how to use the holistic management monitoring cycle for decision making on your farm.
Wintertime is upon us and all that it entails. Shorter days, bad television, bad weather and bad food. There is a cure for all these ailments and its right outside your door. The landscape in the winter can be a beautiful site and with a little planning and creativity, you can spruce up your outdoor rooms with a few choice plants. This talk will discuss how to appreciate the garden in winter and how to take advantage of all seasons as we plan and take care our green spaces.
Workshop taught by Greg Paige, Director of Horticulture & Curator for the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory
Arboretum
Greg Paige discovered his career goal early-creating and working in beautiful public gardens and sharing and teaching this passion with others. Prior to joining the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory as Director of Horticulture and Arboretum Curator in 2005, his 30-year career in public horticulture involved work at some of the finest gardens in the country. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, North Carolina, the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, the Holden Arboretum outside Cleveland, Ohio and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Arboretum
Through the rolling 350 acres of property in Charlotte, North Carolina you will discover an incredible and diverse collection of plants, gardens and research grounds that is the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory and Arboretum. With over 20,000 accessioned plants a few of the Arboretum highlights include one of the best collection of oak and conifer on the east coast, the biggest collection of magnolia in the country as well as extensive collection of holly, elm, crape myrtle, crabapple, maple, rhododendron and numerous display gardens. In addition to the collections and research areas several ponds, natural areas and woodland nestled throughout the Arboretum provide a home to a variety of wildlife.
The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Arboretum is actively developed, curated and managed to support learning, discovery, research, and training and to serve as a resource and support arm to the employees and customers of The Bartlett Tree Expert Company. The Arboretum seeks to contribute to and showcase a wide range of plant material as well as set an example of a sustainable, enjoyable and thought provoking living museum. In addition, working alongside and partnering with the public horticulture community and green industry is a crucial component to the mission of the Arboretum.
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Gardening in the Mountains presents: Presenter: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer Herbs are commonly grown in gardens and containers for a variety of uses. This presentation will provide general information about growing and using herbs with a focus on those used for culinary purposes. You’ll get Ideas about how to process and use culinary herbs year-round. Recipes for making various types of herb pesto, vinegar, butter, rubs, and oils will be discussed and provided in a handout. |
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Gardening in the Mountains presents: Presenter: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer Herbs are commonly grown in gardens and containers for a variety of uses. This presentation will provide general information about growing and using herbs with a focus on those used for culinary purposes. You’ll get Ideas about how to process and use culinary herbs year-round. Recipes for making various types of herb pesto, vinegar, butter, rubs, and oils will be discussed and provided in a handout. |
Presenter: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer
Tomatoes are the queen of our summer garden vegetables, and they can be challenging here in Western North Carolina. Back by popular demand, Master Gardener Phil Roudebush will help us maximize our yields of these luscious fruits. He will talk about tomato varieties and how to successfully control diseases through cultural practices and appropriate chemical usage. Phil has years of experience with tomatoes and you are sure to learn something new
Kickoff 2022 with the Western Regional SBCN and EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems as we present a virtual series on enhancing your farming business. Convenient online classes for you to attend and hear from speakers with information, tips, and more. Registration is FREE!
Join us at 6 pm on Thursdays, January through March, to hear from EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems. We encourage you to take this time to engage with fellow agribusinesses, entrepreneurs and resource providers while learning new skills and the power of collaboration along the way.
Kickoff 2022 with the Western Regional SBCN and EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems as we present a virtual series on enhancing your farming business. Convenient online classes for you to attend and hear from speakers with information, tips, and more. Registration is FREE!
Join us at 6 pm on Thursdays, January through March, to hear from EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems. We encourage you to take this time to engage with fellow agribusinesses, entrepreneurs and resource providers while learning new skills and the power of collaboration along the way.
January 20- Online Farm Taxes Explained: Property, Equipment and Sales. Dive deeper into farm taxes as they pertain to the many different sides of your farming business. Ask a local farmer about their experience navigating taxes and learn some tips of your own.
January 27- Online Sales Platforms for Direct to Consumer Sales: There are many choices to consider! Hear what works for some regional farmers and determine which platform may be a good fit for your operation.
February 3- Agritourism in Southwestern NC Trends and Storytelling: NCSU researchers spent a year learning from regional providers. What are their findings and recommendations? February 10- Airbnb, HipCamp and Harvest Host: Exploring farm visit options for lodging on your farm. Hear farmer success stories
February 17- Using Social Media to Promote your Farm Business: Facebook, Insta, and Twitter how to get followers and keep them!
February 24- Liability for On Farm Visits: Protect your visitors, your farm and home.
March 10- Making Value Added Products at Home: Regulations for a Home Certified Kitchen & Marketing Options
March 17- Food Safety: Good practices and Regulations for the farm
and market
March 24- Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Management: Services and Cost Share for your Farming Operations
Rumi was a Sufi mystic and poet in the 1200’s AD. His poems on love, soul, and God inspire people of all faiths to this day. I’ll bring some of my favorites for discussion but encourage others to bring some of theirs as well.
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Volunteer at Spring Conference!
We work hard to make the Spring conference available to all. We’re excited to offer the opportunity to volunteer in exchange for a weekend and/or pre-conference pass. We truly couldn’t do this without our spectacular volunteers! Nearly 200 of you will make this conference a success.
We are still finalizing the volunteer opportunities available at the 2022 Spring Conference & Market and will be updating our volunteer page as soon as possible! In the meantime, please reach out to our Spring Conference Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].
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