Calendar of Events
Event Cancellations Due to Coronavirus
Several upcoming events have been canceled or postponed due to concerns about the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Events listed on this page may be outdated, so please visit the event website or contact the event organizer for the latest information.
Event organizers can contact us to update their event’s information.
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
This spring garden bingo card comes from our Growing Minds Farm to School Program, but anyone can play! Get a printable version of the card here or find more spring learning resources for kids here.
Organic Growers School is excited to offer this curriculum and training opportunity for the second year in partnership with Certified Naturally Grown.
Spring 2021
March 23 – April 27, 2021 • Online – livestream from anywhere!
In response to the need for virtual learning opportunities during the pandemic, we have restructured this curriculum from in-person workshops to a six-part webinar series, which includes a mixture of videos, resources, and live virtual meetings.
March 23 – April 27, 2021 – Online
Workshop Descriptions & Winter Schedule
Session 1: Tools from the Holistic Management Framework
March 23, 2021
Participants will learn how to view the farm as an ecosystem while managing the four ecosystem processes – energy flow, water cycle, nutrient cycle, and community dynamics – in order to establish balance and promote productivity on your farm.
Session 2: A Holistic Approach to Soil Health
March 30, 2021
Soil health, in an agricultural context, can be loosely defined as the combination of soil fertility, soil structure, and the biological activity that enables the production of healthy plants, active nutrient cycling, water infiltration and retention, and minimal soil erosion. Participants will understand and learn to apply the four ecosystem processes, holistic management principles, the basics of soil science, and soil monitoring techniques to help increase their farm’s soil health, productivity, and resilience.
Session 3: Managing Weeds Holistically
April 6, 2021
Effectively managing weeds can be the most labor-intensive task for ecological crop and vegetable production. This session will cover common weed biology, ecology, and identification. Participants will also learn preventative as well as mechanical and cultural practices you can implement on your farm to reduce weed pressure, save time, and money.
Session 4: Managing Pests Holistically
April 13, 2021
In this session, participants will gain an ecological understanding of pests including their biology, how to sample for pest and beneficial insects, and their relationship to soil and nutrient management. You will also learn management strategies that are commonly used to prevent pest damage, promote beneficials, and be equipped to develop a plan to manage pest outbreaks effectively on your farm.
Session 5: Managing Disease Holistically
April 20, 2021
We’ll take a deep dive into ecologically-based preventive, cultural, and integrated practices to reduce the impact of the disease on your farm in this session. You will gain a thorough understanding of what causes disease, identification techniques, and best management practices for reducing the damage that crop disease can cause.
Session 6: Developing Holistic Decision-Making Skills for Your Farm
April 27, 2021
As we work with the land, farmers are subject to many natural factors that are out of our control and we must prepare for the unexpected by being in the constant process of a plan. Viewing the farm through the window of the four ecosystem processes offers us a framework of Observation and Monitoring. In this session, we take that a step further by exploring tools and developing skills for decision-making in order to confidently proceed with a plan of operation rather than having to function within ‘crisis management’.
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
Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
Virtual attendance via Zoom video and audio internet connection
Presenters: Mary Hugenschmidt and Suzanne Wodek, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers
Are your special needs or changing physical abilities keeping you out of the garden? Are your garden chores becoming more challenging? Do you know how to select tools and equipment that will keep you healthy and safe in the garden? In this presentation Mary Hugenschmidt and Suzanne Wodek, Master Gardener Volunteers and longtime teachers of therapeutic horticulture, will tell us about ergonomic tools, garden structures and design, and proper body mechanics to get us back in the garden and keep us gardening for life.
Registration: The talk is free but registration is required. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
You can now register to pick up your your native tree on Sunday April 18th at the Sand Hill Nursery. When registering, you must select your pickup time and tree species. This giveaway is for Buncombe County residential addresses only. Limit 1 tree.
Prior to the event, all registrants will receive emailed information on what to expect at the drive-through event, along with tree planting and care training materials.
This spring garden bingo card comes from our Growing Minds Farm to School Program, but anyone can play! Get a printable version of the card here or find more spring learning resources for kids here.
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!
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.
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
Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
You can now register to pick up your your native tree on Sunday April 18th at the Sand Hill Nursery. When registering, you must select your pickup time and tree species. This giveaway is for Buncombe County residential addresses only. Limit 1 tree.
Prior to the event, all registrants will receive emailed information on what to expect at the drive-through event, along with tree planting and care training materials.
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This spring garden bingo card comes from our Growing Minds Farm to School Program, but anyone can play! Get a printable version of the card here or find more spring learning resources for kids here.
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!
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.
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
Visit Our Gardens This Spring
The Playhouse Gardens are open and just in time for spring! Whether you’re going for a stroll, staying for a picnic, or learning about the different flora using the QR codes in each flower bed, we hope you’ll join us at the Playhouse Gardens. Stay tuned for upcoming events and learn about all the hard work that our volunteers do by following them on Instagram.
Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
You can now register to pick up your your native tree on Sunday April 18th at the Sand Hill Nursery. When registering, you must select your pickup time and tree species. This giveaway is for Buncombe County residential addresses only. Limit 1 tree.
Prior to the event, all registrants will receive emailed information on what to expect at the drive-through event, along with tree planting and care training materials.
Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.
Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.
Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.
Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.
NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
This spring garden bingo card comes from our Growing Minds Farm to School Program, but anyone can play! Get a printable version of the card here or find more spring learning resources for kids here.
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!
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.
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
Visit Our Gardens This Spring
The Playhouse Gardens are open and just in time for spring! Whether you’re going for a stroll, staying for a picnic, or learning about the different flora using the QR codes in each flower bed, we hope you’ll join us at the Playhouse Gardens. Stay tuned for upcoming events and learn about all the hard work that our volunteers do by following them on Instagram.
Volunteer at our Spring Tree Giveaway
Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
You can now register to pick up your your native tree on Sunday April 18th at the Sand Hill Nursery. When registering, you must select your pickup time and tree species. This giveaway is for Buncombe County residential addresses only. Limit 1 tree.
Prior to the event, all registrants will receive emailed information on what to expect at the drive-through event, along with tree planting and care training materials.
Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
Virtual attendance via Zoom video and audio internet connection
Presenters: Pat Strang and Joyce Tromba, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers
Learn how to select and grow plants that will give you a rainbow of colors to dye any kind of fiber. Or use these plants to make inks and paints. Pat and Joyce discuss plant selection, garden design and maintenance, as well as when and how to harvest your dye plants. You will get information about where to buy seeds and seedlings, and you will learn how to save your own seeds. Dye plants are easy to grow and will connect you to the garden in a whole new way.
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