Flora-bundance
Flora-bundance: Spring into the season with plant sales and garden events aplenty
ASAP CSA Fair
March 15 | Asheville
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a chance to support local farmers while reaping the rewards of their harvest, and Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s annual CSA Fair is the chance to meet growers face-to-face, choose a CSA, and sign up early to receive a weekly bounty of produce throughout the growing season. New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St.; Thursday, 3-6 p.m.; free; (828) 236-1282; www.asapconnections.org
Biltmore Blooms
March 20-May 24 | Asheville
The estate's gardens—designed by renowed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted—spring to life with immense floral displays. All told, thousands and thousands of tulips burst and bloom throughout the lush property. Inside Biltmore House, find plants in special period wardian cases, a nod to the way plants were transported during George Vanderbilt's day. Biltmore, 1 Lodge St.; daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; starting at $40, $20 youth; www.biltmore.com
Asheville Orchid Festival
March 24 & 25 | Asheville
Presented by the WNC Orchid Society and held at the North Carolina Arboretum, this 20th annual festival is a chance to view hundreds of blooming beauties from world-class growers and breeders, and offers free orchid-growing programs. The plants will be available for purchase as well. 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way; Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; $5, free ages 12 & under; www.ncarboretum.org, www.wncos.org
Herb Festival
April 14 & 15 | Old Fort
If the opportunity to purchase a wide array of herbs at up to 25 percent off weren’t reason enough to attend this event at the sprawling Painters Greenhouse, the weekend also includes live musical performances, kids activities, some 20 local artisan vendors, food trucks, plus free wine and pesto tastings. 745 Roy Moore Rd.; Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.paintersgreenhouse.com
Early Bird Wildflower Walk & Plant Sale
April 21 | Boone
Find native and locally raised flowers, shrubs, and seeds at this annual fund-raiser held at and benefitting Daniel Boone Native Gardens. A bird walk takes place in the morning, with guided wildflower walks occurring throughout the day. Master gardeners from the Audubon Society and other groups will be on hand to answer questions. 651 Horn in the West Dr.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon; www.danielboonenativegardens.org
Bullington Gardens Spring Plant Sale
April 26-28 | Hendersonville
A public botanical garden with educational offerings, Bullington Gardens’ spring sale includes hundreds of perennials and native plants, ornamental trees and shrubs, and vegetables, including about 20 types of tomatoes. Proceeds from sales support the operations of the gardens and its programming for local school children. 95 Upper Red Oak Tr., Thursday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.bullingtongardens.org
Growing in the Mountains
April 27 & 28 | Asheville
Held over two days at the WNC Farmers Market in Asheville, more than 40 specialty nurseries from the Carolinas and Eastern Tennessee offer plants, shurbs, and herbs. Be advised: Some vendors take cash only. WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd.; Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.brhorticulture.org
French Broad River Garden Club Plant Sale
April 28 | Asheville
This year’s plant sale theme, Seeds the Day, focuses on the importance of saving and growing heirloom seeds. Around 20 vendors will sell native plants and seeds, and several presenters will speak on the themed topic. Proceeds from sales go toward scholarships for students majoring in environmental sciences. Clem’s Cabin, 1000 Hendersonville Rd.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; www.fbrgc.org
Growing in the Mountains
April 27 & 28 | Asheville
Held over two days at the WNC Farmers Market in Asheville, more than 40 specialty nurseries from the Carolinas and Eastern Tennessee offer plants, shrubs, and herbs. 570 Brevard Rd.; Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.ashevilleplantsale.org
Asheville Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale
May 4 & 5 | Asheville
The Asheville Botanical Gardens are lovely during bloom time, and the Spring Plant Sale is a perfect chance to explore the native landscape and shop for common and hard-to-find endemic plants. A percentage of sales benefit the gardens. 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd.; Friday, noon-6 p.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.ashevillebotanicalgardens.org
The Whole Bloomin’ Thing Festival
May 12 | Waynesville
Shop Waynesville’s Frog Level district while browsing for annuals, perennials, shrubs, hanging baskets, and also works by local artisans. Historic Frog Level, Commerce & Depot streets; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.historicfroglevel.com
Garden Jubilee
May 26 & 27 | Hendersonville
More than 260 vendors span eight blocks of Main Street selling thousands of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, hard-to-find plants, plus garden art, planters, handmade lawn furniture, and more. Learn tips from regional experts during garden talks and clinics. Historic Main St.; Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (828) 693-9708; www.visithendersonvillenc.org