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.
Do you love growing tomatoes but find the variety choices overwhelming? Do you know what new varieties are recommended for WNC? Master Gardener Phil Roudebush and Dr. Reza Shekasteband from the NCSU Horticultural Research Station will discuss tomato types and varieties, culture, and disease resistance. They will also share new varieties and research from the NCSU Tomato Breeding and Genetics program and give you a glimpse into the future of tomatoes in WNC.
Calling all gardeners crazy about growing tomatoes! Learn best varieties to grow, their culture and disease management.
Gardening tools are key to successful pruning. You need the right tool for the right job, and you need to correctly maintain and care for those tools. Are you sure, for example, when to use your anvil pruners or your bypass pruners instead? This workshop will cover the different kinds of pruning tools, their uses, and their care. Ergonomic pruners and other tools will also be covered.
Bring your pruners, and loopers to learn how to clean and sharpen them.
Two days of educational programs, trade show featuring over 40 vendors and the annual meeting of the NC Tomato Growers Association
This is the largest commercial vegetable grower event in the region with a high quality educational program put together by vegetable extension specialist/agents at NC State University. We hope that you take advantage of this opportunity to learn about current issues associated with vegetables and take time with the representatives from agricultural companies and other businesses that support our industry during our 2-day trade show.
- New education track for small farms/direct market growers/organic production
- A sponsored lunch and awards program will be included at noon on Thursday.
- Pesticide credits will be available for attendees. (X,O, D, N)
- NC Private Applicator Recertification Class (V)
- Fumigation Recertification Class (Z)
- There will be a trade show again this year with a large number of sponsors and exhibitors setting up their displays for attendees to visit. Interested vendors should register early.
SPONSORS/EXHIBITORS
We welcome sponsors for our event. Sponsorships give you the opportunity to showcase your business and allow us to make this a special conference for attendees. Sponsorships also support scholarships. Details are included on the sponsorship ticket descriptions in the “get tickets” link above. If you need to be invoiced and send a check, please contact Ellen Moss at [email protected].
SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS
This year we will be holding a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction to support our scholarship fund. Raffle prices are $10/each or 12 for $100. During the conference see the Registration Desk to purchase your raffle tickets or for more information. Drawing will occur at the Tomato Growers Association Luncheon on Thursday. You Must Be Present to Win! If you are not interested in purchasing a raffle ticket or bidding on the silent auction, but would still like to support the scholarship fund, donations are greatly appreciated! Your generosity ensures that NCTGA continues to support future generations of farmers with an endowment fund used to offer merit/need-based scholarships. You can make a donation through this Eventbrite page via the donations ticket button. Details are included in the “get tickets” link above. If you need to be invoiced and send a check, or need a receipt for a tax deduction please contact Ellen Moss at [email protected].
Presenter: Mary Alice Ramsey, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer
“As the Garden Sleeps, the Gardener Plans”. Join Mary Alice Ramsey as she presents Planning Your VegeGarden. Mary Alice has been growing vegetables in her home garden for years. She will highlight the basics of vegetable gardening planning, how to create the right-size garden and how to select which vegetables to grow. She will share information on garden tools and structures, seed and plant sources, getting started and keeping records.
Mary Alice’s Garden has been included in the Gardens of Fairview tours each spring and her garden was featured in Southern Living magazine in August of 2017.
Registration: The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. This will be an indoor program. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522
Presenter: Mary Alice Ramsey, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer
“As the Garden Sleeps, the Gardener Plans”. Join Mary Alice Ramsey as she presents Planning Your Vegetable Garden. Mary Alice has been growing vegetables in her home garden for years. She will highlight the basics of vegetable gardening planning, how to create the right-size garden and how to select which vegetables to grow. She will share information on garden tools and structures, seed and plant sources, getting started and keeping records.
Mary Alice’s Garden has been included in the Gardens of Fairview tours each spring and her garden was featured in Southern Living magazine in August of 2017.
Registration: The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. This will be an indoor program. Please dress appropriate for the weather.
If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
Late winter is the perfect time to start planning for summer gardens and what better way to start than with the Basics of Vegetable Gardening class! Come prepared to learn about what it takes to start growing your own vegetables in our area. Join experienced teacher and former director, John Murphy, as he guides you through vegetable gardening basics.
Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.
Shamanic Roots in Celtic Folklore: Southern Scotland
Join us for an enchanting online event as we delve into the mystical world of Shamanic Roots in Celtic Folklore, focusing on the captivating traditions of Southern Scotland. Discover the ancient wisdom and practices that have survived through generations, offering a unique insight into the rich tapestry of Celtic culture that endures in these lands.
Immerse yourself in a virtual journey through time, exploring the hidden realms of Scottish folklore. Our storyteller will share their knowledge and experiences, shedding light on the ancient shamanic practices that have shaped the region’s folkways.
From tales of mythical humans to ancient deities, this event will transport you to a world where magic and reality intertwine. Gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the ancient wisdom of Southern Scotland. Don’t miss out on this captivating journey into the Shamanic Roots of Celtic Folklore!
Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.
Agroforestry and food forests are terms describing a diverse planting of edible plants that attempts to mimic the ecosystems and patterns found in nature for a variety of social and environmental benefits. If you don’t know much about agroforestry, we have great news — we are starting our second agroforestry project at the SAHC Community Farm.
Along with Contour Lines Corp we will be leading the planting of a 3-acre diversified food forest which will feature a number of fruit trees and native support trees planted on contour in a system of berms and swales. This is a unique demonstration project on conservation land, which will be managed in perpetuity so that we can all learn about the numerous benefits and beauty of perennial agroforestry and food forest systems.
Folks will receive a solid introduction on how to plan and plant a food forest agroforestry site that includes hundreds of fruit and support trees on a berm and swale contour system. Some species we will be planting include Black Locust, Willow, Cottonwood, Elderberry, Mulberry, Persimmon, Apple, Pear, Blueberry, Fig and Peaches.
Join us, rain or shine, for all or any part of the day to learn, observe, and take part in planting if you choose. Please bring a water bottle, gloves, raincoat/work clothes if you’re planting; tools will be provided.
Lunch will be provided midway between our morning classroom portion, and then the rest of the day will be hands-on work.
Pre-registration is requested. Suggested donation $20; no one turned away for inability to pay.
SAHC received a $6,000 Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant to support this project, and nonprofit organization Contour Lines Corp. (contourlines.org) is donating plant material, design and expertise for hands-on workshops to help execute the silvopasture project on the SAHC Community Farm. The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grants Program is an initiative funded by the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farming Coalition (ABFFC) and Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF) that is managed by Virginia Tech University in partnership with Rural Action, Appalachian Sustainable Development, The Yew Mountain Center, North Carolina State University.
Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.
Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.
-Bareroot Trees and Shrubs: $3-5
-Grasses: $2-5
-Berries/apples: $6-10
Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.
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Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.
Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.
This presentation is designed for adults of the general public and assumes no prior knowledge of pollinators. You’ll learn about pollination and pollinators overall, as well as the most common pollinators in Western North Carolina. These topics are followed by a discussion of conservation concerns and simple steps you can take to help pollinators. The session wraps up with the fascinating concept of pollination syndromes and how you can use them to participate in pollinator conservation.
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Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.
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ONSITE | Three Sessions: Wednesdays, March 6, 20 & April 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Instructor: Nina Shippen
$145 Non-member Adult**
(**Arboretum Members receive a 10% discount on all classes.)
BREG – Core
Limit: 30
Ecological gardening is a way of thinking about the designed landscape in which gardens are no longer seen as a collection of plants, but as a community of complex interdependencies among plants, soils, environment and animals. Ecology-based methods used in design, site assessment, planning, planting and management are all covered in this comprehensive overview class. Gardeners of all levels of interest and ability will find this informative and interactive class valuable for learning ecologically-sustainable practices for adapting and applying in gardening in a variety of landscapes.
The class is a core requirement for the Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Eco Gardener Certificate of Merit program. An asynchronous version of this class is open from March 6 through May 31 in 2024.
Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West and Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard by Doug Tallamy are recommended texts. Available in the Arboretum’s Connections Gallery with student member discount.
Nina Shippen practices residential landscape and garden design through her company Hidden Road Landscape Design, which focuses on coupling the principles of healing gardens with sound ecologic practices to create satisfying gardens for her clients. A graduate of the landscape design program at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies, she has lived and gardened in Transylvania County since 2005.
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Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.
Presenters: John Bowen, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer
Are you ready to open those seed packets and start growing your spring transplants?
John Bowen, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer and long-time gardener, will share tips and tricks for starting your seeds indoors. He will talk about containers, planting media, lights, temperature, and other parts of the process to grow those healthy, robust transplants we all need. He’ll also discuss timing and help us learn when to plant for the best outcome.
Registration: The talk is free, but seating is limited and 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.
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Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.
Learn about the basics of perennial and dahlia culture. What is a perennial and what makes them special in the garden? How can you get free plants from your current perennials? These questions and so much more will be covered. We will also have a demo on how to divide perennials. Presented by Isaac Wyatt, Agricultural Program Assistant with Henderson County Extension, will teach the basics of perennial and dahlia culture.
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ASAP’s CSA Fair is a chance to meet local farmers and learn about CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) in our area. By joining a CSA, you get a weekly box of fresh, locally grown produce, meats, flowers, or other local products—and provide a farmer with valuable financial support before the season starts. Talk to farmers about how their CSA works, what products they offer, their farm’s growing practices, payment options, and more. Attendees can sign up for a CSA during the fair or follow up with farmers later. This fair will also have local food tastings and activities for kids, as well as produce and food products available for purchase.
Visit asapconnections.org/find-local-food/csa for more details.