Good morning, Asheville. 👋 Brook here. This past weekend, I noticed that the trees in my backyard have colorful, tight blooms that are waiting to unfurl, and I got spring fever in the worst way. I immediately started dreaming of being outside with my family — slathered in SPF 1 Billion + wearing my huge sun hat — digging in the dirt, planting things, and making my abode look lovelier and more homey.
Spring is right around the corner (March 19, to be exact) and, luckily for us, there are ample resources in town to help you flex your gardening muscles. Whether you want to start small with a container or two or you want to transform your yard into a lush oasis, here are the spots that can help you out. Oh, and if you’re more advanced than that, fear not. Check out Wild Abundance in Weaverville, who offer in-depth apprenticeships in things like permaculture + foraging.
🌱 Sow True Seed, 243 Haywood St.
Since 2009, Ashevillians have flocked here for 500+ varieties of untreated, open-pollinated (a process wherein pollination is carried out by insects, birds + other natural forces), and GMO-free seeds. You could easily while away time perusing their space, which is full of garden supplies, books, local wares like insect repellent, and, of course, plants galore. Ready to get started with your spring garden? Take advantage of their classes, including the upcoming workshop, Build Your Own Worm Composter, taking place Weds., Mar. 18.
🌱 Fifth Season Gardening Co., 4 S. Tunnel Rd. #450
Since launching in Asheville in 2000, this biz has expanded to include four locations throughout the state (as well as one in Charlottesville, VA). In addition to all sorts of houseplants + planters, they offer ingredients + equipment necessary to DIY everything from cheese to kombucha — and even home brewing kits for beer, cider + wine. Plus, they have online educational resources as well as classes, including Preparing Your Soil for Spring, Thurs., March 5.
Urban dwellers with an interest in sustainable activities like gardening, chicken keeping, herbal medicine, composting, and canning + preserving foods will not only find the supplies and materials necessary for the work at this West Asheville spot, but plenty of inspiration and guidance, too. The staff consult and teach necessary skills through workshops + classes. Check out their “Garden Swap” event — co-hosted with Archetype Brewing — on Sat., Mar. 14.
🌱 B.B Barns, 3377 Sweeten Creek Rd.
This multi-acre garden center in Arden features gardening supplies, products, and a mammoth array of houseplants, annuals, perennials, trees, herbs, seeds, and more to spruce up your space. Keep an eye on their site for updates on their upcoming classes and seminars to get your garden growing. And if you’d rather let the experts handle things, you’re in luck: they also offer professional landscaping services.
Did we leave off your favorite garden spot? Tell us where you like to go in the comments below. ⬇️
