For immediate release
Spring ephemerals decorate the forest floor with a riot of color and fragrance, yet within a few short weeks they disappear until next spring. On May 2nd and 3rd, the Highlands Biological Foundation is celebrating the emergence of spring ephemerals in the southern Appalachians with their event “Wildflower Whimsy.” Wildflower Whimsy will feature guided garden tours, a lecture, live plant auction and reception (with live music), and guided wildflower walks. The event will be held Friday May 2nd from 5pm until 8pm, and Saturday May 3rd from 10am until 2pm.
Peter Loewer will present Friday night’s lecture at 6pm, “Wildflowers and Native Perennials – and Even a Few exotics – for the Southeast.” Known as The Wild Gardener, Peter Loewer is an established writer and botanical artist. The topics of his books are diverse within the world of botany. In 1973 he wrote the first book on ornamental grasses, “Growing and Decorating with Ornamental Grasses.” Other books include a book on nocturnal flowers titled “The Evening Garden,” another “Thoreau’s Garden” and “Jefferson’s Garden”, both of which were illustrated by Peter Loewer. In addition to being an avid writer, The Wild Gardener has a garden show on public radio in Asheville, and is a contributing editor for Carolina Gardener. The American Horticultural Society named his book “The Wild Gardener” one of the 20th century’s 75 best garden books. Peter Loewer has a popular website – www.thewildgardener.com – where he answers your questions on gardening, wildflowers, native plants and how to bring the world of nature into your backyard. He currently teaches and practices art – particularly printmaking – and works on pen and colored pencil renderings of native plants and pollinators. For an example of his work, check out the cover of Sow True Seed’s 2014 catalogue. With his background and expertise, Peter Loewer is the perfect fit for the guest speaker of Wildflower Whimsy.
All proceeds from Wildflower Whimsy go directly to the Highlands Botanical Garden. Your support ensures that we can continue to maintain and improve the Botanical Garden for everyone to enjoy. Carefully curated by the horticulturists of the Highlands Botanical Garden, the live plant auction will be an excellent opportunity both to acquire plants for your garden and support the operations and maintenance of the Botanical Garden.
Tickets are $40 for members of the Highlands Biological Foundation and $50 for non-members, or you can participate in only Friday night’s activities for $25. Your ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer, garden tours, live music, and a seat during the lecture on Friday night. On Saturday your ticket includes lunch and a wildflower walk. For more information, call (828) 526-2221 or visit highlandsbiological.org/wildflower-whimsy. The Highlands Biological Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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