Local eats: Most area farmers’tailgate markets are now open for the season. This is opening week for Saturday markets in Black Mountain, Brevard, Morganton and Rutherfordton, and for the Wednesday markets in Spruce Pine, Asheville and Morganton. Current local produce includes: broccoli, spinach, arugula; lettuces and other spring vegetables; eggs; pastries, specialty breads, croissants and bialys; jams and jellies; goat cheese; locally made artisan chocolates; plants and trees; shiitake mushrooms; pork cuts, ground beef and sausage; honey; and flowers. See www.AppalachianGrown.org for complete tailgate-market listings.
In the pink (and blue): The Blue Ridge Hydrangea Society will host a free lecture and its annual plant sale this Saturday, May 19. Linda Shapiro, president and founder of the society, will present a video of Eddie Aldridge’s famous hydrangea garden and discuss hardy varieties. Hundreds of hydrangeas suitable for nearly any garden will be available for purchase, and the society will hold a raffle and auction showcasing highly prized and unusual specimens. The event will be held at the North Carolina Arboretum from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.ncarboretum.org or call 665-2492.
Organic heirlooms: Reems Creek Nursery will host a free seminar with Chip Hope of Appalachian Seeds this Saturday, May 19. Appalachian Seeds specializes in heirloom tomatoes, herbs, veggies and perennials and was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award for Sustainable Agriculture in Yancey County in 2006. Learn how to create rich garden soil organically, techniques to keep your plants happy, how to produce a bountiful harvest and tips for keeping tomato blight at bay. The talk will be offered at Reems Creek Nursery in Weaverville at 10 a.m. Call 645-3937 to preregister.
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