In the garden

Ladies' night out

Dirt under the fingernails is a merit badge in the world of gardening, but sometimes ladies need a little pampering after a long day of planting. Whether you prefer lush flowers or practical veggies, The Painters Greenhouse in Old Fort has a solution for tired feet and dirty hands.

Painters Greenhouse will host a Ladies' Night on Tuesday, June 11, from 5-8 p.m. Gals can enjoy herbal foot soaks, facial and hand treatments, chair massages and appetizers made with the greenhouse's herbs. 

An auction and raffle for homemade herbal products will give guests a chance to enjoy the greenhouse's offerings at home.

The entrance fee benefits Old Fort Elementary's naturalized playground and community garden project, with the goal of "encouraging proper nutrition and a more active lifestyle for local children." Sip wine and enjoy soothing music while experiencing the greenhouse's landscaped gardens, plants and flowers. $20 donation. Registration requested by June 5. Info: http://www.paintersgreenhouse.com.

Twilight farmers market

Tailgate markets are often early morning affairs, which isn't always convenient for gardeners who want to water and weed while the day is fresh. The Evening Harvest Farmers Market in Hayesville flips this model with a sunset market on Thursdays from 4-8 p.m.

The market will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, June 6, with a series of special events that make it "more than a farmers market." The tailgate describes itself as a "town event," but out-of-towners are welcome to join in with locals. Hayesville is a bit of a drive from the Asheville area, but the opening festivities make it worth the trip.

The WJUL Remote and Tractor Club will greet the public with a farm equipment and tractor display.

Cooking demonstrations will give visitors a taste of what the market has to offer and The Harmed Brothers will provide Americana music starting at 6 p.m. Produce, honey, cheese, meat, bread, pies and pickles are just a few of the farm-fresh goods that will be for sale.

Visit Hayesville historic jail and museum, stroll through the town square and enjoy boating, fishing and mountain biking for an afternoon of small town fun before the market starts downtown at 4 p.m. Free. Info: http://eveningharvestmarket.com.

Plants of the Southern wilds

The Southern Appalachian Mountains are one of the most species-rich regions in the country. As the mountain laurel reveal their delicate blossoms and the rhododendrons make their showy display, our thoughts turn to the wildflowers that make WNC such a remarkable place.

Botanist Tim Spira will explore the relationships between wildflowers and their plant communities at The Men's Garden Club of Asheville's meeting on Tuesday, June 4. Spira is the author of several books, including his award-winning guide Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont. He will celebrate the region's "multi-layered tapestry of plant life," with a special focus on native wildflowers and rich cove forests.

The Men's Garden Club of Asheville meets monthly at the First Baptist Church of Asheville. A lunch is offered at 11:45 a.m. and the free presentation begins at 12:40 p.m. Lunch reservations are required by May 30, although no reservations are required for the talk. $12 lunch; meeting free. Info: 329-8577.