A week of events to celebrate Juneteenth. Plus, a new rom-doc’s premiere episode set in Asheville; and a Blue Ridge Heritage festival.

A week of events to celebrate Juneteenth. Plus, a new rom-doc’s premiere episode set in Asheville; and a Blue Ridge Heritage festival.
Adding a little wild to your yard adds benefits far beyond aesthetic. Diverse, native plants feed area’s biodiversity and help combat ecological threats.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community to meet several of its goals with one carefully crafted development project.”
The native pawpaw tree plays an important role in this region’s ecology, attracting pollinators with its strong-smelling fruits, says Heather Rayburn, a staff member at the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. Rayburn will lead a discussion on the pawpaw and other native plants at the garden’s monthly book club on June 21.
Film and the written word take center stage this weekend, along with adorable pets, hearty plants and community radio. While you’re here, check out Clubland for a complete schedule of local music. And, as always, feel free to share more budget-friendly events in the comments section below.
Photographs of early spring wildflowers at the Asheville Botanical Gardens. Photos by Jonathan Welch