Farm & Garden

Playing the goat Behold, the mighty dairy goat. This productive, charming animal provides the essentials for a wide variety of cheeses and milk and is known for its hilarious antics in the barnyard. Round Mountain Creamery in Black Mountain puts its more than 200 Alpine, LaMancha and Nubian dairy goats to good use, producing 12 […]

Farm & Garden

Organic demands The old economic theory of supply and demand is at the core of the organic food movement. When consumers seek out organic produce, they fuel the local food network and put money in farmers' pockets. But what if there isn't enough organic food to go around? A recent study by the Carolina Farm […]

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 […]

In the garden

Wildflowers and words Marcus Tullius Cicero once said, "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." This is especially true for Peter Loewer, aka The Wild Gardener. He will make two presentations at local libraries this spring, with a special focus on native plants and wildflowers. This Asheville-based garden expert […]

In the garden: Foraged food

Foods in the wild As gardeners till the soil, work in compost and dream of cultivating the perfect tomato, it's important to remember that edibles are growing right below our feet. Simple dandelions and prized mushrooms are gaining strength between the cracks in the sidewalk and on tree stumps in abandoned parking lots. If you're […]

In the garden

The garden's big day Earth Day has come and gone and Mother's Day is just around the corner, but who could forget National Public Gardens Day? (It’s Friday, May 10, of course.) Plant-lovers get to celebrate the beauty of our nation's botanical gardens and arboreta with free admission to public gardens throughout the country. Just […]

In the garden

Plants from the hands of babes Hall Fletcher Elementary students have been busy honing their green thumbs. They've spent months carefully tending to tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and basil, and now the public can bring their hard work home. The students will sell vegetable starts they raised themselves at a student-run farmers market Tuesday, May 7, […]

In the garden

Plant sales galore The soil is warming, trees are blooming and shoots of garlic are poking out of the ground. As gardeners don their gloves and turn the clay, there's only one thing missing: the plants themselves. Luckily, local botanical gardens, clubs and groups have plenty of plants to share. Plant sale season is upon […]

In the garden

Edible park springs to life The Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park got its start in 1998 and gained momentum as the concept of urban gardening took off. A few fruit and nut trees and a boardwalk was all it took to start one of Asheville's oldest community gardens. Today, more than 40 trees surround […]