Home, Garden & Nature
May
Tuesday May 16 2:00-4:00
Starting Your Plants Off Right
Selecting the right plants, knowing how to plant properly, and good site preparation will go a long way to ensuring gardening success. Whether you want to plant broccoli, blueberries or boxwoods, we will talk about some key concepts that will help your plants get off to a good start and will help you avoid problems down the road.
Location: CLE Lecture Hall
Presenter: Laura Ney is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent Athens Clarke County. She has been in the Athens Area off and on for almost 15 years. After completing her bachelor’s in Horticulture, from UGA, with certificates in organic and international agriculture, Laura worked as an educator and farm manager at the University of Georgia’s Costa Rica campus. She returned to Athens, where she earned her PhD, focusing on soil health and nutrient cycling. She now works with the University of Georgia and Clarke County to provide support and education to producers and homeowners, in the topics of sustainable management, food production and landscaping.
Wednesday May 17 10:00-12:00
The Placemakers Academy of Garden Design: A Three Part Series in Home Landscape Design
Part 1: Set Yourself Up For Garden Success!
Do you envision beautiful gardens and wonder how to bring them to life? This course will guide you toward developing the ability to observe, map, and analyze a site like a professional landscape designer, which, of course, starts with a foundation in botany, horticulture, and soil science. By the end of Part 1 of this series, you will have the expertise to choose the right plant for the right place and the ability to co-create with nature and employ regenerative design techniques. (See Part 2 & 3 Course Descriptions further down)
Location: CLE Lecture Hall
Presenter: Mary Palmer Dargan RLA, APLD. With over 45 years experience designing home environments from coast to coast, Mary Palmer has honed her unique design philosophy. Her process is a synthesis of form and function, style and eco-awareness, with deep roots in her English and Celtic heritage.
Assistant instructor: Arielle McIntyre PDC, APLD is inspired by the intersection of art, ritual, food, and regenerative garden design. Since 2019, Arielle has been shadowing Mary Palmer learning and designing curriculum around her design process from a beginner’s perspective.
Monday May 22 9:00-12:00
Botanical EcoTour: Spring Wildflowers at the Headwaters of the Chattooga
Springtime in Appalachia is filled with flowers, and this is one of the best spots for viewing them. Join Trip Leader Adam Bigelow for a slow, gentle walk looking at Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers, hearing their stories, and learning interesting facts about them.
Meeting time and location will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the program date. Be prepared to hike in light rain. In the event of severe weather, the backup date is Tuesday, May 23, 9:00-12:00
Leader: Adam Bigelow is a Horticulturist and the owner of Bigelow's Botanical Excursions, an Ecotourism business offering guided, interpretive walks with a focus on the Native Wildflowers and Plants of the Southern Appalachian bioregion. Adam has been studying and working with plants for over twenty years, and is the Garden Manager for the Cullowhee Community Garden, a donation based organic community garden supported by the Jackson County Health Department.
Wednesday May 31 2:00-4:00
The Placemakers Academy of Garden Design: A Three Part Series in Home Landscape Design
Part 2: Bring Your Garden Design To Life!
This course will give you the context of western garden history and classical design philosophy, a working understanding of art elements and design principles, and a ‘Master Plan’ to share, including a raw, built, living map, and plant list. By the end of Part 2 of this series, you will have the knowledge and tools to implement and bring your design to life!
Location: CLE Lecture Hall
Presenter: Mary Palmer Dargan RLA, APLD. With over 45 years experience designing home environments from coast to coast, Mary Palmer has honed her unique design philosophy. Her process is a synthesis of form and function, style and eco-awareness, with deep roots in her English and Celtic heritage.
Assistant instructor: Arielle McIntyre PDC, APLD is inspired by the intersection of art, ritual, food, and regenerative garden design. Since 2019, Arielle has been shadowing Mary Palmer learning and designing curriculum around her design process from a beginner’s perspective.
June
Wednesday June 7 10:00-12:00
The Placemakers Academy of Garden Design: A Three Part Series in Home Landscape Design
Part 3: Stump the Experts!
Need solutions for your landscape design conundrums? Send four photographs of your garden design problem areas. Quick solutions and insights for all your garden woes are shared with the class. Attendance is strictly limited in order to spend enough time on each project, so preference is given to students who have attended the first two sections of this course.
Location: CLE Lecture Hall
Presenter: Mary Palmer Dargan RLA, APLD. With over 45 years experience designing home environments from coast to coast, Mary Palmer has honed her unique design philosophy. Her process is a synthesis of form and function, style and eco-awareness, with deep roots in her English and Celtic heritage.
Assistant instructor: Arielle McIntyre PDC, APLD is inspired by the intersection of art, ritual, food, and regenerative garden design. Since 2019, Arielle has been shadowing Mary Palmer learning and designing curriculum around her design process from a beginner’s perspective.
Thursday June 15 10:00-12:00
Native Plants to Benefit Your Vegetable Garden
Native plants benefit us, our gardens, and the landscapes and ecosystems we depend on. Learn about the benefits of native plants and the harm caused by invasive plants. We will discuss how native plants can attract beneficial insects, beautify vegetable and flower gardens, and provide nutrition to the dinner plate.
Location: CLE Lecture Hall
Presenter: Adam Bigelow is a Horticulturist and the owner of Bigelow's Botanical Excursions, an Ecotourism business offering guided, interpretive walks with a focus on the Native Wildflowers and Plants of the Southern Appalachian bioregion. Adam has been studying and working with plants for over twenty years, and is the Garden Manager for the Cullowhee Community Garden, a donation based organic community garden supported by the Jackson County Health Department.
Tuesday June 20 9:00-12:00
Botanical EcoTour: Wildflowers at Panthertown Valley
Panthertown Valley is one of the most beautiful and special of places in Southern Appalachia, with many great views, waterfalls, and distinct ecosystems. Join Trip Leader Adam Bigelow for a slow, easy walk along the trail to Salt Rock overlook, where we will see many beautiful Trees, Shrubs, and Wildflowers.
Meeting time and location will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the program date. Be prepared to hike in light rain. In the event of severe weather, the backup date is Thursday, June 22, 9:00-12:00
Leader: Adam Bigelow is a Horticulturist and the owner of Bigelow's Botanical Excursions, an Ecotourism business offering guided, interpretive walks with a focus on the Native Wildflowers and Plants of the Southern Appalachian bioregion. Adam has been studying and working with plants for over twenty years, and is the Garden Manager for the Cullowhee Community Garden, a donation based organic community garden supported by the Jackson County Health Department.
Wednesday June 28 4:00-6:00
Garden Tour and Safari Cocktail Party at Fernwood
**This Event is FULL, please call 828-526-8811 to be put on a wait list. **
280’ private waterfalls are a rarity and if it’s been raining - this one really thunders! Join us for a special small group cocktail party at Fernwood, the home garden of celebrated landscape architects Hugh and Mary Palmer Dargan. Enjoy their 'Out of Africa' dining Pavilion on the banks of the Upper Horse Pasture River, a protected trout stream, right in the heart of Cashiers, NC. Hike up and cross the waterfall and explore the paths along the river or sit and meditate along the shore. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are provided to build stamina. Parking is extremely limited, so guests ride together in a coach van reserved specifically for CLE!
Transportation details are provided to registered attendees closer to the date.
Hosts: Licensed landscape architects, Hugh and Mary Palmer Dargan, ASLAs, enjoy creating custom master plans for living environments. Their designs for residential properties, museums, churches and campuses have received innumerable awards, print and TV media coverage. Now almost 40 years into honing their craft, the Dargans travel far and wide to assist in creating transformative environments. Birthing books as well as landscapes, the Dargans best-selling texts are the top transformative landscape design books of this era.
July
Thursday July 6 10:00-12:00
Medicinal Garden Tour: Cultivating Medicinal Plants in the Home Garden
Plants share their medicine with us on many levels. Their medicinal qualities support the healing of our bodies, while their beauty heals our soul. Come experience the medicinal garden of a herbalist as you bathe in the plant’s beauty; and learn of their medicine and how to identify and grow these plants in your own garden!
Location: Private Residence. Details will be provided to attendees closer to the program date.
Presenter: Connie Thompson is a Brenan Healing Science Practitioner, a non-dualistic healing practitioner, and an avid student of herbal medicine. She wildcrafts (gather's and creates) local herbs to create tinctures, teas, and other herbal medicines.
Tuesday July 11 4:00-6:00
Garden Cocktail Party and Joe Webb Cabin Tour
Enjoy libations and light fare at this unique garden cocktail party, home & workshop tour where several Joe Webb Cabins (Circa 1929) are situated. Home owners Lisa Torbett and Hamp Stevens purchased the property in 2010 from the Allen family. Ms. Torbett is, by trade, an Interior Designer. She brought her talents to bear and oversaw a complete renovation. Most of the renovation work was done by the late Tommy Chambers, who is a recognized expert on Joe Webb renovations. Every effort was made to maintain the Historic nature of the property while at the same time bring it up to today’s standards. Over the past year a barn was added to the property which will also be available to tour. Mr. Stevens is a nationally known “Mathematical Artist” and uses the barn as his workshop and studio. The landscape design which accentuates the natural contours of the property while making a conscious effort to keep the native foliage in place of the property was done with the help of Cashiers local and globally respected Landscape Architect, Mary Palmer Dargan.
Location: Private Residence. Address and further details will be provided to attendees closer to the program date. Rain backup date is Monday July 17.
Hosts: Lisa Torbett and Hamp Stevens. In 2010 Lisa Torbett and Hamp Stevens purchased the property from the Allen family. Ms. Torbett is, by trade, an Interior Designer. She brought her talents to bare and oversaw a complete renovation. The late Tommy Chambers did most of the renovation work. Mr. Chambers was a recognized expert on Joe Webb renovation. Every effort was made to maintain the Historic nature of the property while at the same time bring it up to today’s standards. Today the renovation of the main house is complete. One of the out cabins has been renovated. And now, work is progressing on the remaining two. Over the past year a barn was added to the property. Mr. Stevens is a nationally known “Mathematical Artist”. He uses the barn as his workshop and studio.
Wednesday July 12 9:00-12:00
Botanical EcoTour: Wildflowers and Plants of Brushy Face
Join Horticulturist and Native Plant Enthusiast Adam Bigelow for a slow, gentle walk in the woods of Brushy Face Preserve, one of Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s newer hiking trail networks. You will learn about the plants and wildflowers seen along the way. Adam shares stories of the plants that include natural history, ecological relationships, edible and medicinal uses, indigenous and historic connections, and more.
Meeting time and location will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the program date. Be prepared to hike in light rain. In the event of severe weather, the backup date is Thursday, July 13, 9:00-12:00
Leader: Adam Bigelow is a Horticulturist and the owner of Bigelow's Botanical Excursions, an Ecotourism business offering guided, interpretive walks with a focus on the Native Wildflowers and Plants of the Southern Appalachian bioregion. Adam has been studying and working with plants for over twenty years, and is the Garden Manager for the Cullowhee Community Garden, a donation based organic community garden supported by the Jackson County Health Department.
Wednesday July 19 10:00-12:00
Garden Tour: A Unique Woodland Garden in Highlands Falls
Frank Langford of Memphis and Highlands is an avid gardener who has created over the years a magical garden space for shade loving native plants and exposed roots from trees growing on “nurse “ trees felled decades ago. Winding trails, ponds, bridges, stones and a whimsical folly are used in making this an enchanting garden. The property is bordered on one side by a narrow mountain stream and along the woodland garden by a small branch of the Oconee River. The front garden has several large beds with Japanese Maples of several varieties and under planting of ferns and other shade loving plants. The driveway is bordered on the right by an Indian mound which is planted with native azaleas, day lilies and hostas. The back garden is sun filled with perennials and a central water feature in which a 1500 pound millstone “floats."
Location: Langford Residence. Address and further details will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the date.
August
Tuesday August 1 2:00-4:00
Tales From the Garden
Dr. Armitage will educate and entertain with his Tales From The Garden. Was there
really someone called Joe Pye? Of all the flowers in the world, why is the poppy the
flower of remembrance? What do bachelor’s buttons have to do with bachelors, and why is a dogwood called a dogwood? It has nothing to do with dogs. Enjoy stories that you can share with others, and watch them smile.
Location: CLE Lecture Hall
Presenter: Professor Emeritus of Horticulture, Armitage has written 17 books that serve as classroom texts, reference books, and gardeners’ companions. His reference book Herbaceous Perennial Plants, now in its 4th edition, was recognized as one of the best 75 books in the last 75 years. One of his most recent books, Of Naked Ladies and Forget-me-Nots, which tells the stories behind plant names, is also a best seller. His App, Armitage’s Great Garden Plants, serves industry and consumers. He has received almost every award that can be bestowed upon a horticulturist, and is also a National Champion on the tennis court.
Wednesday August 2 10:00-12:00
Great Gardens of the World
Join Dr A as he guides us through some of the world’s finest gardens. He has visited the Great Gardens of Ireland, Wales, France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Canada, toname but a few. In this short presentation, he will take us through a melange of gardens, so sit back and see the world with Dr A.
Location: CLE Lecture Hall
Presenter: Professor Emeritus of Horticulture, Armitage has written 17 books that serve as classroom texts, reference books, and gardeners’ companions. His reference book Herbaceous Perennial Plants, now in its 4th edition, was recognized as one of the best 75 books in the last 75 years. One of his most recent books, Of Naked Ladies and Forget-me-Nots, which tells the stories behind plant names, is also a best seller. His App, Armitage’s Great Garden Plants, serves industry and consumers. He has received almost every award that can be bestowed upon a horticulturist, and is also a National Champion on the tennis court.
Tuesday August 8 2:00-4:00
Plants as Medicine: Wildcrafting and Basic Herbal Medicine Making 101
Many plants and herbs can be made into simple medicines to support the health and healing of our families and communities. In this class you will receive information about all the types of herbal medicine that can be made in your kitchen; as well as instruction on how to create an herbal tincture, and how to blend an herbal tea. You will leave with a tincture or tea of your choice.
Location: CLE Lecture Hall
Presenter: Connie Thompson is a Brenan Healing Science Practitioner, a non-dualistic healing practitioner, and an avid student of herbal medicine. She wildcrafts (gather's and creates) local herbs to create tinctures, teas, and other herbal medicines.
Monday August 14 2:00-4:00
From Polar Bears to Puffins
In this presentation, Jim McClintock will speak briefly about changes to the Arctic sea ice and ice sheets driven by rapid climate change. The essence of the talk focuses on the impacts of warming and ocean acidification on key species of animals that make up one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. He will end with a message and story of hope for the future.
Location: CLE Lecture Hall
Presenter: James B. McClintock is the Endowed University Professor of Polar and Marine Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Santa Cruz (1978) and his doctoral degree from the University of South Florida (1984). In 1987, after completing a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California at Santa Cruz, he joined the faculty of the Department of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. McClintock's research focuses on aspects of marine invertebrate nutrition, reproduction, and primarily, Antarctic marine chemical ecology. Over the past decade his research has also encompassed studies of the impacts of rapid climate change and ocean acidification on Antarctic marine algae and invertebrates.
Tuesday August 15 2:00-4:00
Common Invasive Landscape Plants and Native Alternatives
Many commonly used landscaping plants can have damaging effects on the ecosystem, without us even knowing it. Join Horticulturist Adam Bigelow for a fun and informative presentation where you will learn which plants, shrubs and trees are invasive, what invasive plants mean, and the benefits of using Native Plants in your landscaping.
Location: CLE Lecture Hall
Presenter: Adam Bigelow is a Horticulturist and the owner of Bigelow's Botanical Excursions, an Ecotourism business offering guided, interpretive walks with a focus on the Native Wildflowers and Plants of the Southern Appalachian bioregion. Adam has been studying and working with plants for over twenty years, and is the Garden Manager for the Cullowhee Community Garden, a donation based organic community garden supported by the Jackson County Health Department.
Tuesday August 15 10:00-12:00
Diving Below Antarctic Ice
In this presentation, Jim McClintock will share stunning photographs of the spectacular world under the sea ice in Antarctica. The presentation focuses on the history of scientific diving in Antarctica, and a tour of the ecology of key marine organisms. Jim will features some of the research discoveries during his 15 Antarctic expeditions.
Location: CLE Lecture Hall
Presenter: James B. McClintock is the Endowed University Professor of Polar and Marine Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Santa Cruz (1978) and his doctoral degree from the University of South Florida (1984). In 1987, after completing a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California at Santa Cruz, he joined the faculty of the Department of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. McClintock's research focuses on aspects of marine invertebrate nutrition, reproduction, and primarily, Antarctic marine chemical ecology. Over the past decade his research has also encompassed studies of the impacts of rapid climate change and ocean acidification on Antarctic marine algae and invertebrates.
Monday August 21 9:00-12:00
Botanical EcoTour: Wildflowers of Dixon Woods
Join Horticulturist and Native Plant Enthusiast Adam Bigelow for a slow, gentle walk in Dixon Woods Park, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s newest hiking trail network that surrounds Dixon Pond. You will learn about the plants and wildflowers seen along the way. Adam shares stories of the plants that include natural history, ecological relationships, edible and medicinal uses, indigenous and historic connections, and more.
Meeting time and location will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the program date. Be prepared to hike in light rain. In the event of severe weather, the backup date is Thursday, August 24, 9:00-12:00
Leader: Adam Bigelow is a Horticulturist and the owner of Bigelow's Botanical Excursions, an Ecotourism business offering guided, interpretive walks with a focus on the Native Wildflowers and Plants of the Southern Appalachian bioregion. Adam has been studying and working with plants for over twenty years, and is the Garden Manager for the Cullowhee Community Garden, a donation based organic community garden supported by the Jackson County Health Department.
September
Tuesday September 5 11:00-1:00
Forest to Table Lunch
You’ve heard of Farm to Table cuisine, what about Forest to Table? This event will feature a delicious meal made almost completely from ingredients that were either grown or foraged at Many Hands Peace Farm. You will be dining under a large covered tent right in the field where your food is grown. This is a rain or shine event, please dress accordingly.
Location: Mountain Retreat and Learning Center
3872 Dillard Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
The Mountain is an ecologically-conscious retreat and learning center located on 4,200 foot high granite cliffs on the Eastern Continental Divide in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Mountain offers a unique opportunity in gratitude to the unique ecology and history of the oldest mountains in the world. Refresh your spirit in the natural beauty of these ancient mountaintops.
Monday September 11 9:00-12:00
Botanical EcoTour: Late Summer Wildflower Meadow
Just before the full flush of Fall leaf color comes on, Nature provides one last gasp of beautiful Wildflowers to enjoy before the onset of dormancy and Winter. We will visit numerous Asters, Ironweeds, Gentians, and Goldenrods as we walk at a slow and gentle pace, learning of the plants and their stories.
Meeting time and location will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the program date. Be prepared to hike in light rain. In the event of severe weather, the backup date is Wednesday, September 13, 9:00-12:00
Leader: Adam Bigelow is a Horticulturist and the owner of Bigelow's Botanical Excursions, an Ecotourism business offering guided, interpretive walks with a focus on the Native Wildflowers and Plants of the Southern Appalachian bioregion. Adam has been studying and working with plants for over twenty years, and is the Garden Manager for the Cullowhee Community Garden, a donation based organic community garden supported by the Jackson County Health Department.
October
Tuesday October 3 9:00-12:00
Botanical EcoTour: The First Hints of Fall
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Panthertown Valley is one of the most beautiful and special of places in Southern Appalachia, with many great views, waterfalls, and distinct ecosystems. We will take a slow, easy walk along the Blackrock Trail, where we will see many beautiful Trees, Shrubs, and Wildflowers.
Meeting time and location will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the program date. Be prepared to hike in light rain. In the event of severe weather, the backup date is Thursday, October 5, 9:00-12:00
Leader: Adam Bigelow is a Horticulturist and the owner of Bigelow's Botanical Excursions, an Ecotourism business offering guided, interpretive walks with a focus on the Native Wildflowers and Plants of the Southern Appalachian bioregion. Adam has been studying and working with plants for over twenty years, and is the Garden Manager for the Cullowhee Community Garden, a donation based organic community garden supported by the Jackson County Health Department.
Thursday October 19 5:00-7:00
Private Bear Shadow Viewing Cocktail Party
Don't fight the crowds at the overlook this year, this is your chance to view the Bear Shadow like never before, from the deck of a private residence offering a spectacular panorama of Whiteside Mountain and the Highland's famous Shadow of the Bear. Hors d'oeuvres, libations, and good company will make THE BEST bear shadow experience. 'Wow' your visiting friends and family with an autumn event in Highlands that they won't forget. This event sells out every year, reserve your space now.
Location: Private Residence. Address and parking details will be provided to registered attendees closer to the program date. Please plan to carpool as parking is limited.