Spartanburg Events Calendar

Find Spartanburg events and things to do, including concerts, art walks, sporting events and nightlife entertainment. Be sure to also check out our outdoors guide for the Upstate and a listing of museums and galleries.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

April – May 2024 Apr – May 2024
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Friday, April 19, 2024
Learn + Grow ADULT + CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Apr 19 all-day
NC Arboretum

Plants Connect Us in Place

Throughout Southern Appalachia this month, the first spring ephemerals — floral harbingers of the colorful season to come — begin their journey toward the light. Trillium, Trout Lily, Bloodroot, Dicentra: All appear the most delicate of flowers, yet they are mighty enough to push through heavy layers of damp leaf duff to reach the sun’s rays. Usher in the brightening days like these first flowers with courses that extend the Arboretum’s mission to connect people with plants and learn more about what roots us in our special place in nature.

Eco Gardening: Principles in Practice | In Person Version – ONSITE, Three Sessions: Wednesdays, March 6, 20 & April 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Or  Asynchronous Version – Open March 6 through May 31.

Emergence: Spring Wildflower Walk | ONSITE | Saturday, March 9, 1 – 3 p.m. or Saturday, March 16, 1 – 3 p.m.

Lifelong Gardening | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Free! Lunch & Learn: Previewing the Cullowhee Native Plants Conference | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Native Plants for the Vegetable Garden | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Botany Basics | In Person Version – ONSITE, Six Sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 19 – April 4, 1 – 3 p.m. Or Asynchronous Version – Open April 4 through June 30.

Soil Health Check Up | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 27, 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Free! Arboretum Reads Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy | ONSITE | Two Sessions: Thursday, April 4 & 18, 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Registration is also open for our signature plant-based core classes in April. Join us for Spring Native Flora ID (field and blended field/online sections), Spring Native Tree ID (online, field and intensive versions). Plan ahead in April to learn about exotics at the Orchid Festival, April 12 – 14, held at the Arboretum, then return to learn about our native azaleas at the Native Azalea Day, April 27. 
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Categories: Education Garden Garden Events
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Garden Market
Apr 20 all-day
Simpsonville Rotary

Simpsonville Garden Club’s annual plant and garden market will be at the Simpsonville Rotary on April 20th, 9am-3pm. There will be plants of all types, garden art, dried flower art, crafts, and much more. The event is free.

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Categories: Garden Events
Monday, April 22, 2024
Learn + Grow ADULT + CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Apr 22 all-day
NC Arboretum

Plants Connect Us in Place

Throughout Southern Appalachia this month, the first spring ephemerals — floral harbingers of the colorful season to come — begin their journey toward the light. Trillium, Trout Lily, Bloodroot, Dicentra: All appear the most delicate of flowers, yet they are mighty enough to push through heavy layers of damp leaf duff to reach the sun’s rays. Usher in the brightening days like these first flowers with courses that extend the Arboretum’s mission to connect people with plants and learn more about what roots us in our special place in nature.

Eco Gardening: Principles in Practice | In Person Version – ONSITE, Three Sessions: Wednesdays, March 6, 20 & April 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Or  Asynchronous Version – Open March 6 through May 31.

Emergence: Spring Wildflower Walk | ONSITE | Saturday, March 9, 1 – 3 p.m. or Saturday, March 16, 1 – 3 p.m.

Lifelong Gardening | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Free! Lunch & Learn: Previewing the Cullowhee Native Plants Conference | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Native Plants for the Vegetable Garden | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Botany Basics | In Person Version – ONSITE, Six Sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 19 – April 4, 1 – 3 p.m. Or Asynchronous Version – Open April 4 through June 30.

Soil Health Check Up | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 27, 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Free! Arboretum Reads Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy | ONSITE | Two Sessions: Thursday, April 4 & 18, 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Registration is also open for our signature plant-based core classes in April. Join us for Spring Native Flora ID (field and blended field/online sections), Spring Native Tree ID (online, field and intensive versions). Plan ahead in April to learn about exotics at the Orchid Festival, April 12 – 14, held at the Arboretum, then return to learn about our native azaleas at the Native Azalea Day, April 27. 
Read more
Categories: Education Garden Garden Events
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Volunteer: Tuesdays in the Garden
Apr 23 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Sullivan Street Farm

All farm volunteer hours will be held at our Sullivan Street Farm location (15 Bolt Street, Greenville, SC, 29605, look for a white and grey pavilion-like building and metal garden beds, the yellow X on the map below denotes the location where we’ll meet before getting started on tasks).

Help with greenhouse tasks such as seeding, potting up transplants, labeling/organizing plant trays. Help with urban farm tasks such as weeding, mulching, composting/fertilizing, seeding, transplanting, harvesting.

This work will take place outdoors so you should dress accordingly (layers are always a good idea) in something you don’t mind getting dirty. Closed toe shoes are required. Items like sunscreen and/or hats are helpful. Please bring a water bottle and feel free to bring snacks if you’d like.

**PLEASE NOTE: These volunteer shifts require physical labor that involves activities such as bending, lifting, and standing for long periods of time. We also may use tools such as drills, hammers, shovels, wheelbarrows, etc. Please be prepared to work hard and have some fun!**

**PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept volunteers aged 12 or younger. Additionally, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian or supervising adult.**

Read more
Categories: Garden Garden Events Volunteers
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Learn + Grow ADULT + CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Apr 24 all-day
NC Arboretum

Plants Connect Us in Place

Throughout Southern Appalachia this month, the first spring ephemerals — floral harbingers of the colorful season to come — begin their journey toward the light. Trillium, Trout Lily, Bloodroot, Dicentra: All appear the most delicate of flowers, yet they are mighty enough to push through heavy layers of damp leaf duff to reach the sun’s rays. Usher in the brightening days like these first flowers with courses that extend the Arboretum’s mission to connect people with plants and learn more about what roots us in our special place in nature.

Eco Gardening: Principles in Practice | In Person Version – ONSITE, Three Sessions: Wednesdays, March 6, 20 & April 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Or  Asynchronous Version – Open March 6 through May 31.

Emergence: Spring Wildflower Walk | ONSITE | Saturday, March 9, 1 – 3 p.m. or Saturday, March 16, 1 – 3 p.m.

Lifelong Gardening | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Free! Lunch & Learn: Previewing the Cullowhee Native Plants Conference | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Native Plants for the Vegetable Garden | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Botany Basics | In Person Version – ONSITE, Six Sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 19 – April 4, 1 – 3 p.m. Or Asynchronous Version – Open April 4 through June 30.

Soil Health Check Up | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 27, 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Free! Arboretum Reads Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy | ONSITE | Two Sessions: Thursday, April 4 & 18, 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Registration is also open for our signature plant-based core classes in April. Join us for Spring Native Flora ID (field and blended field/online sections), Spring Native Tree ID (online, field and intensive versions). Plan ahead in April to learn about exotics at the Orchid Festival, April 12 – 14, held at the Arboretum, then return to learn about our native azaleas at the Native Azalea Day, April 27. 
Read more
Categories: Education Garden Garden Events
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Learn + Grow ADULT + CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Apr 25 all-day
NC Arboretum

Plants Connect Us in Place

Throughout Southern Appalachia this month, the first spring ephemerals — floral harbingers of the colorful season to come — begin their journey toward the light. Trillium, Trout Lily, Bloodroot, Dicentra: All appear the most delicate of flowers, yet they are mighty enough to push through heavy layers of damp leaf duff to reach the sun’s rays. Usher in the brightening days like these first flowers with courses that extend the Arboretum’s mission to connect people with plants and learn more about what roots us in our special place in nature.

Eco Gardening: Principles in Practice | In Person Version – ONSITE, Three Sessions: Wednesdays, March 6, 20 & April 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Or  Asynchronous Version – Open March 6 through May 31.

Emergence: Spring Wildflower Walk | ONSITE | Saturday, March 9, 1 – 3 p.m. or Saturday, March 16, 1 – 3 p.m.

Lifelong Gardening | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Free! Lunch & Learn: Previewing the Cullowhee Native Plants Conference | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Native Plants for the Vegetable Garden | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Botany Basics | In Person Version – ONSITE, Six Sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 19 – April 4, 1 – 3 p.m. Or Asynchronous Version – Open April 4 through June 30.

Soil Health Check Up | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 27, 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Free! Arboretum Reads Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy | ONSITE | Two Sessions: Thursday, April 4 & 18, 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Registration is also open for our signature plant-based core classes in April. Join us for Spring Native Flora ID (field and blended field/online sections), Spring Native Tree ID (online, field and intensive versions). Plan ahead in April to learn about exotics at the Orchid Festival, April 12 – 14, held at the Arboretum, then return to learn about our native azaleas at the Native Azalea Day, April 27. 
Read more
Categories: Education Garden Garden Events
Spring Plant Sale
Apr 25 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

BULLINGTON GARDENS Plant sale

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Categories: Garden Events
Friday, April 26, 2024
Buncombe County Master Gardener Plant Clinic @ Herb Festival
Apr 26 – Apr 27 all-day
WNC Agricultural Center  

Plant Clinic is returning to the WNC Herb Festival after a Covid hiatus of 4 years. This is always a lively and popular event for gardeners and EMG volunteers.

Plant Clinic is returning to the WNC Herb Festival after a Covid hiatus of 4 years. This is always a lively and popular event for gardeners and EMG volunteers.
Our table will be located at the entrance hall to the Davis Event Center at the Ag Center. The Ag Center is located across the highway from the Asheville Airport. A link to an Ag Center map and directions can be found at

Just bring your enthusiasm, curiosity and questions. Extension Master Gardeners will be

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Categories: Garden Garden Events
Learn + Grow ADULT + CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Apr 26 all-day
NC Arboretum

Plants Connect Us in Place

Throughout Southern Appalachia this month, the first spring ephemerals — floral harbingers of the colorful season to come — begin their journey toward the light. Trillium, Trout Lily, Bloodroot, Dicentra: All appear the most delicate of flowers, yet they are mighty enough to push through heavy layers of damp leaf duff to reach the sun’s rays. Usher in the brightening days like these first flowers with courses that extend the Arboretum’s mission to connect people with plants and learn more about what roots us in our special place in nature.

Eco Gardening: Principles in Practice | In Person Version – ONSITE, Three Sessions: Wednesdays, March 6, 20 & April 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Or  Asynchronous Version – Open March 6 through May 31.

Emergence: Spring Wildflower Walk | ONSITE | Saturday, March 9, 1 – 3 p.m. or Saturday, March 16, 1 – 3 p.m.

Lifelong Gardening | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Free! Lunch & Learn: Previewing the Cullowhee Native Plants Conference | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Native Plants for the Vegetable Garden | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Botany Basics | In Person Version – ONSITE, Six Sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 19 – April 4, 1 – 3 p.m. Or Asynchronous Version – Open April 4 through June 30.

Soil Health Check Up | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 27, 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Free! Arboretum Reads Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy | ONSITE | Two Sessions: Thursday, April 4 & 18, 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Registration is also open for our signature plant-based core classes in April. Join us for Spring Native Flora ID (field and blended field/online sections), Spring Native Tree ID (online, field and intensive versions). Plan ahead in April to learn about exotics at the Orchid Festival, April 12 – 14, held at the Arboretum, then return to learn about our native azaleas at the Native Azalea Day, April 27. 
Read more
Categories: Education Garden Garden Events
South Carolina Orchid Show and Sale
Apr 26 – Apr 28 all-day
Garden Council of Greater Columbia Building

COLUMBIA, SC: April 26th- 28th, 2024: The South Carolina Orchid Society is proud to announce the
2024 South Carolina Orchid Show and Sale held at the Garden Council of Greater Columbia Building at 1605 Park Circle in Downtown Columbia, SC- near USC! The show will feature thousands of blooming orchids, presented by societies and growers from all over the Southeast. We have hundreds of participants – and more than a dozen accredited judges attending to make sure that we have the very best on display! This is an American Orchid Society accredited show with cash prizes and national awards given to the best plants and displays. And best of all- admission the show is FREE for all to attend!

In addition- we will have many other special attractions and offers for our guests:
• We will have multiple vendors at the show selling their wares: We have 3 orchid growers from the Carolina’s- and sculptors and jewelry designers- all that are highlighting the beauty of orchids!
• The show will have open classes on Saturday 4/27 and Sunday 4/28 at Noon and 2 PM each day. These are focused on basic orchid care and three of the most common orchids that people keep at home.
• We are providing “Re-Pot on the Spot” where you can bring in your orchid that might need a new pot- or some basic clean up and care and for a small donation we will repot your plant- help make sure it is in the best shape possible and give you advice or care information to take home!
• We will have special exhibits from the Ikebana Society of beautiful Japanese floral arrangements.
• We have fantastic raffles for orchids- supplies and blooming plants that you can win!
• And we have our “Education Stations” set up this year so that you can learn about the incredible diversity of orchid plants and see which one might be best for you to add to your home!

Orchids are THE most popular houseplant in the world and in the US. You can find them anywhere you look- and your audience wants to know HOW to grow them- WHERE to buy them- and WHO can help them! The South Carolina Orchid Society can help with all of that- and this show is the best way to get started! We want people to walk aways knowing that they CAN grown orchids at home!!

SHOW INFORMATION:
The 2024 South Carolina Orchid Show and Sale
Garden Council of Greater Columbia Building: 1605 Park Circle, Columbia, SC 29201
(Corner of Pickens and Blossom Streets- downtown Columbia, near USC)
• Friday April 26th: 1 PM – 6 PM
• Saturday April 27th: 11 AM – 6 PM
o Classes: “How to Care for Orchids in your Home” at noon with Master Grower Gene Crocker and at 2 PM- “Dendrobium Orchids” with Linda Thorne of Seagrove Orchids
• Sunday April 28th: 11 AM – 4 PM
o Classes: “Tropical Ladyslipper Orchids” at noon with Bridget Uzar from Carter and Holmes Orchids and at 2 PM- “Cattleya Orchids” with Mark Reinke of Marble Branch Farms.

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Categories: Garden Events
Spring Plant Sale
Apr 26 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

BULLINGTON GARDENS Plant sale

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Categories: Garden Events
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Spring Plant Sale
Apr 27 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

BULLINGTON GARDENS Plant sale

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Categories: Garden Events
Monday, April 29, 2024
Learn + Grow ADULT + CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Apr 29 all-day
NC Arboretum

Plants Connect Us in Place

Throughout Southern Appalachia this month, the first spring ephemerals — floral harbingers of the colorful season to come — begin their journey toward the light. Trillium, Trout Lily, Bloodroot, Dicentra: All appear the most delicate of flowers, yet they are mighty enough to push through heavy layers of damp leaf duff to reach the sun’s rays. Usher in the brightening days like these first flowers with courses that extend the Arboretum’s mission to connect people with plants and learn more about what roots us in our special place in nature.

Eco Gardening: Principles in Practice | In Person Version – ONSITE, Three Sessions: Wednesdays, March 6, 20 & April 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Or  Asynchronous Version – Open March 6 through May 31.

Emergence: Spring Wildflower Walk | ONSITE | Saturday, March 9, 1 – 3 p.m. or Saturday, March 16, 1 – 3 p.m.

Lifelong Gardening | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Free! Lunch & Learn: Previewing the Cullowhee Native Plants Conference | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Native Plants for the Vegetable Garden | ONSITE | Thursday, March 14, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Botany Basics | In Person Version – ONSITE, Six Sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 19 – April 4, 1 – 3 p.m. Or Asynchronous Version – Open April 4 through June 30.

Soil Health Check Up | ONSITE | Wednesday, March 27, 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Free! Arboretum Reads Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy | ONSITE | Two Sessions: Thursday, April 4 & 18, 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Registration is also open for our signature plant-based core classes in April. Join us for Spring Native Flora ID (field and blended field/online sections), Spring Native Tree ID (online, field and intensive versions). Plan ahead in April to learn about exotics at the Orchid Festival, April 12 – 14, held at the Arboretum, then return to learn about our native azaleas at the Native Azalea Day, April 27. 
Read more
Categories: Education Garden Garden Events
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Volunteer: Tuesdays in the Garden
Apr 30 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Sullivan Street Farm

All farm volunteer hours will be held at our Sullivan Street Farm location (15 Bolt Street, Greenville, SC, 29605, look for a white and grey pavilion-like building and metal garden beds, the yellow X on the map below denotes the location where we’ll meet before getting started on tasks).

Help with greenhouse tasks such as seeding, potting up transplants, labeling/organizing plant trays. Help with urban farm tasks such as weeding, mulching, composting/fertilizing, seeding, transplanting, harvesting.

This work will take place outdoors so you should dress accordingly (layers are always a good idea) in something you don’t mind getting dirty. Closed toe shoes are required. Items like sunscreen and/or hats are helpful. Please bring a water bottle and feel free to bring snacks if you’d like.

**PLEASE NOTE: These volunteer shifts require physical labor that involves activities such as bending, lifting, and standing for long periods of time. We also may use tools such as drills, hammers, shovels, wheelbarrows, etc. Please be prepared to work hard and have some fun!**

**PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept volunteers aged 12 or younger. Additionally, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian or supervising adult.**

Read more
Categories: Garden Garden Events Volunteers
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
2024 Fairy Door Sponsor
May 1 – Aug 31 all-day
Bullington Gardens

Last year, our fairy gardens attracted almost 9,000 visitors between June and August 2023. We see this as an opportunity to highlight Bullington’s circle of contributors through the sponsorship of a fairy door. The handcrafted doors will have the sponsor’s name, will be opened by guests to reveal a hidden message, and will be given to the sponsors when they are taken down after the summer.

Here are just a few statistics about the 2023 Fairy trail and sponsors from last year:

  • Visitors – Local visitors (from a 50-mile radius) numbered 2,647. Total visitors: over 8,700 from 18 countries, 41 different states, and D.C., 138 cities in N.C., 52 cities in S.C.

  • Appeared on WLOS and over 15 print publications.

  • Appeared in over a hundred social media posts (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.)

  • Acknowledgement of sponsors were printed on 1350 of the Woodland Gazettes that were given out to children as they visited.

  • Sponsors were highlighted in our Friends of Bullington newsletter.

The dates of the fairy garden will run from June 1, 2024, through August 31, 2024. Please consider being one of our ‘Sponsors with Heart’ by purchasing a fairy door. We need to hear from you no later than April 15, 2024, so we can customize your door and message in time for the grand opening of our Fairy Gardens kickoff.

Fairy Door Sponsor Information:

Thank you for supporting Bullington Gardens, and sharing our passion for providing WNC with magical public gardens aimed to connect to the natural world and provide science-based education.

Dates: June 1- August 31, 2024

Location: Bullington Gardens Fairy Trail, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792

Sponsor Benefits $350

  • Business or name listed on a medium (approx.) 12” fairy house doors. (You can help our artist to design if ordered early enough)

  • Recognition of sponsorship in Bullington Board newsletter.

  • Acknowledgment on the Bullington Gardens social media pages.

  • Sponsor logo and link on the Bullington Gardens website for 90 days

  • Donation is tax-deductible.

Invoices and tax-deductible receipts will be sent from Bullington Gardens, Inc. Please send payment and the form below by April 15, 2024. For any questions, please contact Annie Higgins at [email protected] or call (828) 698-6104

Sponsor a door here.

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Categories: Business & Networking Business and Networking Community Garden Events
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Ephemerals, Mosses, + Ferns
May 2 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Henderson County Extension Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show Steve Pettis will discuss the many flowers that grow in the Spring time in the forests of Western North Carolina. He will discuss some of the most common spring ephemeral plants’ biology, their pollinators and some of the interesting history of these special plants as well as mosses and ferns.

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Categories: Garden Garden Events
Ephemerals, Mosses, + Ferns
May 2 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Want to learn more about mosses and ferns? What are the most common spring ephemeral plants?, their pollinators and some of the interesting history of these special plants. Henderson County Extension Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show Steve Pettis will discuss the many flowers that grow in the Spring time in the forests of Western North Carolina.

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Categories: Community Education Garden Garden Events Workshops
Twilight in the Garden
May 2 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve

Our Upstate’s Premier Garden Party! We look forward to this year’s signature fundraising event with an elegant, celebrated garden party including cocktails, an irresistible gourmet dinner by Cribbs Catering. Plus you can bid on the finest selection of both live and silent auction items from local artisans, shops, and individuals and the most fun trips around!

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Categories: Fundraisers Garden Garden Events
Saturday, May 4, 2024
In Time for Mother’s Day: DIY Self-Care Products
May 4 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Looking for a chance to celebrate mom and make her a unique gift?  Or are you wanting to learn a new skill?  In this fun introductory class led by Judy Peacock, you will learn to make your own herbal self-care products including an oatmeal rose honey scrub, a rose clay mask, and herbal tea blend. It’s the perfect way to spend time with mom, or make something for yourself.  Each participant will take home a honey scrub, a clay mask blend, and an herbal tranquil tea blend.

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Categories: Garden Events Health & Wellness Holiday
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden
May 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a challenging and rewarding horticultural activity, in which ordinary plants are grown in an extraordinary way. Through rigorously applied cultivation techniques, trees, shrubs, vines and even herbaceous plants are kept in a miniaturized state, developed into artistic shapes and then displayed in special containers.

What makes the Arboretum’s bonsai endeavor unique among all other public collections in the United States? Regional Interpretation. Visitors will find the Arboretum’s bonsai collection of more than 100 specimens carefully cultivated with a Southern Appalachian accent. The collection draws inspiration from the traditional roots of bonsai, but takes the form of a contemporary, Southern Appalachian influenced American garden. Plantings in the landscape include species and cultivars of American, European and Asian origin.

 

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Established in October 2005, The North Carolina Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a world renowned garden that displays up to 50 bonsai specimens at a time. Represented are traditional Asian bonsai subjects such as Japanese maple and Chinese elm, tropical plants such as willow-leaf fig and bougainvillea, and American species such as bald cypress and limber pine. Of particular importance are the plants native to the Blue Ridge region, such as American hornbeam and eastern white pine, which enable the Arboretum to bring the thousand-year tradition of bonsai home to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Interpretive signage throughout the garden conveys information about the art and history of bonsai, and the Arboretum’s own creative approach to it.

 

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

  • Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
  • Garden Open Year Round
  • Parking Fees
    • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
    • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
    • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
    • Members: Free

    Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

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Categories: Family Fun Garden Garden Events Outdoors