Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County

Events

Saturday Seminar: Making and Using Compost at Home, September 22

Saturday Seminar presents:
Making and Using Compost at Home 

Saturday, September 22, 2018
10 a.m. to noon

Compost site at Extension office_by JDeutsch_BCEMGV
Compost site at Extension office

NC Cooperative Extension
Buncombe County Center
49 Mt. Carmel Road
Asheville, NC

Presenter: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer

Decomposition is at least as old as soil itself. The modern practice of composting is little more than speeding up and intensifying natural processes of biological decomposition of organic wastes—something gardeners and individuals can do at home.

In his presentation, Phil discusses simple methods to compost yard, garden, and food materials. He defines compost and the “six rules of rot,” including the importance of a critical mass of materials, particle size, carbon and nitrogen sources, moisture, and oxygen. Phil explains active versus passive compost methods and highlights worm composting (or vermiculture) of kitchen scraps. By the end of the seminar, you’ll understand the benefits of using compost in the garden, the use of compost teas, and compost troubleshooting. You’re ready to make compost at home!

Join Phil for a tour of the compost site at the Extension office following the presentation, weather permitting.

The seminar is free but registration is requested. Please register by calling 828-255-5522.

Lecture: Fall Lawn Care, September 20

Gardening in the Mountains presents:
Fall Lawn Care 

Well-maintained lawn

Thursday, September 20, 2018
10 a.m. to noon

NC Cooperative Extension
Buncombe County Center
49 Mt. Carmel Road
Asheville, NC

Presenters: Alison Arnold, Extension Agent, Agriculture-Consumer Horticulture, and Diane Almond, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer

As we move from summer into fall, lots of questions about lawn care arise with the change of seasons.  What are the basic principles of fall lawn care?  What does a healthy lawn look like? How can a homeowner reduce the costs and maintenance requirements of a lawn? Are there good alternatives to traditional lawns?  Alison and Diane will answer these and other questions.

Lawns serve a number of purposes in the landscape—to set off a perennial border, connect different areas of the garden, or provide space for pets and people to play.  But a healthy, attractive lawn requires care.  In their talk, Alison and Diane cover the basics of good lawn care.  They discuss the personal, financial, and environmental impact of lawn maintenance.  And they introduce creative ideas and explore alternatives to traditional lawns as ways to reduce maintenance, lower costs, and be environmentally friendly.

Come learn all about fall lawn care and how to make positive changes in your lawn and landscape. 

The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required by calling 828-255-5522.

NC Mountain State Fair Coming Soon: Flower Show Registration Deadline, August 24

The 2018 NC Mountain State Fair opens at the NC Agricultural Center in a just few weeks! From September 7–16, it’s the place to spend the last few days of summer and enjoy agricultural competitions, 4-H projects, rides, live performances, funnel cakes, and—of course—the Flower Shows.

2018 NC Mountain State Fair
2018 NC Mountain State Fair

The Flower Shows feature hundreds of entries from both adults and children in over 170 horticultural classes and approximately 30 design classes.

When and where
The Flower and Garden Department, located in the Expo Building, hosts two Flower Shows sponsored by the Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County. The first show will be judged and available for viewing beginning Friday, September 7 at 9 a.m. The second show will be judged and ready for viewing on Wednesday, September 12 at 3 p.m. until Fair closing on September 16.

Register online
The registration deadline to enter the Flower Shows is August 24. All registrations must be completed online.

Click here for instructions on how to register, details for exhibit classes, and rules for Division I, Department M—Flower and Garden.

First time Flower Show entrants who miss the deadline for entering online should see the Superintendent upon arrival to be able to enter the show. 

2018 Flower Show Educational Exhibit
2018 Flower Show Educational Exhibit

See, ask, and learn
In addition to the competitive entries, the Flower and Garden Department will include educational exhibits by the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society and Extension Master Gardener volunteers. Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand during the Fair to answer questions about the show and general gardening.

Enter the Flower Shows, then come out to enjoy the Fair. You’ll see lots of beautiful flowers and have plenty of fun. Who knows . . . you may even win a prize!

Article written by Barbara Hayes, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer.

Contact Us

Buncombe County Extension Office
49 Mount Carmel Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Helpline 828-255-5522

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