If you are an avid gardener, you will want to check out the Hendersonville Nursery and Garden Center. Located at 1338 Asheville Highway, this garden center is just blocks north of the Hendersonville Downtown area, on Highway 25 North. I cannot imagine anything that they may not have. There are trees, bushes, and flowers all around the outside of the store. In front you will find vegetable plants and bulbs, herbs and lawn decorations. Inside there are tons of plants, fertilizers, bird feeders, gardening supplies and more. I have found that the staff is probably the most knowledgeable of any gardening center around, and I have come to rely on them this spring as I put in my garden in. It is a family owned business with husband and wife working there, and they and all the staff know their ... 05/10/2010

Hendersonville NC Events for the Week of May 9, 2010 Get your calendars out and ready to mark. This is a big week in Hendersonville NC. Here is a review of the week for you in one location. Sunday, May 9: This Sunday you will find 39 homes on the list Open for your inspection. You can find a list at the Times News online.Areas for Open Homes this week include Hendersonville, Fletcher, Flat Rock, Arden, and East Flat Rock. There are some great neighborhoods this week. This is a great way for buyers to take a peek at homes they may not have seen before. When on the Times News Website don't forget to print out the list and the map. Times will vary depending on the Realtor hosting the Open House. Some are 2-4 pm, some are 1-5. Be sure and check the times so that you will not miss the one y... 05/10/2010

Open Houses for Sunday, May 9, 2010   This Sunday you will find 39 homes on the list Open for your inspection. You can find a list at the Times News online.Areas for Open Homes this week include Hendersonville, Fletcher, Flat Rock, Arden, and East Flat Rock. There are some great neighborhoods this week. This is a great way for buyers to take a peek at homes they may not have seen before. When on the Times News Website don't forget to print out the list and the map. Times will vary depending on the Realtor hosting the Open House. Some are 2-4 pm, some are 1-5. Be sure and check the times so that you will not miss the one you want to see the most. The map will allow you to group them together, and save you gas. If you want more information on any home listed on the Open House Map, just le... 05/08/2010

Indigenus Plants of The Carolina Mountains: Carolina Allspice Sweet Shrub   I wanted to share a wonderful plant with you, one that originated from the Mountains of the Carolina's and one that I have discovered in the woods in my backyard. This plant is called Carolina Allspice, or Sweet Shrub. If you are hiking or are near woods and you find this plant, take the smell and sight in. The aroma of this flower is fantastic! And the leaves are really pretty. You can get the scent as well from rubbing the leaves. You won't want to mistake this plant for the real Allspice herb. This plant is poisonous and probably wouldn't so well around young children in a yard. But if you find it in a plant catalog, you should splurge and get one to plant near a deck or window. The smell is that good. Keep i... 05/07/2010

Not yet sure what to do this Sunday, May 9th to honor the mom in your life?  Here are a few suggestions on how to celebrate Mother's Day in Asheville: 25th Anniversary Festival of Flowers - Biltmore House, 9am.  Visit the beautiful Biltmore gardens and see the colors of Spring in all their glory.  Tickets are $60 for adults and $28 for children. Sunset Terrace Mother's Day Brunch - The Grove Park Inn & Spa, 10am-3pm.  The brunch includes an appetizer, entree and dessert.  Cost is only $30 plus tax and service charge.  To make a reservation, please call 800-438-5800. Mother's Day Grand Buffet - The Grove Park Inn & Spa's Grand Ballroom and Blue Ridge Dining Room, Grand Ballroom 11am-2:30pm, Blue Ridge Dining Room 11:30am-2:30pm.  Cost is only $36.95 plus tax and service charge.  Please c... 05/06/2010

  Hamilton's Landing is a unique community because there are not very many bodies of water in the area. This community was built around a pretty lake with a fountain in the center. Located on the west side of town it is on a really off the beaten path, and is a rare gem in a quiet neighborhood. And although you feel like you are on the outer edge of town, Hamilton's Landing is just minutes from the Downtown Hendersonville area, great dining and the Hendersonville Country Club.        Here you will find large open rooms, and almost all rooms in these Townhomes are overlooking the lake, with large decks to enjoy coffee and the paper, or a meal with a view. Currently there are two units available in Hamilton's Landing. The HOA fees are small, just $160 per month. If you would like a Perso... 05/06/2010

  I stopped in to enjoy the Cinco De Mayo Celebration at the El Paso in Hendersonville and had a fantastic lunch today. They had all kinds of specials and everyone was in a great mood. This is one of my favorites places to eat, because I know it is always going to be good, no matter what I try. Take a look at this! I love the funky ceiling and all of the decorations. And Jesus, our wait staff was fantastic. Cinco De Mayo (May Fifth) is celebrated in America as a form of National Pride for People of Mexico, but it is not celebrated much in Mexico. It's origins stem from a May 5th Battle and Victory over the French in 1862. If you haven't tried the food at El Paso, your missing out, on any day. Located at 619 Greenville Highway, just a few blocks south of Downtown Hendersonville. You can... 05/05/2010

Welcome to Plantation Walk Townhomes, just off Blythe Street in Hendersonville NC. This community has it all. Close to Pardee Hospital, Historic Downtown Hendersonville and it has all of the ameneties you could ask for. There is a Community Center, Tennis, and a Pool, and Hiking Trails. Plantation Walk was built in the mid 1980's, giving it mature landscaping. It is a beautiful place for walking and enjoying the flowers in everyone's yards. Azaleas and flowering trees are everywhere. These homes are solid and roomy. Prices are great! Right now there are five units available. Prices range from $149,900 to $174,900. They range in size from 1400 square feet to 2700 square feet. The monthly fees for maintenance and repairs is $225 per month. If you would like a Free Personalized Home Buyer ... 05/05/2010

This will be a nice day to relax in the hammock. It is sunny and warm and the birds are chirping.   05/05/2010

Marcia Casero and Jean Sitton, experts on Alzheimer's and other dementia's, will host a Series on the subject. Both lost their fathers to Alzheimer's in 1998, and have completed a degree in Gerentology, with a special focus on Alzheimer's and other dementia's. They now travel, spreading the word about the topic and how to avoid it through diet and other methods. Reported in the Hendersonville Times-News, "A baby boomer turns 65 every 17 seconds, and every 70 seconds another person is diagnosed with Alzeimer's. This is a staggering number and I was really stunned. This program will run from 10:00 to Noon at the Pardee Health Education Center at the Blue Ridge Mall in Hendersonville, starting on Saturday, May 8, 2010. The cost is $22 for the series. If you would like more information on t... 05/05/2010

Hendersonville's Public Arts Display Celebrates it's Eight Year! The Bearfootin' Bears are Back! There will be thirteen Bears gracing the sidewalks of Historic Downtown Hendersonville for the next six months. The celebration to showcase the Bears will begin on Friday May 7, 2010 with a Kick-Off Celebration in the 100 Block of North Main Street. Little known Bear Facts will be shared and sponsors and artists will be available to give their insiration and insight. These Bears will remain on display through October 23, 2010. At that time there will be an auction and the money raised by the sale will benefit Local Henderson County Charities. Whiile you are on the Hendersonville Public Arts Display website, don't forget to look at and print off the Real Fun KidzGuide and more! (found on the... 05/04/2010

Hendersonville NC Preservation Week Day Seven   On Sunday, May 16, 2010 our last day of the Preservation Week Schedule gives you a at some of our nicest Historic gems. Check the Local Hendersonville Paper for a list of Open Houses. On this day Open Houses will focus on those homes in Historic Districts. Bring your walking shoes and plan on seeing some great homes. This is your big chance to see some really unique homes in style and archetecture. Hendersonville has a wide variety of styles and you are sure to like a lot of them if you are interested in older homes. If you would like more information on the Historic Preservation Commission you can visit their website and learn about what goes into the designation of an Historic Home. Happy Looking! 05/03/2010

Hendersonville NC Preservation Week Day Six   On Saturday, May 15, 2010 Day Six will be a free workshop for those wishing to learn how to repair or restore windows in older homes. Find out how to preserve older windows and improve energy efficiency. We can all make use of this information. This workshop will he held at 305 Williams Street in Hendersonville from 9:00am until noon. Be there early!   05/03/2010

Hendersonville NC Preservation Week Day Five On Friday, May 14, 2010 there will be a Guided tour of Oakdale Cemetery. Weave among the graves and learn some history of Hendersonville, local characters and scandals in this land purchased in 1885 by the city. These tours will begin at 11:00am and end at 7:00pm. Meet at the round house on the south side of the cemetery to start the tour. You can pick up tickets ($3.00) and information in advance at the Hendersonville Visitors Center, located at 201 South Main Street in Historic Downtown Hendersonville. 05/03/2010

Hendersonville NC Preservation Week Day Four    On Thursday, May 13, 2010 Preservation Week has set up a self guided tour of local Historic Churches. Seven Downtown Churches are participating so that you can tour their sanctuaries and learn about the history of the buildings and the congregations. For tickets ($5.00) and instructions, you can go to the Hendersonville Visitors Center located at 201 South Main Street in advance. The tour will be from 9:00am until 1:00pm. Put your walking shoes on and get your camera out. This will be interesting. Here is a map for the Hendersonville Visitor Center: 05/03/2010

  Hendersonville NC Preservation Week Day Three   Day three of Preservation Week in Hendersonville will be hosted by the Angelique Inn. An old Victorian Style Bed and Breakfast, this gorgeous building was put up in the late 1860's and has been preserved with loving care. The Historic Preservation Commission staff will be on hand there for Real Estate Agents who wish to learn more for their buyers and sellers who may be interested in one of the Historic Districts in Hendersonville. It will be from 8-10 am, and will be at 813 Fifth Avenue West. Calling all Realtors: Know what you are selling! Great Opportunity to learn more about what can and cannot be done in Historic Districts. 05/03/2010

Preservation Week Day Two   Tuesday May 11, from 10:00am – 4:00pm stop by the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock NC for an hourly preservation tour to explore the history of the Carl Sandburg Home and its’ architecture during the 170 year History. Tickets can be purchased at the Carl Sandburg Home: $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors. Call 828-693-4178 for more information. The address is: 81 Carl Sandburg Lane Flat Rock, NC 28731 You can enjoy the flowering gargens as you waunder the property. This spring has been beautiful here.   05/03/2010

  Heritage Plant Sale at Bullington Center Kicks off Preservation Week in HendersonvilleOn Monday May 10 from 10:00 until 4:00, The Bullington Center at 33 Upper Red Oak Trail is hosting a Heritage Plant Sale featuring heirloom tomatoes, herbs, native ornamentals and more. Center guides will also be offering 30 minute programs free to the public. The programs include Traditional Uses of Native Plants, by the Western Carolina Botanical Club, at 11:00, Old Timey Uses of Gourds with Linda Beach at 1:00 and Traditional Uses of Herbs with Betty Lockwood at 3:00. The Bullington Center is a 12-acre public garden with an amphitheater, greenhouse, and 2000 foot nature trail whose mission to educate and inspire children and adults in horticulture and the natural sciences. Call 828-698-6104 for m... 05/03/2010

  For anyone wanting to learn more about gardening in a region they have just moved to I ran across a wonderful website. Mother Earth News has a site that allows you to pick the region, and then get a month by month list of what to plant when. It even breaks it down to when to plant an item in seed and in plants. In Western North Carolina we don't really fit into the region they have us marked in. We are more in the Mid-Atlantic region. At least that is more what I am following. I don't think that we can follow the same time frames as Florida, or South Carolina. So that is what I am using. But I really like the way they break it down into months. Now I can refer to that to see what I should be doing each month. It is a great reference and I will use it to keep myself focused. If you ar... 04/24/2010

The First Goldfinches Arrived in Hendersonville NC, landing on my feeders and making me jump for joy. They are one of my favorite birds and a sure sign that spring is here. I have had Cardinals for several weeks and the contrast of the two on my feeders was stunning. I am really glad to have my feeders back out. Last fall I had two black bears in my yard and was advised to keep the feeders in until spring. They had completely destroyed one of my large feeders in the back yard. Mama Bear and her baby ate well, as I had just filled it up. I was scared to put them up again, in case they returned. But having been bear free all winter, I decided to get them back up about a month ago. So far it has been fine. With all of the building here, were are probably going to see this more often. I am ... 04/24/2010