Two local writers will infuse their presentations with a Southern Appalachian flavor. Known as “The Wild Gardener,” Peter Loewer is an author, botanical illustrator, and garden photographer. Loewer will present from his book, The Wild Gardener, which was named one of the 75 Best Gardening Books of the Twentieth Century by the American Horticultural Society. George Ellison is a writer, naturalist, lecturer, and historian. His presentation, “Nature Writing in Western North Carolina,” will explore the tradition of prose inspired by the beauty of our region.

James Farmer, garden and interior designer and author of the newly released, A Time to Plant: Southern Style Garden Living, will share his passion for garden living in his presentation, “Floral Design Cut from the Winter Garden.” His book chronicles his approach to entertaining, cooking, and decorating, which celebrates a modern farm-to-table lifestyle with a reverent nod to ages-old Southern traditions. Farmer is the owner of James Farmer, Inc., a design firm specializing in landscape, interior, and floral design. A regular contributor to Southern Living, Farmer has appeared on “The Today Show” and Martha Stewart Radio. His work has also been featured in The Atlanta Journal and Constitution and Traditional Home.

Also appearing is Patricia Moore-Pastides, First Lady of the University of South Carolina and an accomplished cook, author, and public-health professional. Moore-Pastides will present cooking demonstrations based on her book, Greek Revival: Cooking for Life. The book offers more than 80 recipes illustrating the health benefits of the traditional Mediterranean diet and lifestyle.

Guided hikes are scheduled throughout both days, and Arboretum education staff will lead family-friendly activities, including:

Guided Geocaching
Visitors will enjoy a guided experience near the Natural Garden Trail. The 90-minute program will give a basic introduction to geocaching before the group departs on a hunt for several caches.

Nature Journaling for Children
Children will create their own journal and head outdoors to observe and sketch. This fun activity allows kids to express their creativity and become a “backyard scientist” for the afternoon.

Winter Bird Bingo
Families will take a stroll through the garden areas and Arboretum woodlands on a hunt for birds that call our forests home in the winter. Binoculars will be supplied, and participants will be given a bird identification bingo card to identify as many birds as they can.

(Image provided by NC Arboretum.)

Looking for more happenings in the area? Check out hendersonville.com's comprehensive visitor center.