Dial in on dahlias

Dahlias are prized for their showy blooms. File photo

Learn how to grow dahlias from an expert during a lecture at 11 a.m. Friday, June 9, at the Environmental Resource Center in Franklin.

Allen Haas has been growing dahlias for nearly 30 years. His father was a prize-winning grower in San Diego, California, and Haas grows at least 300 dahlia plants in three gardens on the campus of the Brevard Music Center. Though he'd rather be known as a "grower" than a "shower," he has won numerous ribbons at all levels from local to national.  

Free, and presented by the Macon County Master Gardeners Association. The ERC is located at 1624 Lakeside Drive.

Plant sale coming to Franklin 

Round out your garden with purchases from the Macon County Master Gardener Association Spring Plant Sale 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 3, at the Environmental Resource Center in Franklin.

A variety of plants will be for sale in Franklin June 3. Donated photo

The sale, which has been held for more than 20 years, will offer dahlia bulbs, native plant starts, cuttings and plants divided from the array cared for at the ERC. Previously owned gardening tools, decorations and equipment will also be available for a donation. Master Gardeners will be present to answer questions about planting and maintaining home gardens.

Proceeds support development and maintenance of gardens at the ERC, which will be available for public viewing. Located at 1624 Lakeside Drive. Only cash and checks will be accepted.

Explore new ornamental options

Learn about dozens of new varieties of ornamental plants bred by N.C. State University specialists during sessions offered 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, at the Haywood County Cooperative Extension Center in Waynesville.

Retired N.C. Cooperative Extension Director John Vining will lead the session, which includes shrubs like barberries, hydrangeas, rhododendrons and spiraeas, as well as trees like redbuds, flowering pear and flowering cherry. Most plants were hybridized at the nearby Mills River test farm.

Cost is $10, with checks payable to Haywood CES dropped off or mailed to Extension —Learn to Grow Class, 589 Raccoon Road, Suite 118, Waynesville, NC 28786. Class size is limited. Sign up by Tuesday, May 30.

See peonies in bloom

The Festival of Peonies in Bloom will return to Wildcat Ridge Farm Monday, May 1, providing a daily opportunity for the public to witness fields of flowers, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through May 31.

Herbaceous and intersectional peony plants and peony flowers will be available for sale — just bring a bucket.

The farm is located at 3552 Panther Creek Road in the Crabtree area of Haywood County. 828.627.6751 or wildcatridgefarm.com. 

Join the Franklin Farmers Market

The Franklin Farmers Market is taking vendor applications for this year’s market, which runs through Oct. 31. The market runs 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday, and registration costs $35. For more information or for the guidelines and an application, contact Christy Bredenkamp at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..