One of the joys of living in Western North Carolina is the wildlife that surrounds us. A walk through your neighborhood, along a mountain trail or even in an urban setting often includes spotting a wild animal, a creature so appealing that you may think: Quick, grab a camera.
By Judith Canty Graves One of the most exciting times in the summer is when the Mexican Sunflower, known as tithonia, blooms in July. This fast-growing plant germinates quickly, produces hardy seedlings and seems to double in size every day. After a few weeks, it can reach five feet in height and be covered with vibrant, orange blooms. I plant tithonia seeds after Mother’s Day and then watch them...
A close connection between chef and farmer strengthens a supply chain that creates jobs and food sovereignty in our community. The recent COVID pandemic and Russian hackers in our oil and beef supplies created food shortages and higher prices and exposed weaknesses in a globalized food system.
Trail design and alignment has started on the first section of the Wilderness Gateway State Trail (WGST), a long-distance backcountry trail that will likely end up being more than 100 miles long, crossing Catawba, Burke, McDowell and Rutherford counties.
We’ve all heard of the “dog days of summer,” the time when we picture our canines lying around in the heat, panting and relaxing. But the phrase actually comes from the ancient Greeks and Romans referring to the star Sirius, also called the “Dog Star.”
Monarda didyma is a native perennial herb in the Lamiaceae (mint) family as you can easily tell by its minty-scented foliage and square stem. Other common names include scarlet or crimson bee balm, Oswego tea, red bergamot and scarlet monarda.
“The Music of Queen concert FRP held in 2020 stands as one of the best shows we have ever produced, as measured by both box office numbers and overwhelming audience feedback,” says FRP producing artistic director Lisa K. Bryant. “After being closed for so long, we want to have a party, so bringing back this show is a no-brainer.”
Mica, a cooperative fine craft gallery in downtown Bakersville, showcases the work of member artists on a rotating basis. The featured artists for the upcoming months include Claudia Dunaway, Robbie Bell, Vicki Essig, David Ross, Simona Rosasco and JJ Brown.
The Laurel of Asheville lifestyle magazine is available in both print and digital editionsWe are delighted you have chosen us to be your gateway—both through our popular print Asheville lifestyle magazine and our website—to the arts, culture, and communities that comprise the remarkable area that is Western North Carolina. In these pages, you will find behind-the-scenes stories about the region’s concerts, theatre and dance productions, festivals, restaurants, artists, and the multitude of locally-based businesses. We also enjoy bringing you features about the people and organizations who are caring for those in need, protecting our historic heritage, preserving our rich and diverse environment, and nurturing our cultural soul.
