The tour will show visitors how to maximize their space to produce veggies, flowers and habitat for pollinators. Stops include:

• The Giving Garden at the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Library, where a Master Gardener will demonstrate square-foot and vertical gardening. A child-size planting bed will be on hand to show parents how to get their kids involved with gardening. 

• Joe Smiley’s sunny garden near Balsam for a hands-on demonstration of plant propagation to multiply flowers and shrubs. 

• Apple tree grafting and an overview of beekeeping. 

• An official Monarch Waystation, which exemplifies the best ways to attract and nourish the native migratory butterfly. 

• A wagon tour of ongoing studies at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville. This is also where ticketholders will pick up directions to the gardens.

• Local artists at each stop with their easels set up to paint the beauty found there.

$15 in advance, with a maximum of 500 tickets sold. Proceeds from the tour support the Extension horticulture program and horticultural and educational projects throughout the county, including elementary school and community gardens, the plant clinic and grant programs.

After the Whole Bloomin’ Thing, tickets can be ordered through Cooperative Extension at 828.456.3575 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..