Local volunteers are preparing for the return of an annual downtown gathering, as members of the Black Mountain Beautification Committee present the nonprofit organization’s annual Garden Sale, from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Friday, May 15, and from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16.
The fundraising event, which will take place in the parking lot on the east side of Town Square, will offer around 20 vendors, with a wide range of specialty plants and garden-related items, from roses to carnivorous plants, house plants to edible plants, fruit trees to shrubs, annuals, perennials, herbs and native plants.
While other vendors specialize in garden art and containers, guests will also find a Members Market, under the central tent, with handmade items, themed baskets and professional services, offered through the talents of BMBC members. Delicious sweet and savory items will be available at the Bake Sale, while guests can participate in a plant raffle. Volunteers are available to help tote and load plants at a special pick up area during the family-friendly event.
Proceeds from the sale help support the work the committee does throughout the year.
“This is a major fundraiser for us,” BMBC treasurer Jay Moynahan said. “Historically, this sale has been the largest contributor to our bottom line. I encourage everyone to come out and support the committee and vendors from all over the region.”
Funds from the sale go to support both the Seed Money Award and the Community Improvement Award, which are distributed to businesses and residents that keep Black Mountain beautiful. The nonprofit organization also uses funds for the plantings and maintenance of green spaces; planter boxes; Town Square; ongoing litter and weed sweeps and seasonal decorations for the historic district.
Gail Bromer organizes the vendors for the sale. Many growers and suppliers return year after year and new vendors are eager to set up a tent to share their efforts with the public.
“I’m really excited to welcome Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society, Happy Valley Figs, Home Grown Tropicals and Swannanoa’s Unicorn Nursery to the other incredible vendors who have helped make our sale so successful over the years,” Bromer said.
The Member’s Market is led by Shari Galant.
“The variety and quality of the items donated and created by Members gets better every year, “ she said. “There will be handmade goods like jewelry, quilts, bluebird houses and stained glass. We gather together a wide variety of items to create themed baskets, and then members donate services such as garden consultation or maintenance.”
All items are reasonably priced and reflect the talents and interests of the membership.
BMBC members also contribute to the bake sale.
“We try not to be our own best customers,” joked bake sale organizer Martha Long. Cookies, breads, scones and all manner of sweet and savory baked goods will be packaged in biodegradable bags for $3 as long as items last.
Another unique aspect of the sale is the raffle, which includes plants or items donated by each vendor. The tradition, which goes back to he early years of the fundraiser, allows participants to purchase three tickets for $5.
The BMBC is an all-volunteer non-profit organization established in 2000 with more than 90 active members who maintain Town Square, 25 green spaces and 53 planter boxes, decorate the town seasonally, regularly weed and pick up litter. For more information about this year’s garden sale check blackmountainbeautification.org or the Black Mountain Beautification Committee social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
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