April’s Garden

Written By: Mary Palmer Dargan | Issue: 2018/04 - April

Lay the groundwork for an abundant growing season through the wisdom of Dovecote/Dargan Landscape.

After a long winter’s nap, The Garden Talk Salon at Dovecote/ Dargan Landscape Architects, returns to kick off the season at 10:00 A.M.on April 13 and April 27.

We’ll be offering “How Do I Grow Nourishing Vegetables For My Family?,”  a demonstration to arm you with clever, space-saving and sensible growing techniques. Learn about soil blocking, and early veggies direct-sown or grown on heat mats. A tour of our organic teaching gardens, greenhouse, vermiculture and compost center will inspire your home garden. Bring your own seeds, small planting trays (reuse your plastic lettuce containers) or purchase them from our Sow True Seed collection at Dovecote. Soil mix and nutrient is provided.

Also, learn how to grow sunflower and buckwheat sprouts for immediate gratification!

In May, learn about inspirational plants at 10:00 A.M. on May 11 and May 25. We’ll be presenting “Gardens For Use and For Delight: What Are Great Choices for Hip and Cool Garden Plants?”  Visits to Chattooga Gardens and Scotlyn’s Yard are included to get ready for Mother’s Day and the summer season with early dahlias, annuals and perennials.

Enjoy planning your Garden Talk Salon summer schedule!  In June, the theme is “Zippy Garden Design: How Can I Amp Up My Garden and Drench My Landscape with Pizazz?” Join us to meet Carl and Ethan Peverall, atmospheric sculptors of Contemporary Stonehenge in the Dovecote Meadow. Ernest Koonce discusses Native Azaleas and Mr. Hugh Does Flowers!

Please join us for Cocktail Gardens at The Village Green on June 26.

 In July, our homes are filled with guests, so “Gardens that Entertain: Can my garden host a party and provide flowers for my home?” is our theme. Meet lighting guru, Chris Wakefield, of The Outdoor Lights, mystery floral designer and sign-up for the plein air painting workshop. July 5 is a special heritage gardens lecture at The Cashiers Historical Society and July 13, the Heirloom Garden Opening and Tea. 

August focuses on “Harvest gardens: How do I not go crazy with all this garden produce?”. Our blackberry wine from last year should be ready for sampling ( and we might make another batch!),  plus specialty pickles and jam making. So make plans now to join us and reserve your spot early!

Please note that Dovecote seats only 20 people during inclement weather, so please call ahead. $20 per class will save your seat. Dargan’s Dovecote PO Box 2638 Cashiers, NC 28717 or call 828-743-1017. 

 Can’t make the Garden Talk Salon events ?  Dovecote’s free podcasts began January 2018 and are available on iTunes, Stitcher, Android & Google Play. Learn essential garden design tips, sprouting for health, tricky places, growing vegetables, heirloom plants and more all year long. Designed to improve your garden wherever you live!  Download now and enjoy the free podcast episodes of  “Timeless Landscape Design by Mary Palmer Dargan.”