The Most Colorful Time Of The Year

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: May 2023

Back row standing from left to right: Crystal Owen, Shyana Fisher, Felix Morales, Cade Galloway, Chuck Galloway
Kneeling in front from left to right: Kellie Owen, April Galloway

It’s early Spring and as happens every year at this time, dozens of cars have packed the parking lot of Whistlin’ Dixie Garden and Gifts in Sapphire for the nursery’s annual seasonal opening.

What sets Whistlin’ Dixie apart, says co-owner April Galloway, “95 percent of the plants here are grown on site in our 14,000 square-feet of covered greenhouses.”

Folks have gathered to choose among hundreds of different varieties of annuals, perennials, groundcovers, herbs, and shrubbery. They’re also here for the mulches, straws, fertilizers, amendments, and other gardening necessities that are so plentifully stocked.

Locals, visitors, gardeners, and landscapers drive from as far away as Brevard and Hendersonville; and show up from nearby Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire. People flock here both for the wide variety of plant materials, and a knowledgeable staff.

The quality of the plants and attention to plant care are hallmarks of the Whistlin’ Dixie Nursery.  Customers can be confident that the plants are watered and tended according to the individual needs of each variety.

Located on land that was formerly occupied by the Bearwallow Springs Jelly House, April and Chuck Galloway, along with April’s parents, Rex and Judy Dillard, opened the nursery and gift business in 1995.

In 2005 a new building was erected to house a gift shop.  It’s a showcase for a wide selection of glazed pottery, and expanded shelf space for a large selection of greeting cards, cocktail napkins and the distinctively designed, high quality soaps and lotions from Stonewall Kitchen’s Michel Design Works.

New this year are Proven Winners Aquapots. The handmade pieces are a favorite among home gardeners, highly coveted for their unmatched design, refined colors, and unprecedented finishes. One section of the shop is dedicated to holiday décor, including an Americana section for the upcoming July 4th celebration.

A complete garden décor area was added last year.  Now Whistlin’ Dixie sells not only the flowers, plants, and vegetables for which it is well known, but also solar lights, wind chimes, lightweight planters, rain chains, wind spins, welcome mats, moss line hayracks and hanging baskets.

To meet the demand of the growing body of gardening enthusiasts and the need for more plants, the Galloway’s expanded their nursery yard this year, allowing more room for displays.  With the arrival of May and the start of the gardening season, Whistlin’ Dixie is an ongoing and terrific resource for your gardening journey.

Whistlin’ Dixie is located on Rosman Highway in Sapphire. For information, call (828) 966-9619.