Bigelow's Botanical Excursions

06/12/2024

Do you want to learn more about Plants and Nature? You know you want to! Learn more about Nature U at WCU and all of their great offerings, including two classes taught by me to you at Nature U

https://www.wcu.edu/engage/professional-enrichment/conferences-and-community-classes/the-cullowhee-native-plant-conference/native-plants-101.aspx?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3j44y_utNhZhCeQTBxBR6paMQLYntiuWFfOEnYYZsYgDyqab7rTQgdzMg_aem_zvdlOnEcSff67SRN4m5iag

Join us for a series of workshops focused on understanding Native Plants and the nature around us!

04/12/2024

I want to thank you all for being a part of Bigelow's Botanical Excursions! It is my honor to be able to share my Love of Wildflowers, Plants and the Natural World with you all! I couldn't do it without you, and I am excited for what is to come in 2025, including the return of Wildflowers and our Wildflower Walks!

I am also excited to be leading some classes and workshops this Winter, and I hope that you consider attending any or all of these offerings.

I am teaching a couple of classes through Western Carolina University's Nature U series. 

Basics of Botany and Plant Identification 
This classroom-based course will provide a foundational study of Plants. $179 per student, 4-week class Tuesdays 6pm to 8pm Jan 14 - Feb 4 

Getting the Most Out of Organic Gardening
This course will help you to have a successful garden experience, from the ground up. $160 per student, 6-week class Tuesdays 6pm to 8pm Feb 11 - Mar 11

I will also be teaching a few workshops at and Nursery in Franklin, NC.

Winter Sowing – The Milk Jug Class 
We will learn how to get a head start on your Spring Native Wildflower Garden by sowing seeds outside and in repurposed plastic milk jugs. $5-$30 sliding scale Saturday January 18 1-4pm

Prune your Fruit Trees & Shrubs Workshop:
joins us at the nursery to talk about recommended tools and to demonstrate techniques for pruning and training fruit-bearing trees and shrubs to optimize their performance in the coming year. Sign up coming soon!

You can find more information and register to these and other events by clicking the Linktree in my bio

 

03/12/2024

"As the Western North Carolina region begins the ecological restoration and recovery work that lies ahead, I am rooting for the soil seed bank to burst into regenerative action and help hold the soil and regrow the forests and meadows in all but the most deeply scoured areas. In fact, I’m banking on it."

Latest article in my Joyful Botanist column is linked in the comments and is about the Soil Seed Bank

Picture is of Allegheny Live Forever (Hylotelephium telephioides) a Native succulent

27/11/2024

Hello friends, I am offering a Basics of Botany and Plant Identification class this Winter (4 weeks Jan 14-Feb 4, 6-8pm) and I'm hoping that some of you might be interested in honing your skills and getting ready for Spring.

I'll share a link to registration in the comments. Only $179 per student

Flower photo to get your attention. Anyone know this Plant's name? Leave your guess in the comments...

09/11/2024

"The contrast of the dark fruits over the red leaves makes this beautiful plant shine. Cucumber root is so named because of the small, sweet and delicious root that tastes like a freshly picked cucumber. I do not advise harvesting this beautiful plant as it would take sacrificing entire populations to get enough for one salad. This plant is best left growing of its own accord."

Latest article In The Joyful Botanist series is posted, and all about Indian Cucumber Root (Medeola virginiana). See link to free article in the comments

21/10/2024

You can keep your annual mums, I'll take a perennial Aster any day

17/10/2024

Latest article in The Joyful Botanist series is linked below in the comments and is about Riparian Plants like this Hazel Alder, aka Tag Alder (Alnus serrulata)

"In considering the inevitable cleanup and restoration of flood-damaged creeks and rivers after the devastating floodwaters recede...native plants that are adapted to growing along the banks should be strongly considered to be planted and encouraged. Not only are they great at helping stem the inevitable erosion occurring but are beautiful plants that help keep the entire ecosystem in balance, even come hell and high water."

16/10/2024

I am really excited to be leading a walk for this great event this weekend. Hope to see some of y'all there

Great news! The 2024 South Carolina Native Plant Symposium will continue as planned! Here are a few things to remember for those registered to attend:

1. Check your driving route in advance for road closures. Hurricane Helene caused road damage and you may need to take a detour.

2. Check your accommodations to ensure they are still available.

3. Cell service may be lacking in some areas, so have a plan to manage this scenario.

4. Bring cash for symposium silent auction bidding or other services that may not have a functioning credit card scanner.

We look forward to seeing you at the symposium!

11/10/2024

Join me on Saturday at 10 am where I'll teach you why planting in the Autumn is the best for trees, shrubs, and perennial wildflowers

Here at Winding Stair Nursery. Learn more: windingstairfarm.com/falltrees

08/10/2024

Here's an opportunity to learn how you can extend your gardening season well into Fall, while enjoying the many benefits of a cooler planting season. Join us for a special Fall Planting class on Saturday. Don't put that shovel away just yet.
https://windingstairfarm.com/falltrees

07/10/2024

Hello Everyone, due to the region-wide catastrophe and ongoing emergency in Western North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene, I have decided to cancel the remaining scheduled walks for this season.

With so much uncertainty in road and trail conditions, and the need to begin and continue the recovery efforts, it is just prudent to suspend my walks for the rest of the year.

Personally, I am fine and my local area was less impacted by this storm. The long-term efforts to recover will take a lot of time and energy. If I can help you, please let me know.

Hold your loved ones tightly, friends. It is all so very fragile.

06/10/2024

Being outdoors and engaging with nature can bring a sense of hope, even in difficult times. While we’ve canceled some scheduled classes, we’re excited to host our *Planting Native Trees and Shrubs in Fall* class next Saturday, October 12th, at 10 AM. Fall is truly the best time to plant.

Our speaker, Adam Bigelow, will lead a thought-provoking and informative session. We would love for you to join us and share this opportunity with others. Learn more: windingstairfarm.com/falltrees.

One of the most important things you can do to help support Pollinating Insects like Bees, Moths, and Butterflies is to plant Native Trees and Shrubs in your landscape. Certain “Keystone” species like Oaks, Cherries, Willows, and Birches provide food and shelter to many different wildlife, makin...

21/09/2024

'Tis the season for one of the most beautiful Native Wildflowers that I know, the Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis crinita)