Spring is in the air, which means the flowers are blooming and gardens are sprouting. If you haven’t started your garden or are looking for some fresh blooms to brighten up your porch, there’s still plenty of time to get your green thumb working.

Mark your calendar for the WNC Farmers Market Spring Festival + Growing in the Mountains plant sale — happening from Fri., April 22 to Sun., April 24 (9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily).

PJM Landmark Rhododendron and PJM Standard Rhododendron. | Photo provided

This festival, presented in partnership with Edible Asheville, brings together the best of spring in the mountains by celebrating regional growers + local food. Shoppers can buy plants directly from 26+ NC growers (and maybe get a few gardening tips while they shop). Here’s a peek at what you’ll find at the market:

Fresh herbs, flowers, hanging baskets + native plants
Plants sold by North Buncombe FFA students
Cut flower farmers
Fresh strawberries from Darnell Farms
Local hot sauces, spices, rubs, jams, meat alternatives, and more

An aerial view of the farmers market. | Photo provided

The free, family-friendly event also features live music, a food truck cook-off + artisan goods created by local fiber farmers.

Rhododendrons, Blue Owl + more | Photo provided

Entertainment lineup

Local food trucks Woof Street Bistro, The Smokin’ Onion, Hit the Pit BBQ, Dirty Gertie’s Taco Stand + more will participate in a cook-off on Sat., April 23 using ramps. What are ramps, you ask? They’re a type of wild onion that look like a smaller version of a scallion.

While you shop and snack, local bands will be providing live entertainment. Here’s who you’ll see on stage:

Bald Mountain Boys: Fri., April 22 from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sat., April 23 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Whitewater Bluegrass: Sat., April 23 from 1-2:30 p.m.
Darren Nicholson Band: Sat., April 23 from 3-4:30 p.m.
John Roten will emcee on Sat., April 23 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.*