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Why We Should Celebrate Periodical Cicadas Source: Atlas Obscura, "The Cicada Poems of Ancient Greece" Having been surrounded by an increasingly loud hum these last few weeks in Old Fort, we've had many customers ask us "What's that noise?!". No, it's not an alarm--just thousands of cicadas in the trees! Their populations are scattered around the area, so you may not have them in your community - plus, they haven't been here for almost two decades, so it's understandable if you don't remember the sound! The Periodical Cicada (Scientific name is literally Magicicada) Cicadas are an amazing and bizarre insect regardless of how long they live--most annual cicadas emerge every 1-5 years, and we hear them singing in the trees mid to late summer. Most of what we are hearing now is the Brood XIV periodical cicada, which sound a bit different and emerge earlier in the season. One of the longest lived insects, they've been underground for SEVENTEEN YEARS, and then emerge for only a few weeks of life above ground! This brood hatched 17 years ago, then dug 5-6 feet underground as tiny nymphs . They then spent almost two decades slowly growing while feeding on root sap (and doing other magical unknown things) before they dug back to the surface. After a brief period of slowly bumbling around in their final nymph stage, they undergo their last metamorphosis--literally splitting down the back and shoving out of the old shell to finish growing their wings. Now is when we really start noticing them, as they spend weeks flying around like klutzy whirligigs screaming for mates! Maybe they gross you out? Or you find the hum just a bit too loud for comfort? Or you're worried about your gardens being eaten? Freshly hatched in Old Fort, Credit: Chris Whaley Here's why Brood XIV is a good thing for WNC: SO MUCH FOOD! Adults provide an incredible amount of food for birds, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and fish - which then has a ripple effect of boosting the entire ecosystem. This is perfect timing following the loss of wildlife and habitat from Helene! (And if the world descends into further chaos, we may just want to chow down too - they're highly nutritious and considered a delicacy by many cultures.) IMPROVED SOIL STRUCTURE Nymphs burrowing up through the soil provide improved aeration and more effective water infiltration, which both helps plants survive during periods of drought and helps mitigate heavy rains as the soil can absorb more water and we have reduced runoff and potential for flooding. INCREASED SOIL FERTILITY The molts as well as any adults not eaten by predators are seemingly everywhere - and they will all be decomposing... that's a lot of natural fertilizer! This will also support plant health along with the improved aeration and water flow. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS Because of their long and very unique lifespans, periodical cicadas are very important study subjects. Changes in their populations, health and distribution can help inform studies on the effects of human development, habitat fragmentation, pollution, and climate change. Cicadas symbolize rebirth, renewal and transformation in many cultures and have been featured in poems , music, and art around the world for centuries. WNC could use such a symbol as we rebuild and recover! Read on for FAQs and fun facts! The Last Nymph Stage The Last Molt Final Winged Stage Will they ruin my gardens? Short answer--no, but taking extra care with shrubs and trees is helpful. Adult cicadas barely eat (they have something else on their minds), so no fear of your annuals and perennials being damaged. Females do cause some damage when depositing eggs - they use their ovipositor to saw into branches and then insert their eggs . This can cause leaf drop and die off of branch tips (known as 'flagging'). While it's unusual for this to cause long term damage or kill the plant, it can be helpful to cover younger shrubs and trees with a fine mesh to prevent females from accessing them. Regardless of whether you protect with mesh, we recommend taking extra care with deciduous shrubs and trees planted within the last few years (cicadas don't lay eggs in evergreens). If properly watered and mulched, your plants will be better equipped to handle any extra stress ( note that while using some compost or a root booster such as triple superphosphate when planting a new shrub or tree is often helpful, you should not fertilize them when struggling with pest or disease damage--this can lead to them putting more energy into new growth and therefore having less to defend themselves ). Why are there so many? Cicadas have evolved to survive by simply overwhelming predators by sheer numbers. They have little to no defenses, so their massive populations ensure that enough survive to breed and have young. During their peak, in highly concentrated areas, there can be up to 1.5 MILLION cicadas per acre! Tell me more about the sound. The males compete with one another to see who can make the loudest mating call by flexing their tiny cicada muscles to rapidly buckle membranes called 'tymbals' against their body. This creates a speedy clicking noise, which sounds amazingly different when thousands of cicadas are 'singing' at once. The males will often engage in synchronous chorusing - which makes them sound even louder and is hypothetically used to both grab the attention of females as well as confuse predators. Brood XIV is known to be the loudest of our cicadas, with noise levels reaching 100 decibels (comparable to a passing jet)! Those red eyes are creepy. Actually, they have 5 eyes! Three are on their forehead. So you can be extra creeped out! For more about periodical cicadas check out this excellent article from the Irvine Nature Center in Maryland. We hope we helped you see these fascinating insects in a new light! Cicada Life Cycle. Credit: Smithsonian Museum of Natural History The extremely rare Baby Rhinoceros Cicada. ... JK, it's actually an Oak Treehopper - a bit smaller, cuter, and only has 4 eyes.

First of all, how do we at Painters define a groundcover?  We think of groundcovers as low growing, spreading perennials that require moderate to minimal maintenance to succeed.  You may choose a groundcover for attractive foliage and to add some lushness to an area. You may want a pop of color with blooms or to simply fill a large space. Sometimes, groundcovers can include a mass of mid-sized plants to cover a larger area and we've included a few of those here too. Areas needing groundcover could be full sun, full shade, steep slopes, or flat rock gardens. And ideally, you are probably interested in something that requires minimal care and that will self-multiply or spread for affordability! We’ve chosen plant recommendations here that address these many needs. Sometimes you may be able to fill part of the area by sowing seed, but it’s typically well-worth investing the upfront cost and time in planting established groundcover-friendly plants as your foundation. This is a dual investment in time and ecology, as it can mean less lawn, lawn care, or aggressive invasive plants. In this blog, we've made sure to grow, market, and include only groundcover plants that are currently considered to be non-invasive, and many are in fact native. One overlapping category of groundcover plants are those that are helpful in preventing erosion on steep hillsides or stream banks .  While some of our suggestions will work for such situations, there are also many deeply-rooting grasses, shrubs, and trees that are ideal but do not spread like groundcovers, so we will treat those as another topic. Read our blog about erosion control and plants we recommend for this . Here are some of our favorite perennial groundcover options organized from sun to shade: Pinks -- Dianthus 'Baths Pink' (Also love 'Flashing Lights', 'Arctic Fire' & 'Firewitch' - bu t not available this spring.) Perennial, full/part sun 6" tall, 8-12" wide Dainty pink blooms in late spring Grass-like blue-gray foliage Silene 'Carol Jean White' or 'Carol Jean Pink' Perennial (z5-10) full sun 3-5'' tall, 2' wide A flower-power evergreen groundcover that picks up blooming late spring where creeping phlox leaves off, providing a cheerful blanket of color right through to the end of summer Excellent heat tolerance; thrives in evenly moist soil Creeping Speedwell -- Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue' Perennial (z6-9) full sun 4-6'' tall, 18-24'' wide Petite cobalt-blue flowers with white centers bloom in spring Semi-evergreen foliage turns burgundy in cold weather Excellent groundcover for sharp-draining soil Deer and rabbit resistant Blue Rug Juniper -- Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' NATIVAR evergreen shrub (z3-9) full sun 6" tall, 6-8' wide Thick, dense, silvery blue foliage, at home in rock gardens or spilling over walls Drought tolerant, unlike many junipers; perfect groundcover for sunny, dry, sloped sites Creeping Thyme -- Thymus serpyllum 'Magic Carpet' or 'Pink Chintz' Perennial, full sun 1-2'' tall, 1-2' wide Aromatic foliage, rarely used for cooking, spreads in a tight, ground-hugging carpet; emits an invigorating scent when trodden upon (tolerates light foot traffic) Smothered in pink blooms in summer, adored by bees! Must have sharp-draining soil; thrives in sunny herb or rock gardens, perfect between stepping stones Caraway Thyme - Thymus herba barona Perennial, full sun 3-6'' tall, 1-2' wide (one of the fastest spreaders of the thymes) Useful and delicious, with the fragrance of caraway seeds, serves as both a culinary herb and an evergreen groundcover Clusters of pink flowers bloom in summer, beloved by bees Must have sharp-draining soil to thrive; tolerant of drought and light foot traffic, deer resistant (We also grow and love Red Creeping Thyme, Thymus praecox  'Coccineus' - similar to Caraway in size, it offers rich reddish blooms, but is a bit slower to spread.) Elfin Thyme -- Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' Perennial (z4-8) full sun 1-2'' tall, 12-18'' wide Extremely tiny leaves, lavender-pink blooms early summer Mat-forming habit; perfect carpeting for fairy gardens or tucked around stepping stones Thrives in loose, gritty, nutrient-poor soils with sharp drainage Candytuft -- Iberis sempervirens 'Summer Snowdrift' Perennial (z6a-9b) full sun 5-8'' tall, 9-12'' wide Fragrant, pure white flowers bloom spring to summer atop evergreen, carpet-forming foliage Low maintenance, deer resistant; works wonderfully in beds or containers Cotoneaster -- Cotoneaster dammeri 'Lowfast' Evergreen shrub (z5-8) full sun-part shade 1' tall, 8-12' wide As the name suggests, grows low and fast, covering problem areas quickly Trailing stems root wherever they touch the ground; great choice for slopes or erosion control Small white flowers in spring, followed by abundant bright red berries Deer resistant, drought tolerant; aka bearberry cotoneaster Dwarf Blue Plumbago -- Ceratostigma plumbaginoides Perennial (z5-9) part-full sun 6-8'' tall, 12-18'' wide Profuse, vivid, sky-blue flowers mid to late summer, dark green foliage turns a beautiful bronze-red in fall Deer resistant and durable -- even produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of weeds, making this a most excellent and attractive groundcover choice Lamb's Ear -- Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' Perennial (z4-9) full sun 3-8'' tall, 1-2' wide Velvety soft, silvery foliage has a pleasing look and texture; excellent for sensory gardens Can suffer in high humidity; benefits from a bit of light afternoon shade in hot summers Great groundcover for dry, well-drained, rocky areas Creeping Phlox or Thrift -- Phlox subulata (Multiple Varieties and Colors) NATIVE cultivar, part/full sun 3-6" tall, 12" wide Semi-evergreen foliage spreads into a dense groundcover, often out-competing weeds & grass Profusion of early blooms welcomes spring to the garden Hardy Ice Plant -- Delosperma cooperi Perennial (z6-10), full sun 3-6" tall, 12-24" spread Evergreen succulent foliage makes great ground cover Magenta pinkish-purple flowers late spring-frost Drought tolerant, low maintenance Northern Sea Oats -- Chasmanthium latifolium NATIVE perennial grass (z5-9) full sun-part shade 2-3' tall and wide Clump-forming, good for naturalizing and stabilization Dangling oat-like seedheads in fall and winter Self sows Native Stonecrop -- Sedum ternatum 'Larinem Park' NATIVAR perennial (z3-9), full sun-full shade 3-4'' tall, 1-2' wide More tolerant of shade and moist soil than other sedums Excellent groundcover for rock gardens, woodland edges, or dry shade (needs more moisture in full sun) Dainty white spring blooms support early season pollinators Stonecrop -- Sedum 'Angelina' Perennial (z3-11) full sun-part shade 4-6'' tall, 6-12'' wide Evergreen lime-green needle-like foliage turns orange in cold weather Yellow flower clusters in summer Low maintenance, year-round color; thrives in sharp-draining soil Known for being able to out-compete weeds Carolina Campion -- Silene caroliniana 'Hot Pink' NATIVAR perennial (z5-8) full sun-part shade 1' tall and wide Semi-evergreen groundcover, bright pink spring blooms Must have excellent drainage to thrive; prefers sandy, gravelly soil and a bit of afternoon shade Tiny sticky hairs discourage predation from insects; aka wild pink or sticky catchfly Ornamental Clover  -- Trifolium repens   Perennial (z4-10) full-part sun, 2-4'' tall, 5-7'' wide Grow your own luck with this eye-catching groundcover, where every clover is a four-leaf clover! White flowers bloom spring to summer, loved by bees Spreads quickly; cascades beautifully over edges of containers or walls Short Toothed Mountain Mint -- Pycnanthemum muticum 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year - for good reason! NATIVE perennial (z3-9) full-part sun 2-3' tall and wide -- a bit taller than other lower growing plants but great en masse at a woodland edge Fragrant leaves smell of spearmint A phenomenal pollinator plant with lovely silver bracts and blooms Not overly aggressive but will spread Appalachian Mountain Mint -- Pycnanthemum flexuosum NATIVE perennial (z6-8) full-part sun 2-3' tall, 3-4' wide -- a bit taller than other lower growing plants but great en masse at a woodland edge Aromatic, silvery white flowers on sturdy, upright stems summer-long Red-tinged foliage in fall Dwarf-Eared Coreopsis -- Coreopsis auriculata 'Nana' NATIVAR perennial (z4-8) full sun-part shade 6-9'' tall, 1-2' wide Easy care, deer resistant groundcover with yellow spring-summer blooms; evergreen foliage turns burgundy in fall Thrives in moist, well-drained soil; not as drought tolerant as other coreopsis species Hardy Geranium 'Bevan's Variety' -- Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety' (Watch for this one in future seasons at Painters! Not currently available for Spring 2025) Perennial (z3-8) full-part sun 10-12'' tall, 18-24'' wide Abundant clusters of pink-purple flowers late spring through summer Semi-evergreen, fragrant, light green foliage takes on purples tones in fall Effective at choking out weeds; ideal attractive groundcover Cranesbill Geranium 'Midnight Ghost' -- Geranium pratense  'Midnight Ghost' Perennial (z4-8) full-part shade 6-8'' tall, 1-3' wide Exquisite white flowers positively glow against rich, dark chocolatey, purple-red foliage, blooming all summer long An excellent drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, attractive groundcover Bearberry -- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Watch for this one in the Fall 2025 Season! Not currently available for Spring 2025) NATIVE evergreen shrub (z2-6) full sun-part shade 6-12'' tall, 3-6' spread Slow-growing groundcover; drought tolerant White-pink blooms, red berries Creeping St. John's Wort -- Hypericum calycinum (Watch for this one in the Fall 2025 Season! Not currently available for Spring 2025) Perennial (z5-9) full sun-part shade, 12-18'' tall, 1-2' wide Cheery yellow-blooming groundcover Best blooms in full sun, but tolerant of a wide range of conditions Rapid spread by underground stems; evergreen in mild winters Spreading Bellflower -- Campanula carpatica 'Pearl Deep Blue' Perennial (z3-8) full sun-part shade 8'' tall, 1-2' wide Blue-violet, upward-facing bells of flower spring to summer Dainty, compact, mounding foliage, excellent for edging and containers Prefers well-drained soil and cooler summer temperatures Lithodora -- Lithodora diffusa 'Blue Star' or 'Grace Ward' Perennial (z6-8) part shade-full sun 6-12'' tall, 2-3' wide Vigorous semi-evergreen groundcover with brilliant blue star-shaped blooms; a lovely summer-blooming complement to the spring bloom of creeping phlox Tolerates full sun in cooler climates; appreciates afternoon shade in hot summers Thrives in rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soil Bugleweed or Ajuga -- Ajuga reptans (Many varieties and colors) Perennial, full-part shade Most varieties at Painters this season are 3-6'' tall and 12'' wide Dense, rapidly spreading groundcover Spikes of lavender-blue flowers bloom in spring, adored by pollinators Dead Nettle -- Lamium maculatum 'Orchid Frost' (Dead Nettle) Perennial (z3-8) part-full shade 6-10'' tall, 1-2' wide Mat-forming groundcover with variegated heart-shaped foliage Pink-purple flowers in late spring and later rebloom Green and Gold -- Chrysogonum virginianum NATIVE perennial (z6-8) full-part shade 3-6'' tall, 18-24'' spread Yellow blooms April-October, with a lull during hottest months A great shade groundcover and one of our most popular Sweet Woodruff -- Galium odoratum (Limited stock for Spring 2025) Perennial (z4-8) part-full shade 6-12'' tall, 10-18'' wide Fragrant and vigorous groundcover for moist, shady areas White star-shaped flowers in late spring Creates a carpet of green foliage, can naturalize if conditions are right Barrenwort -- Epimedium 'Pretty in Pink' Perennial (z4-8) part-full shade 1-2' tall, 2-3' wide Marvelously attractive groundcover for dry shade; covered in whimsical pink flowers in spring, foliage takes on dramatic bronze tones in spring and fall Vigorous, low maintenance, durable; drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant Aka fairy wings Allegheny Spurge -- Pachysandra procumbens NATIVE perennial (z4-9) full-part shade 6-10'' tall, 1-2' wide Semi-evergreen, silvery mottled foliage Fragrant flower spikes in spring Slower growing but so worth it! Pennsylvania Sedge -- Carex pennsylvanica NATIVE perennial (z4-8) part-full shade 8-12'' tall and wide Tiny brown flowers in spring mature to sac-like bracts Semi-evergreen; deer resistant and easy to grow Ostrich Fern -- Matteuccia struthiopteris NATIVE perennial (z3-7) part-full shade 2-5' tall, 3-4' wide -- while a tall groundcover option, beautiful en masse as an understory plant Tall, majestic fronds resemble ostrich feathers Thrives in rich soil with constant moisture Hostas Perennial (z3-9), part-full shade in general, though some are bred for more sun tolerance Leaf sizes range from 2" long to over a foot, and most varieties feature mid-summer bloom spikes of white or purple, many quite fragrant. The size of the plant can range drastically, but most range from 1-2.5’ tall and 1.5x3.5’ wide.  While hostas can handle our native soils, they do best in richer, more fertile soils and with good drainage - so for best performance and size, you definitely want to amend your soil. Hostas are often beloved by both deer and slugs - we carry many cultivars that are slug resistant, but deer are another story (we recommend frequent applications of   Green Screen   around your beds).  We carry a range of leave colors, shapes, and sizes along with variation in the total plant size.  Some unique options we have this year include: Captains Adventure (a true collector’s hosta with very unusual leaf variegation), Blue Mouse Ears (tiny, adorable, rich blue-green), Blue Umbrellas ( an immense variety with thick, blue-green, corrugated leaves), and Beach Boy (their thick leaves have good resistance to slug onslaught). Woodland Phlox -- Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze' or 'Blue Moon' (Spring 2025 stock SOLD OUT. Watch for these favorites in future seasons at Painters!) NATIVAR perennial (z4-8) full-part shade 12-15'' tall and wide Lovely, fragrant, white or purple-blue spring blooms, perfect for filling in around bulbs or perennials Forms large colonies over time; drought tolerant once established Wild Ginger -- Asarum canadense (Spring 2025 stock SOLD OUT. Watch for this one in future seasons at Painters!) NATIVE perennial (z4-6) full-part shade 6-12'' tall, 12-18'' wide Cup-shaped, purplish brown flowers appear in spring Attractive groundcover for shade Meehan's Mint -- Meehania cordata NATIVE perennial (z4-8) part-full shade 6'' tall, 12-18'' wide Low maintenance, deer resistant, shade tolerant groundcover, with lovely lavender-blue blooms in spring A unique mint that spreads politely, not thuggishly; thrives in rich, moist woodland soil Click here for a printable list: Updated and republished 05/2025

Summer is here and before long you can expect 90-degree days. Living in North Carolina, we all know how hot summers can get so we put together some of our favorite ways you can conserve water while keeping your garden looking great all summer long! WATERING TIPS Prepare your garden for high temperatures by keeping plants well-hydrated leading up to and through the heat. Water deeply one to two days before the onset of a heat wave to lower the air and soil temperature around the plants as well as provide much-needed moisture. Water in the early morning or evening as less water is wasted due to evaporation. For mildew-prone plants such as garden phlox or bee balm, watering in the morning is best as it prevents moisture from sitting on the leaves all night. Water your gardens deeply rather than daily; frequent shallow watering encourages shallow roots/less healthy plants and also can increase weeds. If you travel frequently or really don’t have the time for regular watering, try installing efficient drip irrigation systems or sprinklers on timers. We also recommend purchasing some watering tubes/pipes or watering rings for your larger trees and shrubs - this enables slow deep watering, in particular if you use a pipe that gets water further down the root zone. These are especially helpful if you have trees and shrubs that need planting mid-season and will therefore require more water. Keep in mind that containers and hanging baskets need more water in general and will likely require water one to two times a day during periods of extreme heat and as plants mature. Note that watering containers more frequently will wash nutrients out of the soil, so you may also need to increase the frequency of your fertilizing or mix in some slow-release pellets to keep things blooming and happy. MULCHING Improve your soil’s water retention by mixing in compost and then topping it with mulch. Mulching can save a lot of work in the long run – choose natural mulch without chemical treatments (finely ground cedar or pine bark is good), and insulate the surface of the soil with about 2-3 inches of mulch. Mulching can reduce weed problems by up to 90% and watering needs by up to 50% if done properly and maintained. You are protecting the soil and shallow roots from direct sun exposure and reducing evaporation when applying mulch. Visit this link for an in-depth guide on how to mulch, pros and cons, different types, and things to avoid - for instance, it’s crucial not to mulch up to the base of trees and shrubs as that can suffocate them! RAIN BARRELS The average roof collects up to 600 gallons of water per 1" of rain - that's a lot of potential water for collection, saving homeowners money and significantly aiding with freshwater conservation efforts! With increasingly problematic droughts, rising costs of municipal water, and more environmental awareness, rain barrels are becoming more popular. They have also proven very helpful in reducing erosion in homeowner's yards and decreasing flooding and erosion damage caused by stormwater runoff - thereby benefiting the surrounding area. With endless styles and sizes to choose from, we highly recommend considering rain barrels as a simple way to reduce your environmental footprint and provide free water for your gardens! This article by the World Wildlife Fund covers it all! ADD SHADE TO YOUR YARD The simplest way to keep your plants cool is to manage the sunlight that hits them. You can do this through strategic planting under trees, decks, or whatever else may create shade in your garden. Adding native shrubs and trees to your yard is not only a way to provide much-needed support to wildlife and pollinators but also a great way to provide partial to full shade in areas of your yard for water conservation and cooling of your gardens as well as shade/cooling for personal enjoyment. You can also add shade to your garden with sheets, tarps, or patio umbrellas. XERIC GARDENING In addition to mulching, there are other ways to conserve water and create a garden that has low water needs--and therefore requires less time! Try grouping plants with similar water needs to save water and time, and dig a shallow depression for those that require more water to help collect rain and water runoff. One obvious tip is to plant heat and drought-resistant plants. For vegetables, try eggplant, mustard greens, okra, peppers and green beans. Some varieties of tomatoes and squash are also bred for drought resistance. For herbs, try chives, catmint, thyme, chamomile, lavender, oregano, rosemary, and Russian Sage. Some of the showiest drought-tolerant perennials include yucca, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, coreopsis, and salvia. Note that many of the more drought-tolerant perennials are natives, and there’s a reason for that. Natives have evolved to do well in our specific region, so they, therefore, are much more tolerant of drought (and also of heavy rains) than most non-natives. We always advocate planting gardens over big expanses of lawn, as smart gardening can require less water than a lawn and is of course, much better for the environment and local wildlife--supplying food for pollinators and birds, reducing CO2 emissions from lawn mowers, etc. However, we do of course recognize that most of us still have some grass to deal with, and one way to reduce the water needs of your lawn is to mow no shorter than two inches in hot weather as it will need less water and stay greener when allowed to grow a bit taller. (Longer grass is also better for insects and wildlife!) Here is an excellent guide to gardening with water conservation in mind, including ideas for low-maintenance plantings, easy ways to set up automatic watering, and ways to save water on your lawns. With increased heat please take precautions to stay hydrated and cool. During extreme heat, we recommend tending your garden in the morning or evening and taking breaks as needed!

NEWS & EVENTS Closed for the Summer Bee well and see you in the fall! Painters Pollinator Pics & Prize Winner! Celebrating Pollinator Week June 16th - June 20th Need a gift idea? Give the gift that keeps on growing! 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 ... 28 No events at the moment

Give the gift that keeps on growing! New This Week December 12, 2023 Need a gift idea? Give the gift that keeps on growing! Whether someone loves grand gestures or simple delights, plants are always the perfect present. For a tangible gift, physical gift cards are ready for purchase during our open hours. Need something sooner than that? Our digital gift certificates can be bought online 24/7 and delivered straight to your inbox (or theirs). No matter the occasion or recipient, a Painters gift card is the perfect present for your plant-loving loved one.

Since 1973 Painters Greenhouse has supplied Western North Carolina with high-quality, locally grown plants. Located just off the beaten path our seasonal family-owned greenhouse is known for its focus on native and pollinator plants, mature houseplants, and wide selection. Grown Locally to Thrive Locally Home: Welcome and Newsletter Signup Now Closed for Summer Reopening: September 10 - October 12 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday & Sunday: 9am-4pm Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER SUBMIT Thanks! NEW THIS WEEK Closed for the Summer View More Bee well and see you in the fall! Painters Pollinator Pics & Prize Winner! View More Celebrating Pollinator Week June 16th - June 20th Need a gift idea? View More Give the gift that keeps on growing! SEE MORE GROWN LOCALLY TO THRIVE LOCALLY For 49 years our family business has supplied WNC with high quality plants. We grow more than 90% of our plants on site. Our goal is to provide plants grown with intention and sustainability for our community. LEARN MORE GROWN LOCALLY TO THRIVE LOCALLY For more than 50 years, our family business has supplied WNC with high-quality plants. We grow more than 90% of our plants on site. Our goal is to provide plants grown with intention and sustainability for our community. LEARN MORE A FOCUS ON NATIVES Planting native is a wonderful way to support a biodiverse ecosystem in your back yard from the bottom to the top of the food chain. We are proud to offer one of the largest selections of homegrown native plants in WNC! LEARN MORE EXPLORE OUR PLANTS Described as a paradise for plant lovers, we have over 100,000 sq. ft. of growing and retail space and cultivate around 1,000 species on site. We grow our plants with love and intention and sell direct to our faithful retail customers. Our plants are inspected and watered by hand and don't suffer shipping damage or transport from another climate. We are widely known for our focus on natives and pollinator plants, our wide selection of perennials (over 900 varieties), our giant Boston Ferns, and our mature and unique houseplant offerings. PLANT AVAILABILITY LIST FROM OUR BLOG Prepare your Gardens for Seasonal Heavy Rains: a Quick Checklist A Guide to Native Plants: Straight Species vs. Nativars How to Conserve Water and Beat the Heat in Your Garden this Summer SEE MORE Follow Us on Social Media @PaintersGreenhouse FOLLOW US PLANTS PROVIDE JOY AND WELLNESS, SUPPORT WILDLIFE, AND MAKE US FEEL MORE CONNECTED - THAT'S WHY WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO ADD A LITTLE GREEN TO THEIR LIFE!