Search Results

Your Giant Ferns are Growing In for Spring New This Week October 17, 2023 Behind the Scenes with Painter's Famous Ferns Your Giant Ferns are Growing In for Spring Those famous Painters ferns are being grown in for you to take home next spring! Peek behind the scenes as we cultivate these giant tropical beauties. Freshly planted Boston Fern plugs (they arrive as tiny 1" square babies!). Kimberley Queen Ferns are more upright, don't shed, and can tolerate a range of sun exposure. Here they are after a month of growing. Production Team members hard at work transplanting rooted ferns from pots to their final homes in hanging baskets. Painters grows thousands of tropical ferns each year, and several varieties, so you can get just the right one... or two!... or more! See you March 6th!

Our favorite fragrant plants are here! New This Week March 8, 2026 Making Scents in your Garden: Literal Scent-Makers Our favorite fragrant plants are here! Stop and smell the roses (and the lilacs, and the paperbush)! Our favorite fragrant plants are here. These scent-makers will help your garden smell as good as it looks! We often design gardens for the eye forgetting the transportive nature of aroma. Beyond just pure floral enchantment, our noses provide direct links to our past. Unlike other senses, fragrance is processed in the limbic system —a brain region typically associated with memory and emotional processes. This biological connection is why the scent of a specific flower can trigger a sudden, powerful emotional reaction more effectively than just looking at it. So go ahead and create some memories in your garden full of fragrance! A few tips for fragrance gardens: Layer your plants for consistent scent across the seasons. Just like you might plant for staggered blooms throughout the year, time fragrant bulbs in the spring, add spring and summer scents with shrubs, trees, and herbs, and include perennials for aromas into autumn. Position plants near windows, pathways, and doorways to maximize your enjoyment. Scented geraniums were notably popular and strategically planted along pathways in Victorian times so that long skirts would brush against the foliage and release a dreamy scent! And don’t forget about the evening scents for nighttime pollinators: four o’clocks, evening primrose, night-blooming jasmine, and moonflower are great ones! Highly fragranced plants always go fast, but we’ve got a great stock right now. Read up and then come find your favorite! Scented blooms: Paperbush bloom at Painters Paperbush Edgeworthia chrysantha Stunningly sweet clusters of yellow flowers bloom in winter, emitting a truly magical gardenia-like fragrance. This is a stop-in-your tracks kind of aroma! We have them in 3G pots for $52.00. And while we have a good amount right now, they always go FAST. It's the irresistible aroma! Desert Orchid ‘El Nino’ Exquisite pink orchid-like summer blooms have a unique, delightfully sweet fragrance. Read more in our feature of the week here: CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT 'El Nino' Delicate highly fragrant blossoms on 'Sweet and Lo' Sweet Box at Painters Sweet Box ‘Sweet and Lo’ Slender pink-white flowers perfume the air with a jasmine-like fragrance late winter to early spring, adored by pollinators 2G pots for $36.00 Orange Sweet Olive Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus Highly fragrant, bright orange, tiny fall blooms have a perfume reminiscent of apricot ( Photo at the top). Tall specimens in 3G pots for $38.00. 2 Varieties of incredibly fragrant and sought after Korean Spice Viburnums: 'Spice Baby': Fragrant pink-white spring blooms; foliage takes on attractive burgundy shades in fall. 3Gal pots for $40.00. A great price for years of fragrance. 'Spice Cowboy' : Cultivar prized for its large, white, snowball blooms that fill the air with their fragrance in spring; foliage turns bright red-orange in fall. 3Gal pots for $40.00. Korean Spice Viburnum in bloom 5 different Lilacs at Painters this spring: Bloomerrang 'Dark Purple' : Fragrant purple flowers bloom first in spring, then again mid-summer to fall 'Congo': Large, abundant clusters of wonderfully fragrant purple flowers in spring, adored by pollinators and excellent for cut arrangements 'Miss Kim': Abundant, fragrant, lavender-pink blooms in spring; burgundy foliage in fall 'Baby Kim' : Dwarf version of the popular Miss Kim variety with fragrant pink-purple blooms mid to late spring 'Old Glory': Fragrant, showy panicles of flower bloom in mid spring, about a week earlier than most Click on our Tree and Shrub Availability List for prices, sizes, and quantities. Scented foliage: 2 different varieties of Illicium: Florida Anise Tree and Star Flower Anise ‘Orion,’ Florida Anise Tree: Lustrous foliage exudes an anise aroma when crushed; dazzling, dark red flowers (not quite so nicely scented) bloom in spring Star Flower 'Orion': Delightfully fragrant foliage, lovely white starburst flowers bloom from spring to fall with an otherworldly charm. Both varieties in 3G pots for $38.00 Plus all the varieties of scented geraniums! Read about Scented Geranium at Painters And tropical or herbal delights! Don’t miss these scented treats in the greenhouse: Herbs (Basils, Mints, Lavender, and more) and Citrus Plants (Meyer Lemon, Key Lime, Lemon & Lime Cocktail Tree, & 'Eureka' Variegated Pink) all with fabulous, fragrant foliage. Click on our Growing and Availability List for prices, sizes, and quantities. Heliotrope ‘Marine’ Deliciously fragrant, deep purple flowers bloom summer to fall; be sure to plant in a spot where you can regularly enjoy their spectacular scent. 6" pots are $6.50. Night Blooming Jessamine Intensely fragrant, creamy white summer flowers release their heady perfume at night. 4' pots available for $14.00. Arabian Jasmine Brilliant white, enchantingly fragrant flowers bloom in summer and sporadically throughout the year. 4' pots available for $14.00. Common 'scents' says you should get to Painters ASAP! Come snag these scent-makers before they go!

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.

We found a collapsed hummingbird at the greenhouse on Monday New This Week June 6, 2022 Hummingbird Rescue We found a collapsed hummingbird at the greenhouse on Monday A staff member found a collapsed hummingbird in our soil room on Monday. It appeared to be in shock from lack of food. We quickly mixed together some sugar water to feed it. Before long the bird was back on its feet and in the air within minutes! it definitely put smiles on our team's faces and was a great way to start the week! https://video.wixstatic.com/video/a514f4_8ac1c1e67b7b4eeea864766a70c80c21/720p/mp4/file.mp4

We offer a broad selection of vegetables, herbs, fruiting shrubs, and fruiting trees. You will find heirloom varieties as well as those bred for disease resistance, container gardening, and more. Each year we grow both classic and unique cultivars, focusing on varieties that are proven to grow well in our climate. Our herb selection, full of unusual varieties, is especially celebrated, particularly during our annual spring Herb Fest. EDIBLES We carry a wide selection of vegetables, herbs, fruiting shrubs, and fruiting trees. You will find heirloom varieties as well as those bred for disease resistance, container gardening, and more. Each year we grow both classic and unique cultivars, focusing on varieties that are proven to grow well in our climate, and our herb selection, full of unusual varieties, is especially celebrated. We are committed to locate and provide only non-GMO vegetables and herbs. In the rare case of pest or disease outbreaks on edibles, we use only organic-safe treatments. 2026 Perennial Edibles 2026 Vegetables & Herbs 2026 Tomatoes Blueberry Pollination Chart Fruit Tree Pollination Guide Perennial Edibles Scroll through these pages to read a bit about what we have for you this season. For prices, sizes and quantities, see our Tree & Shrub Availability. GROWING NOTE: Self-fruitful = does not require cross-pollination, but may bear more fruit if another individual of the same variety is present Name Variety Scientific Name Notes Self-Fruitful Apple Mutsu Malus domestica A critical pollinator to many other varieties; does well cross-pollinated by Fuji Apple Fuji Malus domestica crisp & juicy texture, great for applesauce Apple Honeycrisp Malus domestica very crisp and sweet, large fruit Apple McIntosh Malus domestica good for eating fresh or cooking. Cross-pollinate with Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn Apple Gala Malus domestica sweet and popular, keeps well Apple Granny Smith Malus domestica excellent for cooking; pollinators include Golden Delicious and Gala Self Fruitful Apple Pink Lady Malus domestica tart yet sweet, very popular flavor Apple Red Delicious Malus domestica disease resistant, high yielding, pollinates many others Apple Arkansas Black Malus domestica ideal for long-term storage & great for juicing and cider making Apple Wolf River Malus domestica huge fruits (up to 1 pound each!), great for cooking Asparagus Sweet Purple Asparagus officinalis sweeter than green varieties, large spears, wait 2 years to harvest Self Fruitful Blackberry Big Daddy Rubus large, oblong berries on erect canes; Exceptionally high yielding!! Self Fruitful Page 1 of 1 2026 Perennial Edibles Vegetables & Herbs This list includes veggies and herbs that have been grown for the spring 2026 season. Availability subject to change. Contact us if you are looking for something specific. Name Variety Anise Hyssop Arugula Astro Basil Thai Siam Queen Basil African Blue Basil Red Rubin Basil Holy Basil Cinnamon Basil Lettuce Leaf Tuscany Basil Sweet Large Leaf Italian Basil Pesto Perpetuo Basil Lemon Basil Everleaf Genovese Page 1 of 1 2026 Vegetables & Herbs Spring 2026 Tomatoes [Click chart to download all Nightshade Vegetables for 2026.] Most blueberries require a pollinating partner of a different variety within the same species to produce fruit. For better blueberry harvests, use our pollination chart to find a good match. Even self-pollinating varieties produce more fruit when cross-pollinated with a different blueberry plant. [Click chart for more information.] Note: This chart includes varieties sold in past years to help you find pollinating partners for your existing plants. Not all varieties are currently in stock. Fruit Tree Pollination: Apples have the most specific pollination needs of all fruit trees. Use the provided chart to select the best pollinator for your apple tree. The chart also shows which other fruit trees—including cherries, plums, peaches, and pears—need a pollinating partner. [Click chart for full information.]

Sharing our love of herbs! New This Week April 12, 2026 Unique Herbs & Special Recipes Sharing our love of herbs! Mid to late April is when we aim to have our widest variety of herbs available. Every year we hone our selection, adding commonly requested plants, those known to thrive in WNC, and incorporating new colors and tastes in the mix. Some new medicinal herbs for 2026 include Mad Dog Skullcap and Arnica, and a new cultivar we love is the 'Resina' Calendula. This year our selection is better than ever -- check out our list of herbs grown this spring below, including availability and pricing. You can also download the below pdf if you'd like a copy. Note that this availability is based on 4/15 inventory and popular herbs may sell quickly! Painters Herbs April 2026 .pdf Download PDF • 167KB And what better way to celebrate herbs than share favorite recipes?! One of my favorite memories is of the 2011 Herb Festival (our first year owning the business). Stephen and Susie drove over on their gulf cart with two customer favorites to share - Stephen's homemade popcorn (so much of it that he packed two garbage bags full!), and Susie's Basil Pesto to share on crackers and toasts. We carried on the tradition for over a decade until things got a bit too busy at this time of year (I recall working late into the nights to harvest and process massive amounts of pesto to share with hundreds of customers)! Susie made her pesto with the traditional pine nuts, parmesan, garlic and olive oil and her preferred basils were Italian Largeleaf or Genovese for their sweet robust flavors. If you want to extend your pesto season, we recommend planting Pesto Perpetuo also - these basil produce without bolting until frost when harvested regularly! Tracy's Poblano Pesto Tracy and her husband simply love growing their own food and playing in the kitchen - we love this zesty cilantro pesto they came up with! 2 poblanos, dry roasted* 1-2 cloves of garlic ¼ cup of pepitas 1 bunch of cilantro 1 jalapeno ½ cup cotija cheese Salt to taste EVO or Avocado Oil to taste Mix all ingredients other than oil in the food processor until the pepitas are well processed. Then, with the processor still running, add a healthy drizzle of your favorite olive or avocado oil until everything pulls together. Enjoy your poblano pesto on tortillas, sandwiches, breakfast eggs, pastas and more! *Pan roast the poblanos in a heavy bottom pan or under a broiler. Peel skins off and de-seed before using. Nora's Cinnamon Basil Vinegar Nora has gifted infused vinegars to team members over the years, and one of our favorites was her most recent - a cinnamon basil vinegar! Not only does it provide a really unique flavor, but it's beautifully pink! Makes a great addition to cold drinks, veggies and salads! 8 ounces of preferred vinegar (white is mildest & allows herb flavor to shine) 1 large sprig of chosen herb Clean bottle with a cork or sealed cap Add the sprig to the bottle, pour the vinegar gently in using a funnel, cap/seal the bottle and allow to sit in a warm place for at least a month. If in a rush, you can quickly prepare by simmering the herb and vinegar (not boiling) for 15-20 minutes. Recipe source: A Gift of Herbs Betsy's Scented Geranium Treats Betsy started acquiring unique scented geraniums for us to propagate years ago, and we now have quite the collection to choose from! Each one imparts a unique scent and flavor, and they also offer differing leave shapes, textures and blooms! We like the Peppermint and Fruit Angel varieties in cold drinks, and the nutmeg and Attar of Roses are really lovely in desserts. This cream cheese frosting is a real treat and would be lovely with any of the sweeter smelling varieties! Tear the geranium leaves of your choice into small pieces and mix with confectioners sugar then leave it in a warm place overnight so the sugar is infused. Then pick out the leaves, and beat with 1/4 cup cream cheese, 2 tablespoons softened butter and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest until smooth. This is a lovely topping for carrot cake! Recipe source: Cooking with Herbs Bonnie's Rosemary Syrup Over a decade ago we had a lovely dinner with friends in Old Fort, and Bonnie brought dessert - a mace cake which was served with rosemary infused syrup drizzled overtop. I still dream of it today! Bonnie pointed out that any herb infused syrup can be made depending on preferred taste and recipe it's topping. Rosemary Syrup 1 1/4 c sugar 1 1/2 c water 2 long (4") sprigs rosemary Make syrup by bringing all ingredients to a boil, covered in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occassionally, then remove lid and boil 10 minutes. Pour through sieve into bowl, pressing any remaining syrup out of solids and then discarding them. Cool to room temp. For a stronger flavor, allow the rosemary to sit for up to half an hour before straining.

New This Week April 12, 2026 Remembering Susie Painter We are so very sorry to share the news of the loss of Susie Painter. If not for Susie and Stephen, none of us would have this beautiful home away from home. Susie worked hard alongside Stephen, with help from their son Zach and many other family members over the years to build Painters from the ground up, and when our family purchased it in 2010, it already had a large following of faithful customers. We hope it brought her some comfort in her final weeks to know her vision continues to grow and bloom and bring joy to so many--she had a lot to be proud of! We hope that these photos of Susie over the years at Painters will bring a smile to the faces of all who knew her.

Regional Seeds for a Flourishing Garden New This Week May 11, 2026 Utopian Seeds Now at Painters Regional Seeds for a Flourishing Garden Painters is delighted to introduce a collection of seeds from a regional team we truly respect and admire: Utopian Seed Project “From seed saving and crop trials to community outreach and education, Utopian Seed Project is dedicated to fostering diverse and resilient foodways.” The Utopian Seed Project is a WNC non-profit dedicated to cultivating, researching, and celebrating agricultural biodiversity in the Southeast. Their work focuses on building resilient and equitable food systems by emphasizing crop diversity, seed sovereignty, and regional adaptation. They manage an experimental farm to research and grow diverse crops, selecting and breeding varieties specifically adapted to our regional environment. Their interest includes a wide range of produce, such as yacon, okra, taro, collards, bitter melon, and southern peas. We are thrilled to be carrying their seeds for sale at Painters! Whether you are looking to add to your garden this spring or stock up for fall or future seasons, find Utopian Seed Project seeds at Painters while we have ‘em! $5.50 each at Painters this spring. Supplies are limited! And beyond growing, the Utopian Seed Project engages in broader community support, including projects like the Appalachian Growers Seed Collective (which focuses on seed sovereignty), the Heirloom Collard Project, and the Leicester Food Coalition. As well as storytelling!! Through their "Crop Stories" project and podcast, they document the cultural and emotional significance of seeds, exploring how saving seeds connects people to their heritage and one another. Read more about their seeds, their mission and all they have going on at www.utopianseed.org : www.utopianseed.org Utopian Seed Project | Join the Movement Today Explore Utopian Seed Project's efforts in promoting crop diversity, seed sovereignty, and resilient regional food systems through education and collaboration.

Show Them How Beautiful Beneficial Gardens Can Be! New This Week April 21, 2026 It's All About Perception Show Them How Beautiful Beneficial Gardens Can Be! A great way to celebrate the earth is to plant as many native plants as you can. Maybe you've already done that--your yard is full of natives of all shapes and sizes, you have brush piles for the birds, you wait to mow and to cut back your perennials, you leave the leaves... and sometimes you get in trouble for it. Or maybe you're about to embark on a pollinator garden makeover and are worried about town or HOA ordinances. Regardless, incorporating some of these tips in your yard can help identify it as a purposeful space. Let others know why it looks the way it does when it does (not just due to neglect), and consider using techniques to make it more appealing to the average homeowner (without sacrificing wildlife benefit). There are many tools for bridging the gap between sterile lawns and invasive hedges and wildlife-focused gardens--the more we encourage others to emulate rather than critique our yards, the more we can help the planet! “Cues of Care” are landscape elements that are incorporated with the goal of showing others that your yard/gardens are intentionally managed. This has become increasingly important for those living in cities, suburbs and HOAs, as many folks view wildlife habitats as ‘messy’ or as harboring/attracting undesirable animals and insects (rats, snakes, wasps, mosquitos). While a balanced habitat rarely causes any pest issues (and often reduces them), and the way your yard appears should not matter to others, the reality is that there are (dated, often misinformed) ordinances in place in many neighborhoods. And if you design a space that is beautiful as well as beneficial, and add elements that are widely considered appealing (water features, edging, garden art, pathways, etc), then you are likely to increase interest in your space and perhaps act as the catalyst for others to make similar changes to their yards. Signage A great way to spread the word on the importance of planting for wildlife is to qualify for and purchase one of National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat signs. They’re attractive and a great way “to communicate the impact and intent of your garden to neighbors.” We also recommend BeeCityUSA’s signs that you can download and print for free such as this Low Mow sign, or, when smothering grass/in the early, less attractive steps of a wildlife space, this Pollinator Habitat in Progress sign. The Xerces Society also offers a wide selection of lovely, informative options. The NWF recommends that along with wildlife habitat signage, befriending neighbors and showing them the magic of your space goes a long way - a bit of personal connection, education, and beneficial exposure can quickly change perception. Alongside that (if you’re not the chatty type, then maybe lean into these harder), there are some other cues that can make a big difference in the way your yard is viewed by others. Ornamental Natives & Nativars Especially if you’re one of the only kids on the block with a native dominated space, then it definitely helps to incorporate as many ornamental natives as possible (and to design your space with some regard for color theory or texture). Including species and nativars with pretty blooms, interesting foliage and colorful berries can help with human appeal while also supporting wildlife. You can also choose compact nativars to create a ‘tidier’ appearance -which means you have space to plant more! ( R ead our blog on natives vs. nativars to learn that all native cultivars are not the same in terms of wildlife benefit, and that it is important to use wild type natives along with nativars or other ornamentals.) Borders, Paths & Art Other ways to help folks recognize your yard as a purposefully cultivated/curated space is to incorporate borders, fences, paths, hedges, and islands of plants. This helps with the ‘tidy’ aesthetic - even if you let things go pretty wild within each planted/protected area, if you highlight or frame them to some extent it’s helpful. Even better - add some stepping stones, boulders, garden art, bird baths and bird houses. And even the smallest of water features can provide critical wildlife support, bring beneficial and beautiful wildlife to your space and add a lot of charm. These all can make your space more enjoyable, easy to navigate, and more welcoming, while helping to calm any concerns or misunderstandings. And these updates don’t have to be pricey - simply using stones or large branches to delineate areas can be lovely! Incorporating these fences, borders and paths along the periphery of your yard is helpful also - you want to keep plants from falling over into sidewalks or neighbors’ yards to avoid complaints. These gardens are less than a year old and plants are still emerging in spring - yet they are very obviously curated spaces due to borders, benches and paths. Sources: NWF, BeecityUSA & Xerces Society Photos: Angela Esmond's lovely gardens!

Our Resources & Guides page is a great place to find the answers you're looking for! New This Week May 15, 2023 Have a Gardening or Plant Care Question? Our Resources & Guides page is a great place to find the answers you're looking for! Have you caught the buzz about pollinator gardens and want to learn how you can plant your own? Are you looking to start your own compost this summer? Curious if there are any deer-resistant plants? Want to know what houseplants are pet safe? Never planted a tree before and need to learn how? You'll find the answers to these questions and more on our Resources Page: www.paintersgreenhouse.com Our Resources | Painters Greenhouse Resources we recommend for WNC gardeners and plant folks! Featuring a wealth of information on native gardening, supporting wildlife, and edible gardening, as well as categorized lists of plants, houseplant tips, recipes and more.

A customer from Black Mountain recently returned from vacation and was worried to find the leaves on his blueberry bushes changing color in early August. What was going on? New This Week August 25, 2022 Is There Something Wrong with My Blueberry Bushes? A customer from Black Mountain recently returned from vacation and was worried to find the leaves on his blueberry bushes changing color in early August. What was going on? A customer from Black Mountain recently returned from vacation and was worried to find the leaves on his blueberry bushes changing color in early August. As a first-time blueberry grower he was concerned and reached out for advice. Luckily, we were able to inform him that his blueberries were showing very early fall color - this has been an odd summer with extreme moisture and temperature fluctuations and many shrubs and trees are turning sooner than usual. Do make sure to note if your blueberry leaves are turning reddish-orange or more of a yellow shade. While the oranger shades are typically indicative of the beginnings of fall color and natural leaf loss, yellow coloration can mean chlorosis - that the plants aren’t getting enough iron. This is a common issue during particularly wet summers (ahem! 2022!), and can easily be tested with a pH kit - if your soils show a high pH, then we suggest adding some iron sulfate or pine needle straw or feeding with an acidic fertilizer. This isn’t as common an issue in our area as our clay-rich soils tend to be quite acidic (which blueberries like) and typically contain plenty of iron, but if you're not sure if your blueberries are entirely healthy, then it never hurts to test your soil! Have your blueberry bushes started turning? What else is starting to show color in your yard? Tag us in your pictures on facebook or instagram so we can see! We have lots of blueberries along with many other edible tree and shrub varieties ready for planting when our Fall Season opens September 9th! View our Fall Tree & Shrub Availability List .

For the True Botanical Collector New This Week May 10, 2026 Specialty Carnivorous Plants For the True Botanical Collector We are excited to announce a new stock of locally grown carnivorous plants including beautiful, hard-to-find pitcher plants, sundew and butterwort from a local grower and friend of Painters. Medium, Large, XL: prices range from $22 to $50 (hover over photos for names/prices). Very limited stock--these always go fast! Assorted Bog Pitcher Plants Sarracenia , various Perennial, zones 6-9 Full sun, bright direct light Carnivorous beauty, digests insects for food Elegant flowers bloom spring to summer Thrives in wet, acidic, nutrient-poor soil Sensitive to chemicals in tap water, best to use rainwater or distilled Requires 3-4 months of winter dormancy triggered by cold temperatures (below 50°F) Sarracenia do best when placed at the edge of a water garden or in a water barrel with their roots in the water but crown of the plant above. Growing them indoors is a bit tough - they prefer to basically be ignored with their roots in rain water/pond water year-round. Avoid any fertilizers or other chemicals in the water (which is best in a natural pond/wildlife-friendly water feature anyway). You can cut off dead pitchers and phyllodia (leaves that never open into pitchers but help with photosynthesis) when they are completely brown--if they are still partly green/red and flexible, they are still feeding the plant. Another benefit to growing these outside is then they can eat their own food - feeding pitchers is not typically recommended - it's best to let them attract and digest their preferred insects on their own! Basically, plop the pot in shallow water and ignore it -- other than obsessively photographing it! Spoonleaf & Threadleaf Sundew - $9 ea Drosera intermedia, Drosera filiformis Houseplant, bright direct light Carnivorous sticky leaves curl around trapped insects to digest them Tiny long-lasting pink blooms throughout the year Needs consistently moist soil; good choice for terrariums Can spend summers outdoors in full to part sun Billy brought us a select number of precious sundews - choose from cute little spoons or long octopus-like threadleafs! Butterwort - $14 Pinguicula primulaflora IYKYK... these are quite popular amongst collectors and terrarium fanatics, but are often very hard to find. As they age, they build into a spreading clump of bright green-gold leaves which contrast beautifully with their tiny blooms. Again, limited numbers! Houseplant (or tender perennial in zones 7-9), bright indirect light best Carnivorous beauty native to the Southern US coastal plain; shiny leaves, covered in digestive glands, roll inward to consume insects when they land Violet flowers bloom spring-summer Requires constantly moist soil and cooler winter temperatures during dormancy (some folks place their butterworts and flytraps in the fridge for a few months each winter)

Meet the Owen family and read about their journey to Painters Greenhouse. Plus our staff page! WELCOME TO PAINTERS GREENHOUSE For over 50 years our family business has supplied our loyal retail customers with high quality plants. Painters has been described as a hidden gem, located just off the beaten path in Old Fort, NC. We have one of the largest inventories in WNC with a focus on native and pollinator plants, an extensive selection of perennials, and mature and unique houseplants! MEET THE OWEN FAMILY For 37 years the Owen family owned and farmed a 320-acre property in Pennsylvania. The farm produced numerous organic crops, raised animals (including llamas and horses), and fed the Owen family well! Brad started many seeds in their small greenhouse, and he and Deenie maintained extensive flower and vegetable gardens each year. Aiming for a quiet retirement in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, they left the farm to settle in Old Fort in 2009. As avid gardeners, they soon discovered Painters Greenhouse and, while shopping, heard that original owners Susie and Stephen Painter were looking to retire. Deenie and Brad couldn't imagine such a community icon being lost--there was talk of it being bulldozed or turned into monoculture--and they'd always dreamed of owning a greenhouse. Brad and Deenie's daughter Dana was studying ornithology out West and, while loving birds, missed the lush green plants of the East Coast. When visiting over Christmas, she also fell in love with Painters. Following a season of Deenie volunteering and getting a feel feel for the business, she and Brad made the decision to purchase Painters in 2010 and run it with Dana. So much for retirement! Fortunately, Stephen and Susie, who built the business from the ground up, agreed to stay on for a year as consultants--it was a steep learning curve! Previously, Brad had worked for decades as a wetlands biologist, Deenie worked in therapeutic massage, and Dana came from an education in environmental science and raptor biology; however, their science backgrounds did very little to help with learning how to mass produce in a green-ho house setting. It took a lot of experimentation and dedication (along with some very key team members) to get to where they are today! How did Painters win the Owens over, and what keeps them committed during the long days of hard work? Brad has always been a dedicated ecologist with a love for the environment, and he and Deenie raised their daughters surrounded by nature. He has been a driving force behind the continued expansion of Painters' native plant selection. Brad and Deenie loved the idea of providing the community with beautiful plants as well as community with beautiful plants, as well as having the opportunity to encourage folks to garden with the environment and wildlife in mind. They and Dana appreciated the wide selection of plants grown by the Painters, and have almost doubled the diversity of crops offered over the last decade. Their ornamental gardens at home are an incredibly biodiverse mishmash of annual and perennial pollinator-friendly plants that support a huge variety of insects and other wildlife. In fact, Brad's gardening style is to fill every last nook and cranny with blooms of all colors (typically "throw-outs" from Painters)! Dana grew up savoring wildflower walks with her family and, while working in greenhouses during college further and further piqued her interest, she really fell in love with plants when living in Ecuador and witnessing the beauty of the Amazon rainforest. Deenie and Dana, while also lovers of gardening and ecology, were strongly driven by the connection Painters provides with the community. They view and treat their staff as family, and many customers have become dear friends as well. Plants most definitely have the power to heal, as well as foster connections between people of all walks of life--the Owens feel fortunate to be a part of that. The Owens' other daughter, Vanessa, and her husband, Gavin, are also plant lovers and work ocassionally at the greenhouse when not busy with their careers as professional choreographers and dancers. Vanessa also has a side business growing cut flowers and often sells her Mackey Meadows creations at Painters! Looking to the future, the Owens plan to continue fostering a biodiverse plant selection and look forward to ongoing experimentation with new cultivars and species! MEET OUR STAFF Meet our staff Co-owner Dana Owen Finance and Production Manager Sara S. Grower Diego B. Plant Librarian & Assistant Grower Nora L. Production Team Member Maria H. Production Team Member Kerry B. Assistant Grower & Retail Floor Assistant Kim L. Co-owner Deenie Owen Operations Manager Moises A. Grower Israel J. Marketing & Digital Media Manager Tracy W. Production Team Member Yanet D. Man of Many Hats John B. Propagation Specialist & Retail Floor Assistant Stefanie R. Co-owner Brad Owen Administrative & Retail Floor Manager Betsy B. Grower Chris N. Production Team Leader Ana C. Production Team Member Azia A. Sanitation Manager Toni S. Our Amazing 2026 Spring Team Seasonal Team

Camera Roll Tour, 4/1 - 4/7 New This Week April 5, 2026 Shady Business: Spring Blooms for Shade Camera Roll Tour, 4/1 - 4/7 Prices shown are spring 2026 prices. This is just a glimpse of all we have available! Some ephemerals are not fully rooted, but most pictured here are ready to be transplanted. We also have a limited number of beautiful spring blooming shrubs for part shade, including fothergilla, doghobble, azaleas and more. Click images to enlarge and hover/enlarge for I.D.

Featuring Two Favorite Native Fruits! New This Week September 16, 2024 Viking Black Chokeberry & Heritage Raspberry Featuring Two Favorite Native Fruits! 'Viking' Black Chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa It's no secret chokeberry is a staff favorite here at Painters--we carry five different kinds! It's native, ornamental, edible, and birds and pollinators love it! Since this week's special is on edibles we'd like to highlight a native edible shrub that was specifically developed for the orchard. In the early 20th century, our native chokeberry was introduced to eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia for berry production. Russia bred the 'Viking' variety by selecting for the largest berries on black chokeberry and that variety is still in cultivation there on thousands of acres for berry production. 'Viking' was re-introduced to the US a couple decades ago and has become a crop also grown on orchards seeking a harvest of Aronia berries. Black chokeberry is an upright, multi-stemmed shrub that thrives in a variety of soil conditions, including boggy. Even though the shrub is deciduous, it can still be used as an effective privacy hedge due to the dense, suckering habit. Other applications include rain gardens, orchards, pollinator gardens, bird friendly habitats, etc. The deep purple fruit ripens in fall and is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. As the common name suggests, the fruit is astringent and a little too tart to eat fresh, but it is perfect for jams, pies, and juices. This shrub is self-fertile and does not need to be planted with another of its kind to produce fruit and should produce berries for you within 3 years of age. To top it all off, the fall color is a fiery mix of scarlet and deep orange! NAME: Aronia is in the Rose family (as many of our tree fruits are). Melano- means "black" and - carpa means "fruit" NATIVE RANGE: eastern North America from Newfoundland south to Alabama FUN FACTS: Aronia berries are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and powerful antioxidants that may have heart-healthy, immune-boosting, and anticancer properties. GROWING CONDITIONS SUNLIGHT: Full sun is best, especially for maximum flower and ultimately fruit production SOIL: Average soil to moist/wet SIZE: 4-6 feet tall and wide ZONES: 3-9 'Heritage' Raspberry Rubus idaeus var. strigosus ‘Heritage’ Raspberry is one of the most popular varieties grown worldwide. This ever-bearing raspberry produces one crop in summer and another heavier crop in fall of extra-sweet, juicy berries. Only one plant is needed, as the flowers are self-fruitful. This variety reliably produces fruit and will reward you within the first year of planting. Timely pruning is necessary to keep the plant healthy and the form open enough to allow sun and airflow on developing fruit. With proper maintenance it should live 8-10 years. ‘Heritage’ is self-supporting and does not need a trellis, the canes are upright and strong enough to support themselves. Note: do not plant red, gold or purple raspberries within 75-100 feet of black raspberries. Black raspberries are more susceptible to a viral disease carried by aphids to and from nearby raspberry plants. NAME: The latin words R ubus idaeus means “bramble bush of Mount Ida” an important landmark in ancient Greek mythology and the highest mountain on the island of Crete where raspberries grew in abundance. NATIVE RANGE: Grows throughout most of the temperate regions of the world including most of North America from Alaska through Canada and south to North Carolina and Arizona. FUN FACTS: Raspberry roots are perennials but the leaf and fruit-bearing canes are biennial and only live two growing seasons before dying. ‘Heritage’ is considered a fall-bearing or ever-bearing variety and can produce fruit two times a year, once in summer on second-year canes and again in fall on the tips of that year’s primo-canes. To understand more on pruning and harvest times of ‘Heritage’ raspberries: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/what-proper-way-prune-fall-bearing-red-raspberries-late-winterearly-spring GROWING CONDITIONS SUNLIGHT: Full sun SOIL: Needs well-drained soil SIZE: 4-5’ tall and 2-3’ wide ZONES: 4-8