Black Mountain Beautification Committee Garden Sale returns for 19th year
Annual two-day fundraiser to bring 20 vendors to downtown
Jessica Klarp
Guest contributor
The Valley Echo
May 14, 2025
The Black Mountain Beautification Committee will host its 19th Annual Garden Sale, May 16 and 17, in the Town Square parking lot. The annual fundraiser, which will feature 20 vendors, supports the nonprofit organization’s volunteer efforts in the community. Photo courtesy of Jessica Klarp
Evidence of the Black Mountain Beautification Committee’s efforts start at the I-40 exit and continue throughout town, with 53 planter boxes, 25 greenspaces and the full expanse of Town Square.
Nearby, in the Town Square parking lot, the nonprofit organization will host its 19th annual Garden Sale, from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Friday, May 16 and from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, May 17.
The family-friendly fundraiser, which will feature 20 vendors, a members’ market, bake sale and plant raffle, is offering something for everyone.
The Garden Sale helps to fund the BMBC’s many philanthropic efforts, including the Seed Money Award and the Community Improvement Award. It also supports the volunteer efforts to fill planters and greenspaces with beautiful living plants.
Dozens of Beautification Committee members organize and plan the event for months.
“The variety and quality of plants, herbs, trees, shrubs, annuals, garden art, cut flowers, and perennials are first-rate,” said member Resa Walch, who is coordinating vendors for the sale. “Most of the vendors return each year, citing a very well-organized event with amazing hospitality and excellent sales.”
The diverse list of area vendors includes Anne Stone Art, Appeldoorn Landscape Nursery, Belly Full Plants Nursery, Blue Ridge Exotics, Carolina Wild, Herb and Roots, Hidden Acre Nursery, High Country Nursery, Iron Maiden Studios, KW Edible Landscaping Nursery, Laurel Hill Nursery, Men's Garden Club of Asheville, Specialty Tropicals, Tufa Things, Useful Plants Nursery, Walkertown Farms, Wildwood Herbal..
BMBC volunteers assist customers who purchase plants in a dedicated drive-up area, where they offer to do the heavy lifting.
Shari Gallant is in charge of the members’ market and the bake sale this year. As usual, the range of offerings is impressive, according to the coordinator.
The 2025 Black Mountain Garden Sale, hosted by the Black Mountain Beautification Committee, will feature vendors, a members market, raffle and bake sale. The event will take place, May 16 and 17, in the Town Square parking lot. Photo courtesy of Jessica Klarp
“We have beautiful baskets of every kind this year,” she said. “Some of the themes include Coffee Lovers, Pamper Me, Flower Growers, and Wine Lovers. We also offer hand-made items from our members including knitted baby sweaters, a pendant necklace,wire wrapped earrings, bird houses and a paper flower arrangement. Additionally, members donate services like garden coaching, veterinary services and sewing services.”
The bake sale items fly off the table throughout the weekend, and are testament to the cooking skills of members who pour their efforts into sweet and savory items, according to volunteers.
Another entertaining aspect of the Garden Sale is the raffle, in which each vendor donates one plant or product and visitors to the sale can purchase a $5 ticket, with cash, for three chances to win.
Organizers say this year’s sale is especially important for a variety of reasons. Not only has the perimeter surrounding Black Mountain been devastated by Tropical Storm Helene, but most of the items BMBC uses to decorate the town throughout the year and to facilitate the Garden Sale were washed away from the forces of Flat Creek. The sale is an indication that citizens are ready to rebuild and replant and return to a semblance of normalcy.
Participation in the sale will help vendors, the community and BMBC get back on its feet, according to Garden Sale Committee Chair Roynan Jones, who has been overseeing the event for four years.
“The Beautification Committee’s annual garden sale has always been a highlight for the community,” she said. “This year, though, it is so much more. After the devastation from Helene, the sale is a celebration of renewal and a way for our hearts and souls to rejoice.”
With more than 90 active members devoted to maintaining the aesthetic charm of Black Mountain, the Beautification Committee creates events to fund its efforts to maintain the natural appeal of the town. The nonprofit, volunteer-led organization has been working to keep Black Mountain beautiful since 2000.
For more information about BMBC or the Garden Sale visit blackmountainbeautification.org.