Native Plant Nursery and Garden Center in Franklin, NC

Some trees are rare. The Franklin tree is a riddle! Last seen in the wild along Georgia's Altamaha River in the early 1800s, Franklinia alatamaha survives today only because William Bartram gathered its seeds in the 1770s. Join Brent Martin as he traces the tree's trail from riverbank to extinction and back again, plus its native cousins, the Mountain Camellia and Silky Camellia. Afterward, attendees get first pick of our limited supply of Franklin trees, prized for fragrant summer blooms and fiery fall color. No purchase required, but this may be North Carolina's only chance to grow one in 2026.

Those needles piling up under your pines? They're not yard waste. They're the raw material for an heirloom. Join Cherokee fiber artist and master weaver Nancy Basket for a hands-on class in pine needle basketry. With more than 30 years of teaching and pieces in museum collections, Nancy will guide you stitch by stitch as you coil, bundle, and build your own basket from the center out. Along the way, she'll share the stories and family traditions woven into every round. No experience needed. Seats are limited, so reserve your spot today and turn fallen needles into something worth keeping.