Winding Stair Gardens

It’s Our 8th Anniversary Party! (Free!)

Eight years of growing, digging, and connecting with this incredible mountain community, and we’re throwing the biggest party yet to mark the occasion! 

Join us on Saturday, March 21st from 11 AM to 3 PM for a day packed with live music, delicious food, farm tours, giveaways, and so much more. 

Whether you’re a longtime friend of the nursery or discovering us for the first time, this is the event of the season- and we wouldn’t want to celebrate without you. 

Come as you are, bring the whole family, and let’s make some memories together. We can’t wait to see you!

11am: Free Behind-the-scenes tour of the nursery, led by nursery manager, Greg Mason
12pm – 2pm: Live Music from Ridgetop Dave
Food Truck from The Wood Fired Grill
Free cookies to the first 100 attendees
Grits tasting from our own grist-mill with Greg the miller
20+ Prize Drawings
Free Mixed-Color Columbine Plants
10% off Winding Stair Gardens purchases

Meet the Community

3 Barn Farm

One of Franklin’s premier farms, offering Certified Naturally Grown produce grown right here in Macon county.

Fish Tale Outfitters

Local experts at fishing in these Smoky Mountains! Perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Trail Mix

A cleverly curated boutique inspired by nature and whimsy; calling it ‘Franklin’s best gift shop’ doesn’t do it justice.

The Wood Fired Grill

Delicious food featuring artisan smoked meats and homemade side dishes.

Alarka Expeditions

Alarka delivers award-winning nature trips. Hiking, kayaking, and nature-gazing all with experienced guides Angela & Brent.

Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center

Promotes the teaching and preservation of the cultural and artistic heritage of the Southern Appalachians and Cherokee people and to serve as a community resource and gathering place.

Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy

Since 1977, the Conservancy has helped keep the spirit of William Bartram alive by caring for 100+ miles of trail through the Southern Appalachians

Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions

Wildflower identification walks for individuals or groups, plus consulting and workshops on all things botanical!

Highland Parks Retreat

Immerse yourself in the serenity of nature with cabin rentals and wellness classes, all on the Cullasaja river.

Read2Me

Read2Me provides free books for children in the Macon County, NC area. 

Michael’s Tree Services

Franklin and surrounding area tree services.

Winding Stair Campground

Our own wonderful campground, 12 miles West of the Garden Center, nestled in the Nantahala Forest.

John Kotab

Local bee-expert and author of the book Bee the Change; If We Protect, Nature Will Provide.

Abby Artemisia

Leader of The Wander School and author of Herbal Handbook for Homesteaders: Farmed and Foraged Herbal Remedies and Recipes

Holland Confectionery Art

WNC’s own sugar florist and custom cake designer.

Franklin Farm Hub

Winding Stair’s sister organization dedicated to improving access to safe and healthy food. 

Prize Drawings from:

Thank you to all of our community partners who have kindly donated prizes for our draw.

Winding Stair Gardens – $100 gift card plus:
Mystery plant selected from our amazing selection
Fun gift from our inside team – tba
Delightful butterfly jigsaw puzzle
Highlands Park Retreat – Two relaxing prizes: 1 massage and 1 Aroma Touch Therapy
Culture – Gift card
Mainspring Conservation TrustMerch, including hats!
Renee’s Cake Shoppe –  Birthday party in a basket, t-shirt, party plate set, 4 cupcakes and 4 cake pops PLUS a $10.00 gift card!
Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions3 two-person passes for wildflower walks with Adam
Solstice Handmade – Info TBA
Holland Confectionary ArtsComplimentary floral cupcakes
Franklin Farm HubBasket of local food products!
Winding Stair Campground2-night glamping stay at either Fern Gully or Glass House 
3 Barn FarmVegetable start plants AND a gift card!
Patricia Kyritsi Howell of BotanolLogos – Autographed copy of her book, Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians
Trail MixFabulous mushroom stool, great for kids
Fish Tales Outfitters1-person guided fishing trip
The Wood Fired Grill – Two gift certificates for $35 each for a full slab of ribs or comparable menu items

Thank you to all of our Community Friends for making our Prize Draw the Best Ever!

Oh… and more!