Farm and Garden Tour

The 11th Annual Mountain Farm and Garden Tour provided members of the Vegetable Production class with the opportunity to visit a number of locally run organic farms and gardens. Instructor George Thomas and seven students spent a pleasant Sunday afternoon touring four distinctly different operations.

One farm specialized in a wide variety of heirloom vegetables using strictly organic techniques, while another focused on production using biodynamic practices (planting and fertilizing according to astrological signs).

A third farm produced an interesting combination of organically grown lavender and blueberries along with milking goats.

The fourth garden was without a doubt the most interesting to everyone. Although only one acre in size, over 500 species of native and exotic medicinal herbs, perennials and vegetables were on display.


The owner, Joe Hollis demonstrated a remarkable knowledge of the properties and uses for all of the plants under his care.

He also showed us his extensive herbal library, pharmacy (where he actually makes and sells his own herbal remedies) and seed repository.

For more information on this amazing garden visit his website: www.mountaingardensherbs.com. Additional information about this annual tour event can be found at: www.carolinafarmstewards.org.