Community Partners Make This Initiative Possible
Thanks to our amazing Partners, the March 2023 and 2024 Gardening For Life Celebrations were incredible successes! Over 1,200 folks attended one, or both, of the events. Our speakers were non other than Doug Tallamy and Jim McCormac and they were incredible! We welcomed dozens of conservation-minded vendors to exhibit and we hosted the best of the best native plant growers for the native plant sale.
For 2025 we are mixing it up a bit by creating a series of smaller events - talks, plant sales, conversations, etc.
Let us say - None of this would be possible without the support of our Community Partners. We are deeply grateful for all of the ways, large and small, folks have pitched in to support this community initiative.
How did we measure the success of the 2023 event? Read: Community Impact GFL Celebration 2023
“The event provided some of my favorite things all in one place at one time: collections of healthy native plants; information about volunteering; opportunities for action for the land; a friendly community of conservation-minded folk; AND an inspirational speaker.” - M Brown
Interested in becoming a GFLP Partner to support upcoming FREE community events and celebrations?
Benefits to becoming a GFLP Community Partner:
The great feeling that comes with protecting, preserving and promoting healthier habitats for native plants, for wildlife and thus, for our communities
Community recognition that you are a supporter of the Gardening For Life Project
Opportunities to network, connect and be inspired by the Gardening For Life Project community
All Partners receive special recognition and opportunities at future GFLP Celebrations. (Note: one is not planned for 2025)
Partnership Levels
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Oak: $3,000
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Hemlock: $2,000
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Dogwood: $1,000
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Mountain Laurel: $500
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Joe Pye: $250
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Milkweed: $100
2024 Gardening For Life Project Partners
Oak Partner: The Congregational Church (UCC) Tryon
The Congregational Church, UCC in Tryon is a progressive, multi-generational, open and affirming, Christian community engaged in loving our neighbors by following the way of Jesus. We care a lot about each other, God’s beautiful creation, and what’s happening in the world around us.
Conservation Partner: Conserving Carolina
Conserving Carolina is a land trust whose mission is to protect, restore and inspire appreciation of the natural world. Over 47,000 acres protected to date and growing!
Oak Partner: New View Realty
New View Realty specializes in local home buying and selling. We effectively coordinate the purchase and sale of real estate, properties, residential homes, town-homes, condos, new construction, and land, based on our clients’ needs. “We love what we do and are committed to your success!”
Oak Partner: Claussen Walters Real Estate
Claussen Walters is a dedicated husband and wife real estate team who have worked together successfully for over 25 years. They are uncompromising in their pursuit of excellence and dedication to clients. Whether managing the marketing of your property or helping you to locate a sweet spot to carry out your lives and find happiness in Polk County, NC, they are here to help!
Hemlock Partner: Anita Saulmon and Larry McDermott
Anita and Larry are community activists in the best sense. They are involved in the community in many ways that inform, uplift and contribute to our greater good. Anita is also a valued member of the GFLP Leadership Team.
Hemlock Partner: Anonymous Community Member
Dogwood Partner: Champions For Wildlife
Champions For Wildlife is a nonprofit organization whose mission is: to inspire and empower the next generation through art and education to be champions for wildlife. This includes endangered animals, with America’s red wolf as one of their top priorities.
Dogwood Partner: Bobbi Sommer
Bobbi believed in good people doing great things. GFLP is an example of a community organization that recognizes the need to protect biodiversity in our region while inspiring people to take action.
Dogwood Partner: Our Carolina Foothills
Our Carolina Foothills began in 2014 as an initiative to celebrate the rich history of the region while promoting this unique tourist destination. Overall, the OCF mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents and to enhance the visitor experience.
Modera Wealth is an independently owned wealth management firm. Whether you’re in need of comprehensive financial planning or need a partner to help you address a specific life event or financial goal, Modera is here to help.
Mountain Laurel Partner: Modera Wealth
Mountain Laurel Partner: Mast General Store
Mountain Laurel Partner: Mast General Store
Mast General Store opened in 1883 in the rural mountain community of Valle Crucis, North Carolina. Today, it offers a broad, modern selection of goods to fit the lifestyles of explorers and families alike with the same friendly, knowledgeable service it’s provided guests for 140 years. The Mast Store’s wares include locally produced foods, hundreds of old-fashioned candies, kitchen supplies, home and garden decor, souvenirs, and children’s toys and games. It also features everyday fashion apparel and accessories as well as outdoor clothing, gear, footwear, and an extensive Knife Shop.
With 11 locations in four states, Mast General Store welcomes neighbors who live down the road, travelers from far and wide, and their well-behaved pets, too. Make any Mast General Store your destination for an experience you and your family are sure to remember.
Mountain Laurel Partner: Green Blades Garden Club
The Green Blades Garden Club, Inc. is a non-profit organization and operates exclusively for educational and philanthropic purposes. The club's mission is the encouragement and development of garden, conservation and beautification projects for home and community.
Visit The Park on Trade in downtown Tryon to enjoy a beautiful garden under their care.
Mountain Laurel Partner: Tryon Garden Club
Since 1928, the Tryon Garden Club members have been dedicated to the advancement of gardening and the protection of wildflowers, birds and wildlife. Whether in our gardens or at Pearson’s Falls and Glen, we are fulfilling the Club’s mission – to protect, beautify and educate.
Stroll The Depot Garden in downtown Tryon thanks to their care and stewardship.
Mountain Laurel Partner: Wild Birds Unlimited - Hendersonville
Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in bringing people and nature together through the hobby of backyard bird feeding, nature products and local expert advice.
638 Spartanburg Highway, Suite 60, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Mountain Laurel Partner: Polk County Schools
Polk County Schools is a public school system in Western North Carolina serving approximately 2,300 students. All Polk County schools have been recognized by state and national organizations for their student centered focus and academic excellence.
The Gardening For Life Celebration is held at the Polk County High School.
Mountain Laurel Partner: Corrie Woods & Jay Lichty
Mountain Laurel Partner: The Gorge
Best Zipline in the Blue Ridge — At The Gorge Zipline, adventure is for all, and we're all for adventure! Experience one of the steepest, fastest, and most beautiful canopy tours in the nation.
Mountain Laurel Partner: The Back Alley Boutique and Bud Bar
The Back Alley Boutique and Bud Bar aims to provide a curated selection of locally created/sourced arts, crafts, gifts, and high quality hemp products to help facilitate the support of local small businesses in our community
Joe Pye Partner: The Botanical Gardens at Asheville
The Botanical Gardens at Asheville, located in the Southern ‘ plant collection includes more than 500 species native to the Southern Appalachians. These include many species of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, vines, grasses and sedges. Habitats vary from sunny and dry to shaded and wet, allowing for many suitable niche species.
Joe Pye Partner: Nature For My Soul
Nature For My Soul is about looking at the natural world with NEW EYES. Escape your busy lives for a moment and join me as I uncover countless gifts from Mother Nature. There is so much to discover right outside of your doors whether you live in Rhode Island, Colorado, New York, North Carolina or elsewhere.
Joe Pye Partner: Lane Outdoor, LLC
Lane Outdoor provides dependable stump grinding services and professional outdoor lighting solutions throughout the Carolina Foothills, from Greenville, SC to Asheville, NC and areas between.
Joe Pye Partner: Denny and Skip Crowe
We are grateful to Denny and Skip for assisting in accommodations for Jim McCormac’s visit! If you have family coming to town, or you are coming to our area for a visit, we invite you to check out their lovely Airbnb Little Camp Bungalow.
Joe Pye Partner: Dryad Naiad Studio
Dryad Naiad Studio creates art from found and foraged materials, with a focus on elements from nature. Inspired by the Black Mountains and South Toe River, their many collaborators include fungi, native plants, insects, beavers, and rain itself.
Joe Pye Partner: Prairie Moon Nursery
When you buy from Prairie Moon, you know you’re getting authentic, wild-type native plants, not cultivated varieties bred by the horticultural industry. These fine folks are dedicated to helping you be a part of the collective effort to nurture and sustain the living landscape. Their website and catalog are great educational resources to help make your project a success. If you need help, give them a call and a friendly plant nerd will be there with advice and suggestions.
Joe Pye Partner: Wood Creek Dental
For more than 40 years Wood Creek Dental has served patients in the growing Upstate communities of the Carolinas. Their experienced family of dentists and quality staff remain committed to providing you and your family with exceptional service in an enjoyable and caring atmosphere at two state-of-the-art facilities in Greenville and Landrum.
Joe Pye Partner: Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
FENCE is a non-profit organization dedicated to serve as a community resource for the preservation of green space and for educational and recreational opportunities linking nature, animals, and people.
Joe Pye Partner: All Good Things Bakery
All Good Things Bakery makes all of their products from scratch, in house, everyday if not multiple times a day! Their selections include delectable pastries, one of a kind cakes and exceptionally crafted old-world style breads from Benny’s Bakery.
Joe Pye Partner: Bodega Noir
Bodega Noir - a Wine Bar, a Flower Shop, an event space and more! Located in Landrum, SC.
Milkweed Partner: Milkweed Meadows
Kim Bailey, wildlife habitat gardener and environmental educator, currently produces native wildflower seeds, pollinator-friendly potted plants, speciality fruits and more via her farm - Milkweed Meadows. Kim also offers educational programs farm tours for groups onsite.
Milkweed Partner: North Carolina Wildlife Federation
Since 1945, North Carolina Wildlife Federation has worked for all wildlife and habitat, bringing together conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and anglers, government and industry to protect North Carolina’s natural resources.
Milkweed Partner: The Hay Rack
The Hay Rack is a family-owned feed, hardware, and lumber store serving equestrians, ranchers and farmers for generations. Located in the heart of Landrum serving the Tryon and the Upstate region since 1993, The Hay Rack is a one stop shop for all your lumber, hardware, fencing, equine, livestock and pet supplies, as well as farm and garden equipment.
Milkweed Partner: The Kiwanis Club of Tryon
The Kiwanis Club of Tryon is a volunteer organization dedicated to transforming our community and our world, one child and one family at a time.
Milkweed Partner: The Rural Seed
The Rural Seed is a locally-owned, community-minded restaurant serving up yummy food and inventive specials. They support and promote local farmers and producers by showcasing the bounty of their harvest. Whether you are heading there for Sunday brunch or want to enjoy dinner and beer and listen to live music, the local favorite has you covered.
Milkweed Partner: Flower Moon Nursery
Flower Moon Nursery grows trees, shrubs, and perennials that are native to the Southeast or hard to find in the trade. They are a wholesale and limited retail nursery specializing in deciduous azaleas native to the Southeast US. Customers include landscapers, garden centers, landscape architects, botanical gardens and passionate gardeners.
Additional Milkweed Partners
Donna & Clyde Younkin
Vard Henry
Janet Bagg Glancy
Steve and Marie King
Cindy Woods
Vivian and William Cheek
Nick and Cathy Fisher
Our Valued Volunteers
We are also incredibly grateful to volunteers. Over sixty individuals have been pitching in to help make this initiative a success. Thanks go to each and every one!
Too, we’d like to thank the following community organizations for their contributions of volunteer time:
Green Blades Garden Club
Our Registration Team!
We invite you to get in touch if you would like to learn more about Partnership opportunities.