The Bullington Board

Summer 2025

As we welcome the long days of summer, it’s hard to believe Helene left such a mark on our gardens. Thanks to the recent abundant rains, much of the damage is being disguised by summer’s lush growth. The foliage has filled in, and what once looked broken is now beginning to feel whole again.

One space that didn’t bounce back so easily, however, was our Fairy Village. We weren’t sure we’d be able to reopen it until mid-summer. But in true Bullington spirit, the community rallied. Staff and volunteers gave their time, creativity, and elbow grease to completely reimagine and rebuild. And—against all odds—it opened on time, and bigger than before, albeit with a lot more sun where the giant oaks once stood.  This year, we also added a new feature: the Storytime Book Nook, offering story times read by our volunteers.

Summer is now in full swing, and with it comes the laughter of children, the buzz of pollinators, and the many mornings of weeding the gardens. There’s such peace and purpose in seeing this place continue to thrive.

Which brings me to some personal news I want to share with you.  After five deeply meaningful years as Director of Bullington Gardens, I've made the decision to retire. This place has been the capstone of my career and as I look back at all we’ve accomplished together—new bathrooms, improved walkways, expanded parking, and the acquisition of the property—I feel nothing but pride and gratitude. These improvements will support Bullington’s mission for years to come, and they were only possible because of the dedicated community that surrounds this garden.

My last day will be Thanksgiving, and while change is always bittersweet, I know it’s time to hand the reins to the next leader who will love and guide this garden with fresh energy and vision. The search is now underway to find that person, and I trust they’re out there—ready to grow with Bullington just as I did.

To each of you who have volunteered, donated, attended a class, planted a flower, or walked our paths —thank you. You have made this job the honor of my lifetime.

With a full heart,

Annie Higgins

We have a lot to be grateful for at Bullington Gardens, from our fantastic crew of volunteers to the amazing support we have received from the community. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we faced many challenges-clearing debris, readying the Fairy Trail for the summer, and making the gardens safe for visitors among our regular duties. We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following organizations for their generous support:

The Community Foundation-Debris Removal

Perry N. Rudnick Endowment Fund-All Terrain Wheelchairs

Family Tree Care-Extensive Tree Cutting and Removal, Trail Maintenance and Wood Chipping

Hunter Hometown Foundation-Unrestricted

It’s been an incredibly busy and exciting year for our BOOST students, our HT students and for all the Elementary School children who had a chance to visit Bullington Gardens this year. One of our favorite ways to kick off the summer is through the Nature Explorers Camp. A week long camp led by Isaac Wyatt, Dianne Prohn, Carol Redmon, and Christi Fix. This year Bullington has welcomed over 800 k-5 students to the gardens. Both from public schools across WNC and private schools alike. The gardens have also welcomed many community members through lead horticulture therapy events!

Isaac Wyatt, Education Coordinator

If you haven’t had a chance to visit this year, we strongly recommend you take some time out of your busy schedules to see all the improvements in the garden. From the newly redesigned Shade Garden led by Jane Davis to the new chimes that add gentle ambience to our beautiful surroundings. Thanks to Steve & Marty Mininger, our Native Garden is in the process of being mapped, identifying all the species for the enjoyment and education of all our visitors. A new memorial garden was installed to honor Nancy Gilchrist, complete with a beautiful spot to sit and reflect. And last but not least, The Fairy Trail and village has undergone a complete renovation. Mary & Dave Martin, Linda Patterson, Deb Daniel, Becky Davis, Ron Rich, Jim Higgins, Isaac Wyatt, Blair Justice, and so many more have poured so much love and energy into turning what was a disaster zone into a playful and whimsical delight for visitors young and old alike. We’ve added a Story Time Book Nook in conjunction with The Hendersonville Library, offering story times twice weekly where young imaginations soar. We have had visitors from over 25 states, Washington D.C. and a few countries. We expect the number to rise substantially before summers’ end.

We’d like to thank Mary Walton Percy, Patricia Glasow, Raymond’s Garden Center, The Kalmin Family, Wild Birds Unlimited, NC Peak Education, First Congregational Church, Speaking of Gardening, Ginkgo Tea Life, Honeycutt’s Flowers, The Boyle Family, and Harvested Dreams for their sponsorship of a fairy door. Visitors love peeking behind the doors and discovering the sweet messages inside.

Classes

Dear Friends of Bullington Gardens,

As the seasons bloom and fade at Bullington Gardens, your support as a Friend keeps our 12-acre horticultural haven thriving with color, life, and learning. Your membership has helped us grow, and we’re reaching out with a heartfelt plea to renew your commitment to our mission of connecting people with nature through education, horticultural therapy, and the beauty of our gardens.

At Bullington Gardens, we’re more than just a public botanical garden—we’re a “Garden with Heart.” Your membership fuels science-based programs for Henderson County Public School students, hands-on horticultural therapy for children and adults with special needs, and our BOOST program, which empowers high school students with life skills through gardening. It also keeps our Fairy Trail whimsical, our Dahlia Garden vibrant, and our Butterfly Breezeway buzzing with pollinators. After the challenges of Hurricane Helene, your support is more vital than ever to help us replant, recover, and continue sharing nature’s joy.

By renewing your membership, you’ll enjoy:

10% off all plant sales, including unique, locally grown varieties at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales.

Up to 25% off classes, from seed-starting workshops to mindful garden walks.

Exclusive early-bird shopping at our plant sales, giving you first pick of pollinator-friendly plants, heirloom vegetables, and fairy garden treasures.

The pride of knowing you’re nurturing a community treasure that inspires gardeners, families, and students year-round.

Choose your renewal level:

Individual Membership: $50

Family Membership: $75

Corporate Membership: $250

Lifetime Membership: $500

Your renewal will help us maintain our trails, expand accessibility, and continue offering programs that spark curiosity and well-being. Visit bullingtongardens.org to renew today, or call us at 828-698-6104 to stay part of our blooming community.

Thank you for being a Friend of Bullington Gardens. Let’s keep growing together!

With gratitude,

The Bullington Gardens Team