Mountain Gardens, Inc.

Taking Care, Rebuilding, Moving Forward

As many of you know, in 2022 Joe lost the main pavilion that serves as the hub of activity for Mountain Gardens to fire. Within a matter of hours, a library hosting a lifetime of books, a large apothecary and herb shop, many tools, and the communal kitchen were all gone. In response, we held a fundraiser to help support the rebuilding of this critical infrastructure. The response to that fundraiser was overwhelming and nourished and encouraged Joe through an incredibly difficult year. And in November of 2023, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer only a couple of months before, Joe passed on and left us to carry on his legacy.

Mountain Gardens has had a profound impact on visitors for decades. Through Joe's videos, writing and workshops, this influence has rippled out to an ever-growing number of people who value this example of a simple, plant-centered life. In addition to this inspiration, Mountain Gardens is home to a vast array of medicinal plants and perennial vegetables. The value of this seed and specimen bank is inestimable. And the knowledge of the specific cultivation needs of these plants, which Joe has gained through his five decades of experience, must be conserved and passed on, both to the next stewards of Mountain Gardens and to all those who answer the call of the plants.

With all this in mind, we are entering a new phase in our work to preserve Joe’s legacy: to maintain the living seed bank of useful plants, to realize the vision of a thriving future for Mountain Gardens, and to provide loving care for the visionary who has so lovingly tended these gardens for over half of a century. Joe lit the hearth, now we must help tend the fire. Thank you for your support.

**offline, fully-tax-deductible donations are always welcome, and can be made by writing a check to "Mountain Gardens, Inc." and sending it to 546 Shuford Creek Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714. Make sure that we have a way to send an acknowledgment/receipt for your donation if you want one (they are required for donations over $250).