Support the Future of Mountain Gardens

Taking Care, Rebuilding, Moving Forward

As many of you know, last year 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 has continued to nourish and encourage Joe through an incredibly difficult year. With your support, we have accomplished much: the rebuilding of the kitchen and deck, and the construction of a foundation for the new library and apothecary. With the current soaring costs of construction, more funds are required to finish the rebuilding of the library. Additionally, we are raising funds for our newly formed non-profit (Mountain Gardens) to purchase the land from Joe, securing much-needed support for Joe as he enters his 9th decade and necessarily steps back from some of his duties at the gardens. This is also a first step in securing the land into a trust to be preserved for future generations.

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).