Ferns are beautiful, lacy, green, delicate, natural… pick your adjective.     Many are native to our Highlands Cashiers Plateau and can provide a great natural addition to your landscape. They are said to impart a calm grace, yet they are tough, durable and adaptable.

I became fascinated with ferns after moving to North Carolina from California in 1998, and must confess that I was not aware of them until I moved here.

The Hay-scented Fern figures prominently as the Meadows Mountain Realty logo, both in its pale green summer colors and its golden tan fall tones. An “invasive” species, this one is easy to grow, but can take over your garden, and I am having some difficulty removing my excess plants. it spreads by underground root rhizomes or runners. This fern grows in “drifts” which appropriately describes the pattern. It can be used to hold soil on sunny slopes, but you must be  conscious of its growth habit.

This list presents the ferns I have liberated from the wild and transplanted successfully in my gardens.

If you wish to start growing ferns, but prefer not to capture them in the wild, they are available in most of our local nurseries.

There you will find many kinds of ferns, not all of which will survive our winters. If you want perennial ferns, it is important to ask the nursery personnel which ones will survive here. Remember that ferns have been on this planet for over 240 million years, and are found in all hemispheres, but they can be very selective about the environments they choose to accept.

For instance, my favorite is the Southern Maidenhair, but it has to be replaced each year.

The Autumn Fern, from Asia, is very hardy here, as is the Japanese Painted Fern. Both are notable for their unusual colors. the Autumn Fern is a reddish brown when it unfolds in the Spring, and the painted fern is an unusual bluish-gray color.

If you wish to explore the enchanted world of ferns, just Google Ferns. The images that come up on the Connecticut Botanical Society website  http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/ferns/index.html   are particularly useful, and The Brooklyn Botanic Garden paperback  Ferns..Wild Things Make a Comeback in the Garden   is a good practical handbook.

For more information on ferns in the mountains or real estate in the mountains of western North Carolina, give Bill Peavey a call at 828.526.1717 or email Bill at billp@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

My daughter Tricia and her husband Bryan have been entertaining friends from New York City all this week at their home in Highlands Falls Country Club.    Their friends, Joe and Liz, were awed by the beauty of our area, especially now while most of our trees are budding out with fresh light green growth,  the hostas are full and lush, cinnamon ferns are still uncurling and the Carolina blue sky is beyond compare.    Unfortunately they left to go back north yesterday and today we saw our first bear of summer standing the in a driveway on Upper Divide regally reaching up for a blossom from a low hanging tree.    He was magnificent.    

Bryan commented how he wished that Joe and Liz had seen a bear during their visit, as he was sure the only bears they had ever seen were in the Bronx Zoo.    Having lived here for 25 years, seeing a bear is fairly common, but I never cease to be awed by them.   This time of year, they are hunting for food.  Bird feeders and pet food left outside make for an easy meal.   We try to be careful with garbage cans also, as they have been known to carry them off in search of a few scraps.   I have long sworn that they have a stash of expensive bird feeders and trash cans in the woods and are amused when we have to buy new.     The bears in our area are herbivores and fairly harmless although when in the company of cubs, a mother bear will defend her family.   

What a blessing to live in a place where beauty is all around us and where folks are sensitive to the creatures with whom we share our land.    For more information on The Highlands Plateau, please contact any of the brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty.   We are your Highlands and Cashiers experts.    Give us a call today at 828.526.1717 or by email at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.  

Even though we had a minor blast of cold air this week dipping our overnight temperatures close to freezing, we are officially a couple of weeks into spring.   Just as you did when you left Highlands or Cashiers for the season, you’ll want to welcome the spring season with a bit of property maintenance and some minor adjustments (and repairs, if necessary).   Happily, the transition from the cold months to the warmer ones tends to be far more simple than getting ready for winter.

1. Throw open the windows.  If you have an older home with storm windows, which have been shut tightly during the winter months, welcome the sunshine by throwing them open. When the storm windows go up, the screens should go on—make sure that screens are installed properly and are in good repair. While you’re working on the windows, check for rotting along the window sills and make any necessary repairs.

2. Check air conditioning units.    Although the need for air conditioning is not as important on The Highlands Plateau as it is in the flatlands, we still occasionally like to crank it up, even if it just to dry out the house after a good  thunder storm. Take care of preparation work now by making sure all air conditioning systems are serviced and ready to go so that you’re ready for it. One item to check that often gets overlooked, but can cause the Ac to not work as well as it should is the outside condensing unit being out of level. Easy to check with a level and easy to adjust.

3. Do some spring time servicing.    Sunny weather is great for performing structural property checks and assessing any damage that may have occurred over the winter—this is especially important in the wake of winters such as this past one, which was particularly wet and snowy. Check for (and mend) damaged roofing and any structural rotting or wear and tear that may have occurred.

4. Replace batteries.    The recommendation is to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors twice a year, usually when the time change occurs. But now that those dates are somewhat unbalanced, just add this to your spring schedule as you open your mountain home.

5. It’s time for spring cleaning!    Spring is the perfect time to spruce things up. Clean your gutters (this should be done twice annually), the exterior (siding, etc.) of your property, all windows, and all mats and carpets that had sand and salt stomped deeply into them over the course of the winter. Additionally, you may want to take some time to spruce up your landscaping.

Even though it may seem as though you made seasonal updates just yesterday, remember: There’s a lot of room for damage to occur in the winter months. Not only will your property look great by the time you’ve finished spring maintenance, but it’s the perfect time to catch those little problems that occurred over winter before they turn into big problems down the line.

For more information on Highlands NC or Cashiers NC real estate, please email us at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com or give us a call at 828-526-1717.   The brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty are the experts when it comes to buying or selling on The Highlands Plateau.   

For the fourth straight year, the Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center (PAC) Youth Theater  will perform for audiences at the end of April.     The Youth Theater is open to all area students in grades 7 through 12.    They began rehearsals in February for this year’s play “Anne Frank and Me” by Cheri Bennett.

After almost eight weeks of learning and rehearsing, the production will open on Thursday April 28th.    Evening performances are also scheduled for April 29th and April 30th plus a Sunday matinée on May 1st.    Directed by theater veteran, Dr. Ronnie Spilton, the play takes place in real-time and involves students who are studying Anne Frank.      Classrooms, school dances, teachers, and principals are all involved when an accident takes them all back in time to WWII in France.

The Youth Theater program at the PAC is funded by the Eckerd Family Foundation, the Killian Foundation, the Rotary Club of Highlands and Cullasaja Women’s Outreach.    Through the theater program, students are exposed to art, music and dance.    The program  not only teaches techniques in acting and the technical aspects of the stage, it is an effective tool for teaching social, physical and cognitive development.    Students gain self-esteem and poise which then translates into classroom academic success.      

For ticket information, call the Performing Arts Center at 828-526-9047.      For more information on the arts or any aspect of living on The Highlands Plateau, please call one of the experienced brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty at 828-526-1717.     We know Highlands!!

If you are a pet owner and want to put a smile on your face, visit the Woof Gang  Bakery  in downtown Cashiers.    Perhaps you’ve seen the ads on TV featuring smiling dogs…well, the products offered by the Martin Family will put smiles on your dogs’ faces too!

This coming Thursday, April 7 from 4 pm to 6pm,  Dan and Janet Martin  along with their children will be hosting an open house with wine and treats for human guests and exotic treats baked in-house for their pets.      Having vacationed in Cashiers for more than 15 years, their love of the area and the community led to their decision to make Cashiers their home.   The Martin family, including daughter Joy and son Jonathan, has always been involved in community service and they are committed to supporting the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society.  When Jonathan is not in school, you will most likely see him working with Janet at Woof Gang Bakery  making this a true family business.

This Dog Treat Bakery and Pet Boutique Franchise opened one year ago.  Catering to the Highlands Area’s Health-conscious Pet Owners and Pampered Pups, they are open year ’round and provide a continuing source of pleasure to their customers.    Founded in Orlando, Florida about four years ago, Woof Gang Bakery, the franchise, has been growing rapidly, nationwide. This store is located in the heart of Cashiers at 11 Pillar Drive, up behind the Tommy’s Restaurant building off Hwy 107 South.   Their phone, appropriately, is 828-743-WOOF (9663).

We visited the store last Friday and amidst the fragrance of sheets of dog cookies fresh from the oven,  learned that Janet had just returned from the Global Pet Show in Orlando where she  previewed new pet care products and ideas which she could introduce to the Highlands-Cashiers market.

 The furry and four-legged member of their family is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Brady (after Tom Brady the football player). Brady brought tremendous comfort and healing to the Martin family after the loss of their eldest son Jacob. “We have seen first-hand that these incredible creatures bring so much joy to people,” said Janet.

The Martin family’s enthusiasm is evident the minute you walk in their door. Their bright, vibrant array of pet products for cats and dogs, and caring customer service to Cashiers and Highlands residents and visitors is immediately evident.      “Our approach is very simple  greet everyone with a warm smile and hello, and provide for their pets’ needs and wants,” added Janet.  “We wanted to give back to a community that has so warmly wrapped our family in their arms. We love the people here and the simplicity of life they embrace.  Our guiding principle is care, share and always do what is right!”

Woof Gang Bakery Cashiers specializes in healthy, natural pet foods and treats, including hypoallergenic, wheat-free and grain-free selections, plus food, treats and supplements specially formulated for hip and joint issues.  The store offers a variety of fun, fuzzy, floatable and tough toys, as well as fashionable accessories, collars and leads, and a wide range of pet grooming products.    Special order requests are welcome and delivery service to local homes, resorts and businesses is available.

To put a smile on your pet’s face or for more information please call them at  828-743-WOOF (9663) or visit Woofgang’s online at  http://www.woofgangbakery.com/locations/cashiers.asp.      This post has been provided by Bill Peavey with Meadows Mountain Realty.    Bill can help you with Highlands NC and Cashiers NC real estate, or provide he can also provide information on all that is offered on The Highlands Plateau.   Call Bill at 828-526-1717 or visit us online at www.meadowsmtnrealty.com. 

Located in prestigious Bald Rock is where you’ll find this wonderful  4 bedroom, 3 and a half bath home with a 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest cottage.   You’ll have plenty of privacy on 4.92 acres which is very suitable for a pasture and barn.   In addition, there is also a small creek running through the property.   This home features soaring ceilings, two fireplaces, and decks galore to enjoy the long range mountain views.

Dubbed a “civilized wilderness” with over 1000 acres at Bald Rock and its sister community, The Divide at Bald Rock.   The lifestyle here emphasizes the wilderness aspect of the mountains by offering those amenities appreciated by true nature lovers  including an equestrian center, hiking, biking and riding trails, a community pavilion, plus access to the 6300 acre Pantertown Preserve.   

If that’s not enough, owners also have access to all the amenities available at the Sapphire Valley Resort which includes snow skiing and snow tubing in the winter, fishing and canoeing on Fairfield Lake, golf at Sapphire National Golf Club plus supervised children’s activities.

Call John Bynum at Meadows Mountain Realty at 828-526-1717 today for a private showing of this property or any real estate in the Cashiers or Sapphire area.    John is an expert when it comes to finding the best property to meet your needs and wants on The Highlands Plateau.   For the best in service and expert knowledge on market conditions, call the best Highlands/Cashiers/Sapphire real estate agents today.

It’s that time of year in Highlands when the buds come out on the trees, the sun comes out in earnest and we roll out the sidewalks! The sleepy town we know in winter starts to stretch, opens it’s eyes and throws back the covers to see the loveliness that is Springtime in the mountains. 

Restaurants like Wolfgangs, On The Verandah and Nicks open their doors on the Spring weekends to those savvy visitors who know how nice Highlands can be this time of year. Those who have remained open all winter like Madison’s and Paoletti’s happily see more customers coming through the doors while the shop owners open up and prepare to see Main Street buzzing again on the weekends.

So whether you are planning a Spa Weekend at The Old Edwards Inn or just need a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city – Highlands in Spring will always offer that breath of fresh air and relaxation you need!

If you would like to find a special place of your own in the mountain, not just for spring, but for all four seasons, call any of the brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty at 828-526-1717 for your personal tour of Highlands real estate.   Send us an email at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com and we will be happy to prepare a package of materials to send to you about The Highlands Plateau.  

We’ve moved!!!    Although we  loved our location at 450 N. 4th Street for many years, we decided that a change was in order.   Over this past weekend, we moved to Main Street.   Our new address is 535B Main Street, Highlands.    Our phone numbers and email address will remain the same.     

The goal of this move was to gain better exposure for our office and brokers and  to better serve our clients.     Located next door to Mountain Fresh Grocery, Creative Concepts Hair Salon, the Highland Hiker Warehouse and across the street from the Episcopal Church, we expect our new location to improve our ability to attract those folks who are looking for their own mountain home in Highlands.

Please feel free to stop by anytime to chat or just to relax on the front porch and enjoy the sweeping view down Main Street.    Call any of the experienced brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty to learn more about mountain property on The Highlands Plateau.   Call 828-526-1717 or email us at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

Yes, you can own on the golf course in one of the most desired clubs in Highlands NC under $500,000.     Located in the heart of the club within walking distance to the Swim and Tennis Center and the Clubhouse, this one level home has only had two lucky owners.    Both of these owners have lovingly cared for and improved the home over the years.   Tucked behind a thicket of lush rhododendron, the cottage is bright and airy with cathedral ceilings in the greatroom, kitchen and master.   Anyone who enjoys cooking will appreciate the open kitchen complete with a breakfast table which looks out to the front gardens.   The large, partially covered deck is the perfect place to entertain, watch the golfers on the 16th green or  just relax and enjoy the cool mountain air.  

The master bedroom boasts his and her closets and baths plus a cozy sitting area that is great for watching your favorite movie and working online.     Guests can enjoy their own privacy in the guest wing with bedrooms that open onto the deck.   In addition, there is a two car garage plus a golf cart storage garage.

Highlands Falls is a gated, private country club just two miles from Main Street Highlands NC, offering a Joe Lee designed 18 hole championship golf course, practice facilities, state of the art fitness center, swim and tennis center plus a stunning full service clubhouse.   Golf or Social Membership in the club is by invitation, but not required for property ownership.

For information on this home or any properties in Highlands Falls Country Club or Highlands NC, call any of the brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty at 828.526.1717 or email us at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.      We can help you with market information on Highlands NC or Cashiers NC real estate or answer your questions on properties for sale on The Highlands Plateau.

The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day dates back over a thousand years. For centuries, the Irish have observed March 17th as a religious holiday where families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon.

While the celebration of this holiday may have originated in Ireland, did you know that the first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in the United States? Irish soldiers serving in the British military marched through New York City on March 17th, 1762. From that point forward, Irish patriotism among American immigrants flourished so much that the parade which takes place in New York each year is not only the world’s oldest civilian parade, but it is also the largest in the United States with over 150,000 participants.

Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds across the US, including here in Highlands, NC. The Old Edward’s Inn and Spa has planned events that will help you get into the spirit and make your St. Patrick’s celebration last through the weekend:

• Special Irish Cocktails and Beers will be served in Hummingbird Lounge and Madison’s

• The Hummingbird Lounge will feature Steve Wohlrab live on Friday and Saturday from 8 pm

• Special Irish Dishes in will be featured in Madison’s throughout the weekend.

Guests of Old Edwards will enjoy:

• An authentic Irish Whiskey Tasting Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19 4pm to 5pm in the Hummingbird Lounge

• Irish Coffee Making Experience on Saturday, March 19

A Pot O’ Gold—including an overnight stay at Old Edwards—awaits the winner.

• Complimentary Irish Hors D’oeuvres in the Hummingbird Lounge Friday and Saturday evening from 6 pm to 7 pm

• Complimentary Irish “after party” hors d’oeuvres in the Hummingbird Lounge Friday and Saturday evening from 10 pm to 11 pm

• Special turndown amenities throughout the weekend

Come to Highlands NC and make this St. Patrick’s Day one to remember….and don’t forget your green!

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers North Carolina, and for access to the HighlandsNC/CashiersNC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 828-526-1717 or email us today at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.