Home & Garden Briefs: 'Barrel aquaponics' workshop teaches growing technique

BRYSON CITY - Aquaculture and hydroponics come together in a workshop titled "Barrel Aquaponics - Construction and Operation" Monday and Tuesday at Camp Living Water, 1510 West Deep Creek Road.

Instruction will focus on aquaponics, which is the combining of aquaculture and hydroponics for mutual benefit. Each attendee will be given an opportunity to construct a highly productive, small-scale system from barrels, capable of producing fish and a large variety of vegetables, greens & herbs.

As a follow-up to the workshop, an Aquaponics Conference will be held Wednesday-March 31 at the same location.

Various specialists will discussthe latest techniques of constructing and managing theseunique systems. Field trips will be taken to the Swain High School Barrel Aquaponics System and Shelton Valley Farmshydroponic lettuce greenhouse complex near Whittier.

WNC residents can register for the workshop at the rate of $30, $60 for the conference or $75 for both.

Household donations sought

ASHEVILLE - Hospice Treasures, retail resale store, in Biltmore Square Mall near the new of Belk, is looking for donated items to sell in the store. Proceeds from the store benefit CarePartners Mountain Area Hospice, which provides care for patients with terminal illnesses and bereavement services for their families.

The store will accept any household goods in saleable condition except for computer equipment, major appliances, microwaves, older console televisions and waterbeds.

To arrange for pick up of large donations, call the store at 670-5638. Hospice Treasures is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Volunteers are also welcome.

Tulip 'extravaganza'

HENDERSONVILLE - Eight to ten thousand tulips are about to burst into bloom in downtown Hendersonville, according to master gardener Scott Johnson. "The bulbs we planted in the fall should be in full bloom the first and second week of April," said Johnson.

Blooms should appear between March 25-April 16. Area merchants are holding special events to coincide with the blooms, particularly on April 7-8.

HGTV crew calls for entries

HGTV (Home and Garden Television) and Weller/Grossman Productions are looking for unique, cool and creative projects designed and done by real people without the help of contractors or experts. They're searching for individuals across the country that would like to share their fun stories and incredible results.

So, if you've transformed your garage into a wine room or bowling alley, built Fido his own futuristic pad or an incomparable fantasy playroom for the kids, here's how to enter: To apply, e-mail a description of the project (with pictures before and after) of the area you've improved, and your contact info to P. Kalayeh at lwid@wellergrossman.com