Alexander County Horticulture

Horticulture: Growing Alexander County

Horticulture (hor·ti·cul·ture): The science of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other ornamental plants.

How is this different from Botany? > While Botany is the pure science studying all phases of plant life and growth, Horticulture is the applied science of cultivating plants for food, comfort, and beauty.

Meet Your Agent!

Cari Rosenbalm Consumer & Commercial Horticulture Agent

cari_rosenbalm@ncsu.edu

828-632-4451

About me:

I am a native of the Oak Hill community in Caldwell County (right down the road). My journey into horticulture began in the greenhouses of South Caldwell High School, where my agriculture classes and FFA program sparked a lifelong passion for plant science. I am also a proud NC State University alumna (Go Pack!!) with a B.S. in Agricultural Science and minors in both Horticulture and Crop Science.

As your agent, I’m here to bridge the gap between science-based research and your backyard or farm. Whether I’m helping a commercial grower navigate issues or a homeowner design a pollinator-friendly backyard, I love finding solutions that help you succeed. While I enjoy all things green, I have a soft spot for landscape design and gardening for pollinators using native plants!

When I’m not at the Extension office, I’m busy at home managing my own "funny farm"—which includes my husband, two Heelers, two cats, and a growing flock of chickens and goats!

"Whether you are troubleshooting a home lawn issue, managing a commercial operation, or just looking to support our local pollinators, I am dedicated to being a resource for you. If I can assist with your landscape, farm, or garden, please give me a call or stop by the office—I look forward to working together to help Alexander County grow!"

Topics I cover...(are this many!!!)

Cari on the side of a mountain

Select a category below to find specific resources, applications, and expert guidance.

Taylorsville Community Garden

Digging in together to feed our neighbors.

Alexander County Farmers Markets

Support local, eat fresh.

Pesticide Applicators

What is a Certified Pesticide Applicator?

Home Horticulture
Commercial Horticulture

(This section is still under construction)

  • Local Farms: A directory of Alexander County producers.
  • Certifications: How to become GAP Certified or a Certified Farm.
Soil Testing, Insect & Weeds
Plant Sales
  • Small Fruit Plant Sale - Order forms are released after Thanksgiving each year! We work with reputable nurseries to supply you with small fruit and tree fruit plants (including: strawberries, blackberries, muscadines, blueberries, etc.). Profits from this sale go to help all of our county programming including our 4H, Family Consumer Sciences, Livestock, and of course, Horticulture programs.
  • Native Plant Sale - Order forms are released in August each year! We work with our friends at Carolina Native Nursery, to bring you a wide and beautiful selection of native plants that help you bring diversity back to your landscape - which in return, brings you a diversity of pollinators! Profits from this sale benefit the Horticulture programs here in Alexander County - including our Community Garden, 4H Garden Club, & our EMGV’s.
Extension Master Garden Volunteers

Interested in learning more about plants, flowers, trees, insects, gardening, lawns, and landscapes? The Extension Master Gardener℠ program is a fun, nationally recognized educational program designed to strengthen your horticulture knowledge through research-based instruction from NC State University.

Whether you're new to gardening or have years of experience, the Extension Master Gardener program welcomes participants from all walks of life. You'll join a statewide network of gardening enthusiasts dedicated to learning, serving their communities, and sharing science-based horticultural information.

Steps to Become an EMG Volunteer

  • Take Your Initial Training (offered in even years starting in February)- During this 14-week course, you'll receive comprehensive training in a wide range of horticultural topics, including botany, propagation, soil testing, composting, vegetables and raised beds, small fruits, tree fruits, lawn care, weed, insect, and disease identification and management, tree identification, wildflowers, gardening with native plants, pesticide safety, and much more. In addition to classroom instruction, participants will enjoy hands-on demonstrations, outdoor learning experiences, and optional Saturday field trips. Demonstration sessions may be held earlier in the day at various locations, including the N.C. Cooperative Extension Centers and outdoor sites.
    • The cost of the course is $125 and includes the Extension Master Gardener Handbook, hands-on supplies, and field trip expenses.
  • Get Certified! - Those who wish to become certified Extension Master Gardener volunteers will have the opportunity to complete 40 hours of volunteer service after the course. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with educational programs through N.C. Cooperative Extension, judging 4-H gardens, supporting community gardens and public landscapes, and helping bring research-based horticulture education to local residents.
  • Maintain Your Certification - Each year after your initial certification, you have the opportunity to maintain your certification by completing only 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education. Continuing education credits are given at our monthly meetings along with various other avenues for you to learn more about the topics in horticulture that excite you!

The mission of the Extension Master Gardener program is to connect people to horticulture through science-based education and outreach that empowers North Carolinians to cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems, and communities.

We hope you'll join us and discover how rewarding it can be to learn, grow, and give back as an Extension Master Gardener!

Quick Links & Contact