Stocked with pumpkins, mums and all things fall, Signal Mountain Nursery is ready to celebrate the season with its third annual Fall Festival, set for Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Fall is a big time for the nursery," said nursery employee Kelly Thompson, explaining that it's a good time for people to refresh their gardens - as well as a good time to enjoy outdoor activities like those planned for the festival. "It's so beautiful on the mountain when it's cool and the colors are changing."
Beginning at 1 p.m., nursery staff will teach attendees to make their own succulent-topped mini-pumpkins. The cost of the workshop is $9.99, and participants are asked to register and pay beforehand by calling or stopping by the store.
"Succulents are real big right now, and to make them more seasonal we decided to do them in a pumpkin as a container," Thompson said. "We've had one sitting out for an entire year and it still looks good!"
The festival will also feature special sales and door prize giveaways, said staff member Celia Mattingly. For the little ones, there will be a straw bale maze, face-painting, carnival games and pumpkin-decorating. Attendees who come in costume will be awarded with a special treat.
Every October, the nursery holds a pumpkin-decorating contest for its staff members - and every year, the entries get more elaborate. Similar to Thrasher Elementary's pumpkin coin drive, people vote by putting coins into the jars next to their favorite pumpkins, and all the money collected is donated to Signal Mountain Social Services.
"We want to encourage people to come out and vote so we can give more money," staff member Celia Mattingly said regarding the Fall Festival. "I think it's a great kickoff to see what they can do with fall planting, and a fun family gathering with something for all ages."
Signal Mountain Nursery is at 1100 Hubbard Road and can be reached at 886-3174.