Beautifying Silvermont (and your Garden)
with Native Plants
Nov 8th, 2025
After parking your car at the Silvermont Mansion, you walk past two 40-foot-long planters. They are part of your first impression of Silvermont. But, until a few days ago, they were unkempt and filled with invasive plants. Several groups came together this past Saturday to change that. They cleared out the planters and replaced the invasive plants with a range of native plants. The planters will now be used as an educational garden, designed to teach the public about the importance of native plants and provide examples of plants that can be used in local gardens.
Native plants were here before Europeans arrived and have adapted to the unique climate and soil conditions of Western North Carolina. They provide local wildlife – including birds and pollinators -- with essential food sources and shelter. They require less irrigation once established, saving water. They thrive without fertilizers, pesticides, or intensive care. And they help preserve the natural beauty of our area. Invasive plants, by contrast, were introduced from other areas and frequently lack natural predators or diseases that keep their populations in check. As such, they often outcompete native plants, spread rapidly, and dominate the landscape – disrupting local ecosystems (think of the kudzu you saw driving down the road). Given these facts, it is not surprising that both Transylvania County and the City of Brevard encourage residents to plant native species, noting their many benefits.​​
The two Silvermont planters were made available for use as an educational garden by the Friends of Silvermont. They were adopted by the Brevard Sustainability Council (BSC). The replanting effort was led by Destini Pettit, co-chair of the BSC, with assistance from master gardener Mary Agnew and Brevard High School student Paige Dinsdale. Most of the labor was provided by two student groups: the Environmental Stewards Club at Brevard College and InterACT, a Brevard High School service group whose motto is “Service Above Self.” All of the native plants were donated by area residents and groups. Assistance was also provided by the North Carolina Native Plant Society, the Friends of Silvermont, and iNDe Ecosystems. So, this was very much a collective effort, with people of all ages working together to make Brevard a better place. We invite you to check out the planters, although please note that they are a work in progress – so be sure to make repeated visits as the seasons change.
- Bob Agnew
Recent Events
Spring 2025 - Destini participates in documentary on Hurricane Helene
August 1st, 2025 - BSC resolution was officially passed
August 21st, 2025 - Destini speaks at a FIND event on stream health
Destini Petitt, Aug 21st
