"Mountains in Bloom," a four- day nature- themed festival in Highlands, NC, will showcase eight mountain gardens July 8- 12, 2008. The festival features lectures, patron parties, a garden tour, and a first- time flower show. Proceeds benefit The Bascom, a nonprofit visual arts center in Highlands.

The festival opens 7 pm Tuesday, July 8, with a lively lecture presented by local resident Margie Shambaugh titled "The Language of Flowers, Mountain Style." Tickets are $10.

Celebrated American floral designer Ron Morgan will give a demonstration and lecture at a luncheon and book signing on Thursday, July 10. His lecture is scheduled for 11 am at the Highlands Civic Center, 600 N. 4th St. (Hwy. 64, Cashiers Road). The $75 ticket includes the luncheon.

Mountains in Bloom patrons and guests will celebrate

at a gala Diamonds and

Denim dinner- dance and silent auction at Playmore, a historic 19th century summer home with a spectacular mountain vista. The Buckerettes, a popular cowgirl band from Asheville, NC, will entertain with predominantly country western music. Lee Epting of Athens, Ga., will cater the dinner. Patrons have a choice of attending at 6:30 pm Thursday, July 10, or Friday, July 11.

Patron Party tickets are $200 a person or $400 a couple. For information visit www.thebascom.org.

Eight unique, mature gardens that combine native and cultivated plants will be featured during tours at 10 am and 1 pm on Friday and Saturday, July 11 & 12. At some sites, homes also will be open for touring. Docents will provide information about the gardens and history of the homes. Garden Tour parking and shuttles will be available at the Highlands Civic Center, 600 N. 4th St. (Hwy. 64, Cashiers Road). The $80 ticket includes a box lunch, the garden tour and admittance to the flower show.

The Bascom's first flower show on Friday and Saturday, July 11 & 12, will feature entries in artistic and horticultural categories. The flower show will be open for public viewing from 11:30 am to 4 pm both days at the Highlands Civic Center, 600 N. 4th St. (Hwy. 64, Cashiers Road). Tickets to the Flower Show only are $15.

Tickets are on sale now online at www.thebascom.org.