In 2007, Joan and Mike Glover left the North Myrtle Beach life behind and bought property in Swain County. Mike grew up on a farm in Clay County, so the idea of growing organic vegetables, fruit, berries, and gourds came naturally. Mike is a North Carolina Certified Master Gardener and Joan is a self-taught artist in gourds and basketry. Together, they own and operate Sleepy Hollow Farm where they create Sleepy Hollow Gourds.
Mike grows the gourds, training them to take certain shapes; Joan decorates them using numerous, always colorful, techniques. Most of the creations use intricate basket weaving techniques. In addition to the hard gourd, Mike grows luffa gourds and makes soap bars using a piece of the luffa, shea butter, and oatmeal ingredients.
Visitors to Sleepy Hollow Gourds in Bryson City will find vibrant colors and hyper-local, natural elements. On their farm—just a few minutes outside of town—they raise gladiolus flowers, blueberries, apples, pears, and organic vegetables A-Z, all of which are available at the local Smoky Mountain Farmers & Artisans Market each Friday and Saturday, May through October.
Open by Appointment
