The North Carolina Arboretum will host the annual Bamboo Festival July 14 and 15 in the Education Center from 9 AM til 5 PM Saturday, 10 AM til 4 PM on Sunday. The Festival is put on by the Southeast Chapter of the American Bamboo Society and includes bamboo plants, crafts, lectures, workshops, demonstrations and a plant auction. Bamboo sculpture by Asheville's Larry King is featured this year. A highlight of this year's festival will be presentations on bamboo farming, including permaculture. Admission is free for Society members, or with the standard $8 parking fee. For more info, contact the Arboretum at (828) 665-2492, ext. 204, or visit www.ncarboretum.org