Go to the arboretum at UNC at Asheville-like UNCC, http://www.ncarboretum.org/ to find out what grows there. Since you have a small lot hemlock might get too large but they grow naturally in the mountains as does Kalmia, mountain laurel and rhodys.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials

Thank you. I actually wrote the NC arboretum and they did write me back. Unfortunately they said that they didn't really have any published lists of what does well in the area. Although they did educate me on the fact that within the few miles surrounding Asheville, there are actually several zones due to the changes in elevation. They also said that the rainfall varies greatly within the county! Guess I'll have to keep talking to local folks.

Go to the Biltmore estate. They have a great collection of rare and native tree specimens that are quite old. They also have a flower garden. Walk around and bring a notebook. I believe most are labeled around certain trails and walking areas. Good luck! A great place to garden I'm sure :)

Try the County Extension office - the agent should have a good idea as to what should be good to grow, where. Many extension offices have lists of recommended plants, be they trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vegetables, etc., and they might have a "local zones" map as well. Since you are building, in town, the conditions will be different from those out of town or up one of the "hills". I would also, when you get there, take the Master Gardener class - it will help you a lot with adapting to local conditions.

I am at the bottom of the mountains, just over the line on I-26 into SC. I know my area is about 2-3 weeks ahead of Asheville as far as bloom times for trees, flowers, etc.

Good luck.