What a treat to tour the many thoughtful garden beds at a residence that sits on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau at an elevation of 1,900 feet. Rita Venable visits the couple who designed and installed a long and flowing border bed that takes advantage of the grand view just beyond. In a section of side yard, they've allowed nature to be nature. It's full of no fuss, mostly native, herbaceous perennials. Also highlighted are trees and shrubs that support wildlife.
Ever thought about the flexibility and control you would have if all of your landscape plants were in individual containers? We tour the unique and beautiful backyard oasis that a couple of plant enthusiasts have created by planting up 542 individual garden containers!
Providing a sustainable habitat for wildlife begins with plant selection, and continues with natural gardening methods. Rita Venable introduces us to a native plant enthusiast who is maximizing his efforts by installing garden beds from the curb to the rear property line. He's finding that he's inspiring others too.
We tour the island beds and border beds of a long-time gardener in Murfreesboro, TN. She's looking to make the maintenance of the grounds more manageable. Plant selection is part of the plan. Another part is getting down a layer of mulch for weed control. We look at some dependable plants, including peonies, allium, ferns, trillium and hosta.
We're introduced to a couple who have planted their yard in native plants that nurture wildlife, yet the landscape fits well in the subdivision setting. The front yard is more uniform with colors of white, purple and pink blooms. A newly planted border bed along the side of the house features shade plants. The largest space, the backyard, features bordered vegetable beds and vignettes filled with pollinator-friendly plants.
There's a beautiful native plant experience on the plaza adjacent to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. Several garden beds highlight this large space, and each is brimming with native perennials, shrubs, and vines. Each plant was selected for what in can offer particular pollinators.
What a treat to visit the home garden of a horticulture power couple! Rita Venable is amazed by all the great plants that support pollinators in a very long border bed. Also on the property is a utility right-of-way that they are transitioning into a beneficial plant palette. In the 4 years of garden transitions,, the goal is to continue to shovel out plants of an invasive growth habit, and replace with environmentally beneficial trees, shrubs and perennials. Plus, we'll be introduced to a new and unique spot in the garden they call the 'loggery'.
There's a new use for the 185 acres campus where Lakeshore Mental Health Institute once operated. The picturesque setting overlooking the Tennessee River is now a recreational public park welcoming 1 million visitors annually. We learn from the landscape architect about the plant choices for the park, and see how they are used.
This home garden features a variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees that flow nicely through multiple beds. But this wasn't by happenstance. This garden took a lot of planning and prep work before the first plant went in. First the hardscape was laid, then the electrical support went in along with drainage and irrigation elements. This garden is pretty during the day, and beautiful at night.
Host Tammy Algood visits with an enthusiastic gardener who has her whole family involved in a new vegetable garden at their house. While she is learning what's all involved in getting the best yield, she has found that gardening is rewarding on a personal level, She has found it gives her a sense of accomplishment, it connects her to nature, and it provides inspiration for her career as a songwriter.
Troy Marden tours a garden designed by the acclaimed American designer Ryan Gainey in the early 2000's. Taking inspiration from the Formal Garden at Hestercombe and Hidcote Manor Gardens in the Costwolds, and Dunbarton Oaks Gardens in Washington D.C., this landscape design features garden rooms and structures that mimic the style of the house.
We tour a children's teaching garden in Franklin Tennessee where every element of this immersive and interactive gardening space enables and inspires children to grow plants. Here you'll find a keyhole garden, an interactive rock garden, plants for pollinators, an outdoor classroom, and a lesson plan that keeps them hands-on.