Recent Volunteer Gardener Clips

Colorful Canvas on a Hillside

October 05, 2023

We are introduced to a gardener with a 'can do' spirit. She meets the challenge of growing in various micro-climates among the various border beds. Her backyard has a significant downhill slope, so she terraced it and planted it with pretty perennials and annuals.

Winter-time seed sowing

October 05, 2023

Want to feed your gardening soul during the bleak winter months, and save money? Annette Shrader gets a lesson on starting seeds at home on a large scale. Some go in the soil as early as January.

Regenerative gardening practices

September 28, 2023

We learn about healthy fertile soil on a visit to Red Thread Farm, a micro family farm in Franklin TN. There's no mechanized tillage that happens here, just a liberal use of broadforks. Keeping the soil covered is a priority, either with a thick mulch or cover crops. And there's no commercial pesticide use on the premises. All methods used are meant to enhance microbial activity in the soil, and in turn, produce nutrient-rich vegetables.

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Protecting Plants during Winter

September 28, 2023

Whether it's a tender perennial, an herbaceous perennial, or a sub-tropical like dahlias, April Moore explains how to protect plants over winter so they'll be good to go next growing season.

Making a Landscape Your Own

September 28, 2023

We visit the home gardens of a couple who enjoy living on the banks of the Red River. They set out to complement the river view by adding a variety of trees, shrubs and terraced gardens.

Winter Blooms for Indoor Spaces

September 21, 2023

Troy Marden shares his experience and some growing tips for plants that offer blooms during the winter months. Holiday cactus, poinsettias, and spring bulbs - including paperwhites, are highlighted.

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Leave the Leaves

September 21, 2023

We are encouraged to 'leave the leaves' and 'save the stems' to provide valuable organic matter, and to build up healthy soil in our yards and garden beds. This practice also helps pollinators and invertebrates, as it provides them with winter cover.

Cheerful medley of color and forms

September 21, 2023

This garden was transformed from a typical lawn into this colorful, pollinator-friendly garden not that long ago. We'll meet the gardener to learn about his plant choices and combinations. This garden brings smiles to all those who pass by.

Evolution of a Garden

September 14, 2023

Gardens are constantly evolving. Tammy Algood takes us on a stroll through one such garden where there's always room for another plant. In this case, there's room for a new way to grow vegetables.

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Oaks Collection

September 14, 2023

Host Annette Shrader is in awe of the beauty found in a collection of desirable varieties of oak trees on a visit to the home landscape of a couple who are passionate about plants.

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Growing Cherry Tomatoes for Market

September 14, 2023

Jeff Poppen learns the methods necessary for growing a successful crop of cherry tomatoes in a market garden greenhouse. Bloomsbury Farm in Smyrna TN uses mulched leaves as compost to improve the soil structure. They use the Florida weave trellising system for some varieties, while with others the Lower and Lean Method is used.

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Native Trees with Fall Brilliance

September 07, 2023

Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, near Nashville Tennessee, is certified a Level III arboretum. Host April Moore tours the grounds to spotlight some grand specimens with beautiful autumn color. The arboretum boasts nearly 100 trees, including 6 nearly 200 year old cedar trees, 19 species of oak trees, and 5 species of hickory trees.