Recent Volunteer Gardener Clips
Bare Root Tree Stock
May 27, 2021
The cost of a bare root tree is typically 1/4 the cost of ball and burlap ones of similar size. Wanting to make the biggest impact toward the Root Nashville campaign to plant a half million trees by 2050, Metro Water Services in Davidson County TN is nurturing 100 bare root trees. To successfully do that, they've built a raised bed and filled it with gravel. The bare root trees are held here, getting regular irrigation, for 3-6 months. During this time their root systems will grow stronger and ready for planting.
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Floral Design – Color + Structure + Vase Life
May 20, 2021
Troy Marden hosts a fresh florals workshop with famed floral designer J Schwanke of J Schwanke's Life in Bloom. Learn how to set a mood with the flower colors chosen for an arrangement. Plus, these two designers share tips for creating structure in a vase, and for longer vase life.
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Farm for Four
May 20, 2021
What a quaint veggie garden! Annette Shrader shares her plan for incorporating antique farming gear into her garden plot to use as growing containers for beans, squash and cucumbers. She projects the yield from these containers will feed a family of four during the growing season.
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Ann and Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail
May 13, 2021
The sculpture trail was established in 1999 at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens through a donation from Ann and Monroe Carrel Jr. The trail underwent renovation to upgrade the pathways and add to the plant collection. Reopening in 2020, the trail features 10 works on a 1.5 mile woodland walkway. The plant palette is 100% native with very few cultivars. More than 700 trees and shrubs were added during the renovation, with the continued goal to have as much plant diversity as possible.
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Garden Supports in the Vegetable Garden
May 06, 2021
Tammy Algood takes us through her vegetable beds to show us the frugal and very practical supports she has fashioned for tomatoes, cucumbers and peas. By using these structures, plants are allowed to grow to their potential and the gardener has an easier path to picking.
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Growing Peanuts
May 06, 2021
Jeff Poppen shares the history of the peanut and its rise to fame on the American farm. He discusses how to grow peanuts successfully, from the soil pH to the hilling. Jeff is thrilled about the resurgence of a treasured heirloom variety, Tennessee Red Mammoth, currently in production at Green Door Gourmet in Nashville TN.
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Staghorn Fern Collection
April 29, 2021
Annette Shrader visits a plantsman that has a collection of staghorn ferns that include both 'antler' frond and shield frond varieties. This impressive collection of epiphytes represent native regions around the globe. This discussion encompasses plant culture, growth habit, propagation, and recommended care.
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Crape Myrtle Bark Scale
April 29, 2021
David Cook, UT agriculture extension agent for Davidson County TN, explains the non-native scale that poses a serious threat to Southern Crape Myrtles. The nymphs produce a large amount of honeydew that drips down the trunk, branches, leaves, and ground below. That substance then accumulates sooty mold. While not fatal, it makes the infested trees an eyesore in the landscape.
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Homeowner Responsibilities toward Healthy Waterways
April 15, 2021
Julie Berbiglia talks with Ryan Jackwood, Director of Watershed Science & Restoration about what the positive impact that a mindful homeowner can have on our waterways. From lawn care choices, garden fertilizers and even washing your car - all can be done in a way that is more environmentally friendly.
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Cul2Vate
April 08, 2021
Julie Berbiglia visits the Cul2Vate farm in Nashville TN. This non-profit seeks to feed the hungry by growing food and growing people. First, Cul2vate grows and delivers fresh, nutritional local produce to those in need. Second, Cul2vate offers assistance to those in need of a second chance through job readiness, life skills, and business training with the goal of helping individuals find full-time employment.