Recent Volunteer Gardener Clips
Planting for Pollinators
May 16, 2024
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'.
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Mid-summer blooming perennials
May 16, 2024
The mercury climbs in mid-summer, but so can the beauty in your garden. April Moore profiles some of her favorite perennials that have colorful blooms to admire, and attract hummingbirds and pollinators. Among these great plants are salvias, lobelias, rudbeckia and phlox.
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Amaryllis: Culture and Care
May 02, 2024
Hippeastrum, commonly referred to as amaryllis, is in the grass family and is native to South America. Bulbs can remain viable for many years with the correct care. When dormant, they only need watering once a week. When the bulb starts producing a shoot, watering should be more frequent.
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Plantings for a public space
May 02, 2024
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.
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Greenhouse Operations
April 25, 2024
April Moore visits the greenhouse at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage to learn about their propagation efforts. In the fall, most of the propagation is from cuttings. Then in January they begin propagating from seed. The new plants are used both in the landscape beds onsite, and also for the annual plant sales.
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The plan, the infrastructure, then the plants
April 25, 2024
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.
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Vegetable garden for body and soul
April 18, 2024
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.
