Recent Volunteer Gardener Clips

Changes to the Plant Palette

September 10, 2020

Annette Shrader checks in to see the changes in the plant palette of an energetic, knowledgeable home gardener we have visited some years ago. We find that Japanese iris have replaced the bearded iris, there's a row of Fusion lilies sparkling along the fence row, and Angie's chosen daylily varieties are dazzling.

Bamboo: Attributes and Containment

August 13, 2020

Sheri Gramer is a newcomer to bamboo, so she seeks expert advice at Almaville Bamboo Company in Almaville, TN. Proprietor Chris Buker explains how bamboo is an economical way to create a privacy screen which is pest-free, low maintenance, grows in poor soil conditions, and offers the height that shrubs and trees do not. For more information, abcbamboo.com.

Begonias

August 13, 2020

Troy Marden shows off the striking foliage and the pretty flowers of begonias. This popular plant can be grown indoors and out, and is low maintenance too. For more information, www.tennesseetropicals.com

Blevins Japanese Garden at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

August 13, 2020

The Blevins Japanese Garden was first established at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens in the 1970's. It has undergone a major renovation which added greater accessibility and a more polished enclosure. Phillipe Chadwick discusses the history of the garden and the masterful horticulturalists who have designed and nurtured it. Plant material and natural stone elements are also examined.

Carbon

July 30, 2020

Jeff Poppen explains the alliance between plants and soil organisms which helps lock in carbon, producing dark organic matter called humus. Organic and biodynamic farming methods draw carbon out of the atmosphere and sink it into the soil.

Pitcher Plants: Propagation

July 30, 2020

Nepenthes, also known as tropical pitcher plants, exist in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Phillipe Chadwick visits Red Leaf Exotics to learn how these cool, carnivorous plants are propagated.

Woodland, Wildflowers and Storytelling

July 30, 2020

We visit a home gardener who has created a magical spot to enjoy stories in the woodland section of the property. Author Beatrix Potter's "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" is depicted in the displays throughout the trail. The wildflowers punctuate the landscape.

Compost Pile – Prime Planting Spot

July 23, 2020

Troy Marden wants to plant potatoes and tomatoes, and finds a spot in the space he had been using for the compost pile.

Plant Display: Why not a Log?

July 23, 2020

Our plant container guru, Annette Shrader, seized the opportunity to create a unique planter when she spotted a large hollow log floating in the lake during a fishing trip. Follow along as she plants it up with colorful Sempervivum that will be ideal for the final spot this planter will land on the edge of the carport. It turned into an eye-catching succulent display.

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Harvesting/Preserving Herbs

June 11, 2020

Clipping, drying and preserving herbs is the topic at No. 9 Farms in Ashland City, TN. Lemon balm, basil and dill are discussed specifically.

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Plant this Instead

June 11, 2020

Plant breeders are continuously introducing new hybrids that are improvements on popular perennials and annuals. Troy Marden has a showcase of some of his favorites on the market now.

Pollination Buddy

June 11, 2020

In order to get good fruit production, a lot of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs must have cross-pollination of several varieties of that tree or shrub. Tammy Algood discusses recommendations to avoid pollination problems with UT Agriculture Extension Fruit and Nut specialist Dr. Dave Lockwood.