It’s that time of year again! Communities across the country are gearing up for the onslaught of spring garden shows that crop up (pun intended) during the late winter and early spring months each year. Here in Nashville there are three “major” shows and they begin in February with The Antiques and Garden Show of…
Well, it was bound to happen eventually. Winter–REAL winter–has reared its ugly head. We’re expecting the coldest temperatures in six years here in Nashville tonight and, in the outerlying areas, possibly the coldest temperatures in nearly 10 years! For those of you in the midwest and northeast, what we’re experiencing here is child’s play compared…
It’s a busy time of year at the birdfeeders! I have an abundance of finches at my new country home–gold finches, purple finches and pine siskins. There are probably some others that I’m not familiar with, yet, but those are the primary three. I haven’t seen any house finches, to date, but I’m sure they’re…
Happy New Year, everyone! I’m sorry that I’ve been away for a little while, but I hosted Christmas in Tennessee this year and that, coupled with several projects that needed to be put to bed before the holidays, has kept me away from the computer more than I would like for the past couple of…
The older I get, the more reflective I become. I think it happens to the best of us, doesn’t it? Some of the things I find myself reflecting on most these days are the things which ultimately shaped my chosen profession and which had lasting impact on my psyche from the time I was a…
Those words were uttered more than once this summer as passersby gawked at the otherworldly flowers hanging from the vine on the fence at my friend Leann’s house. (There are pictures of her garden in my Garden Gallery at www.troybmarden.com) Apparently, a few folks even took offense at these giant, martianesque blossoms that so proudly…
Never underestimate the creative mind! For those of you who thought that pumpkins were only good for carving and, perhaps, the occasional pie, I’d like to introduce you to the work of a good friend mine. Every autumn at the University of Tennessee’s West Tennessee Research Station in Jackson, TN, Jason Reeves and his staff…
Well, as it turns out, my elusive waterfall turned out to be not-so-elusive. We found it. However, we found it at the end of the hike when, as it turns out, had we turned right instead of left we would have found it at the beginning. The end was good, though. The waterfall was a…
It’s chilly this morning in Tennessee! Not as chilly as it is where some of you are located, I’m sure–and not as warm as it is for some of you either. I do have to say we’re in a good climate here with just enough winter to still be able to appreciate four distinct seasons,…
Hippeastrum cybister. Yes, yes, I know. More weird plants. Why not just talk about good old-fashioned red Christmas amaryllis? (Yawn.) Or everyone’s favorite, ‘Appleblossom’? (Yawn.) Or that beautiful red-and-white striped one that Granny grew every year? (Yaaawwn.) Alright, alright. I’m being unfair. I’m sounding like I don’t like the traditional, large-flowered Christmas amaryllis when really,…