Gardening Fact or Fiction Series #3  Our next three myth busting topics are all about trees. Myth #7 New trees need to be staked after planting Fact and Fiction! A new tree only needs to be staked if it is top heavy or if you are planting in a very windy area. If we ..read more

Gardening Fact or Fiction Series #2 Our next three myth busting topics are all about soil. Myth #4 Adding sand to my Tennessee clay soil will help with drainage Fiction! If you need some concrete to pave a driveway, this is the way to make it but it adding sand to your garden will turn the soil into a brick! Clay soil is made of very fine particles that compact easily. When you add in sand, the clay finds its way into the gaps, compacts it further and inevitably smothers and kills the roots of your plant. The key to loosening clay soil is compost! Myth #5 More compost is better than less Fict ..read more

Gardening Fact or Fiction  Series #1 Folklore, old wives tales, call it what you will but there are a lot of gardening ideas out there that may or may not be a lot of hooie balooie! Let’s examine three at a time and see if the theories hold water. Myth #1 Adding stones to the bottom of a pot helps with drainage. Fiction! If your container has a drainage hole at the bottom, this should be the only escape route for water. By placing gravel at the bottom of the pot you risk blocking the drainage hole and creating a swimming pool effect which will eventually rot the plants roots. For the bes ..read more

Coneflowers are some of the most beautiful and versatile plants you can grow in your garden. They come in a wide range of colors and varieties, and there is one that is sure to suit any taste. One of the most striking and popular varieties is the Cheyenne Spirit coneflower. The Cheyenne Spirit coneflower is a stunning plant that boasts a rainbow of colors. It produces large, daisy-like blooms in red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple shades. These blooms are held atop sturdy stems reaching up to 3 feet tall. The flowers of the Cheyenne Spirit coneflower are also attractive to pollinators like ..read more

DATE July 13th, 2024 LOCATION 97 Oak Ridge Tpke, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 TIME 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Join us for our 9th Annual Dog Wash Fundraiser, which will be our biggest one yet! We’ve partnered with FORAS to bring you and your pet a fun-filled day. We will have the Dog Wash, a Paw Painting Class, door prizes, a silent auction, and even a pet caricature vendor!! There will also be hot dogs and T-shirts! This event benefits FORAS and the Oak Ridge Animal Shelter, so bring your furry (or scaly) friend down and join us for some fun! View Event on Facebook Pond Week ..read more

DATE July 15th – July 20th LOCATION 97 Oak Ridge Tpke, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 TIME 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. It’s time for Pond Week 2024! Come join us for lots of information and fun while learning about ponds’ ecological benefits and what inhabits them! EVENTS ARE FREE (unless otherwise stated), BUT YOU MUST CALL AND RESERVE A SPACE FOR EACH DAY IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THE CLASS!   Monday, July 15th – 11 AM (FULL) & 2 PM Pond Ecosystem & Plants Come learn about pond plants and create a water terrarium in a jar!   Tuesday, July 16th – 11 AM (FULL) & 2 ..read more

If you’re thinking about creating an outdoor living space, you should keep a few things in mind to make it inviting and functional. It’s more than just sticking a few chairs outside, so let’s dive into what creates an ideal outdoor living space. First things first, let’s talk about seating. You want to ensure you have comfortable sitting places, so consider adding a mix of chairs, sofas, and benches to accommodate different gatherings. Don’t forget to add some pillows and cushions for extra coziness! Adding string lights, lanterns, or candles to your outdoor space is a great way to create a c ..read more

As someone who loves gardening, I know that soil quality plays a significant role in the success of any plant. The soil should be fertile, nutrient-rich, and have a balanced pH. However, not all of us are blessed with perfect soil. That’s where soil conditioner comes in handy. Soil conditioner is a type of soil amendment that improves soil quality. It is made of natural and organic materials such as compost, peat moss, and vermiculite. Unlike fertilizers, which provide nutrients to plants, soil conditioner enhances the soil’s structure, texture, and ability to retain water. One of the most si ..read more

Koi ponds can be a beautiful and relaxing addition to any backyard, but they can also attract unwanted visitors, such as herons. Herons are known for their love of fish, and unfortunately, koi are no exception. Herons can quickly devastate a koi population, leaving pond owners frustrated and disappointed. However, there are several ways to keep herons away from your koi pond. The first step in deterring herons is to make your pond less accessible. Herons prefer to wade in shallow water, so adding depth to your pond can make it less attractive to them. Additionally, adding rocks or other obsta ..read more

Improving your outdoor landscaping is a crucial decision that can profoundly impact your home and overall well-being. A well-maintained and visually stunning outdoor area not only adds value to your property but also provides a serene and calming environment to unwind and spend quality time with your loved ones. One of the key advantages of landscaping is enhancing your home’s curb appeal. A beautiful and well-groomed landscape can leave a lasting first impression on visitors and potential buyers. This not only increases your home’s value but also makes it stand out in the community. In addit ..read more