Prioritizing Lifestyle over Layout: Our Evolving Perspective on Garden Design
In this blog post, we reflect on a recent photo shoot that reminded us of a simple truth: the best gardens aren’t built from templates—they’re shaped by lifestyle. From a charming farm plot to a refined estate to a Mediterranean-inspired courtyard, each space told the story of the gardener behind it. This post is a celebration of gardens as living expressions of home, rhythm, and personality—not just layout.
Q&A: Can I Grow Lettuce in July?
We know it’s hot, but we also know you’re craving more lettuce and arugula. Unfortunately, these cool-season crops just aren’t at their best in a Tennessee July. Instead of fighting nature, this is your moment to embrace seasonal favorites like cucumbers, okra, and peppers. That said, if you’re feeling bold, there are ways to push the limits: plant in shade, water often, and choose bolt-resistant varieties. We’ve got some ideas for keeping cool-season greens going—even in the heat. But don’t forget to enjoy the bounty that summer is offering right now!
Bug Week is Here: Your Crash Course in Garden Villains
Mid-summer marks the start of peak pest season in Middle Tennessee gardens—and it's time to fight back.
This week, we're launching Bug Week, a six-day crash course on the most destructive garden pests in our region. Each day, we’ll teach you how to identify them (from egg to adult), recognize the damage, and take action—organically and effectively.
🔍 Know your enemy. Defend your garden. Join us starting Sunday, July 6 on Instagram.
Q&A: Should I Let My Herbs Bloom?
Letting your herbs bloom isn’t a clear-cut yes or no—it depends on your goals. While flowering can reduce the flavor or vigor of leafy herbs like basil, it also attracts pollinators, supports beneficial insects, and gives you seeds to cook with or plant for next season. Some flowers, like chamomile and calendula, are grown specifically for their blooms, while others—like cilantro and fennel—produce delicious seeds. If you’ve had your fill of basil or chives, go ahead and let them flower. Just be mindful of timing; woody herbs like thyme and sage may not recover if pruned too late.
Quick Pickles
The easiest, fastest way to turn an over abundance of cucumbers into a tasty snack that will last months in the refrigerator. It’s Quick Pickle Time!
Q&A: When is it too late to plant a summer garden?
In the past few weeks, several clients have frantically asked me: “Is it too late to plant my summer garden?” And the answer is... kind of, but not really.
Here in Middle Tennessee, the gardening calendar isn’t a rigid start-stop affair. Spring blurs into summer, which blurs into fall, and even winter occasionally tosses us a 70-degree bone. So, is it too late for tomatoes? Maybe. Too late for cucumbers or a second round of beans? Definitely not.
This guide breaks it all down month-by-month—from March to November—so you know what’s realistic, what’s wishful, and what’s a lost cause. Spoiler alert: the window is wider than you think, and your garden can still thrive.
👉 If you’ve ever felt behind, this one's for you. Let’s plant something, shall we?
Comparison: The Thief of Joy — or the Great Garden Motivator?
Scrolling through stunning gardens online can sometimes leave us feeling like we’re doing it all wrong. Why aren’t my tomatoes thriving like hers? But comparison doesn’t have to steal our joy—it can spark curiosity, creativity, and growth. In this blog, we unpack how to shift your mindset from self-doubt to learning, helping you figure out what’s actually within your control and how to ask the right questions. Plus, we encourage celebrating your own progress and finding real-life garden friends who share both their blooms and their bloopers.
Ready to grow with confidence? Let’s dig in. 🌱
Garden Tour: A midcentury modern design
A midcentury modern gem in Nashville gets a garden to match. With bold black cedar beds, curved native plantings, and stone pathways softened by thyme, this garden balances structure and whimsy—becoming a true extension of the home it surrounds.
Q&A: What are you spraying? I thought you practiced organic gardening.
How does pest management fit into organic gardening?
Q&A: What kind of trellis should I use for all of these summer crops?
We all love the look of the sturdy steel trellises we use to create height in the garden, but what’s the best kind of vertical structure for your crops this summer? Read about which kind of trellis best fits your garden needs.
Mid May Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the Mid-May garden for Middle Tennessee.
Beyond Tomatoes: 9 Plants Worth Trying This Summer
Want to try growing something new in the summer garden? Here are our recommendations for delicious, fun, and easy-to-grow summer veggies that are just a bit outside the norm. From unique peppers and varieties of basil to ginger and a sweet snack, these are our favorites for those who are up for a garden adventure this year.
Q&A: Do I Need to Thin My Carrot Seedlings? (And Thinning Tips for Your Entire Garden)
When densely planted veggies like carrots, lettuce, and turnips start to grow quickly, it’s time to thin them. Here’s the why and how, plus encouragement to see the process as part of your harvesting habit.
Early May Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the early May garden for Middle Tennessee.
Ready to plant tomatoes? Read this first.
Tomato Time in Tennessee!
April has officially ushered in frost-free gardening, and you know what that means—tomato season is here! While kale and broccoli have been holding down the fort, it’s finally time to plant the summer stars. But with dozens of varieties available at local nurseries, how do you choose the right one? In this blog, I’ll help you narrow it down based on your garden space and how you want to use your tomatoes—whether you're craving a BLT, stirring sauce from scratch, or just trying to get your kids to eat something red that isn’t candy. Let’s geek out on tomatoes together.