Dena's Garden

Dena E. Bolton has shared: Medicinal herbs: dill

2009-09-03T16:23:00.001-07:00

Dill is not just for using in the kitchen. It also has medicinal uses.
Medicinal herbs: dill Source: examiner.com

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Appalachian Fair starts today!

2009-08-24T07:06:00.001-07:00

Appalachian Fair starts today!

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Fall Craft Fairs in Northeast Tennessee - Associated Content

2009-08-20T18:53:00.001-07:00

Fall Craft Fairs in Northeast Tennessee - Associated Content

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Yard Sale

2009-08-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm having a yard sale tomorrow and Saturday (August 21 & 22). Going to have stuff from my daughter, too. In addition, one (or possibly more) of the neighbor's will be having stuff out on Saturday, too. Need a bicycle? Got it. Need a really nice wooden room divider? Got it. Need imported African masks and artifacts? Got those, too. Also -- men's and women's jeans and denim shorts and capris -- great condition -- various sizes -- just $1.00 each. Also -- plants -- perennials, herbs, and angel trumpets, too (trees and bushes). There will be a whole lot more, but you need to come see for yourself. Tell your friends.

Place: 708 Hilltop Drive (follow Buffalo Road past Pine Oaks Golf Course. Turn onto Rolling Knoll -- like you're going to Buffalo Mountain Park. Take the first left onto Rolling Hills. Go to the top of the hill and turn left.)

Pass the word -- and hope to see you there!

Dena E. Bolton has shared: Still Hollow Farm

2009-08-12T07:22:00.001-07:00

There is something for everyone at Still Hollow Farm. Even my teenage granddaughter had a great time!
Still Hollow Farm Source: stillhollowfarm.blogspot.com

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How to Make "Vinegar of the Four Thieves" to Use as an Insect Repellent - Associated Content

2009-08-11T18:26:00.001-07:00

How to Make "Vinegar of the Four Thieves" to Use as an Insect Repellent - Associated Content

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Dena E. Bolton has shared: Alpha Services

2009-08-10T12:19:00.001-07:00


Alpha Services Source: alpha-services.blogspot.com

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Dena E. Bolton has shared: The Barefoot Chameleon

2009-08-10T04:26:00.001-07:00


The Barefoot Chameleon Source: barefoot-chameleon.blogspot.com

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Dena E. Bolton has shared: Gardening 101: What perennials will bloom in the shade?

2009-08-07T17:44:00.001-07:00


Gardening 101: What perennials will bloom in the shade? Source: examiner.com

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Dena E. Bolton has shared: Planting an Island Garden in Your Yard - Associated Content

2009-08-07T17:42:00.001-07:00


Planting an Island Garden in Your Yard - Associated Content Source: associatedcontent.com

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Johnson City Farmers Market

2009-08-07T06:26:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would let everyone know that my daughter Kerrie and I will have angel trumpet plants at the Johnson City Farmers Market tomorrow, Saturday, August 8. Kerrie will have 2 different types -- bush and tree. (The photo to the left is of the angel trumpet tree my sister-in-law Gail has in the Virginia Beach area. Kerrie's is very similar to this one.) The colors of the blooms on the various plants are white and yellow. The tree produces yellow blooms with the blooms under the canopy near the trunk having a green hue. I will have a few purple angel trumpets. The outside of the bloom is a dark purple with the inside being white. (The photo to the right shows one in bloom.) Kerrie will also have passion flowers. I will have some herbs -- basil, oregano, French tarragon -- plus other perennials.

Need a gift idea for your favorite gardener? It is not too early to pick up a Christmas gift. I will have garden flags to use to mark your herbs. They come complete with a metal stake and herb seeds. Use the seeds to start indoors for either transplanting into your garden next spring or to create your own herb garden inside for fresh herbs this fall. Herbs often take awhile to germinate, so you might want to get them now in order to have fresh herbs during the winter months.

Hope to see you at the Farmers Market tomorrow!

Still Hollow Farm

2009-08-03T06:33:00.001-07:00

Still Hollow Farm

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Gardening 101: Where can you find some great shrubs and trees to plant in the fall?

2009-08-03T06:22:00.001-07:00

Gardening 101: Where can you find some great shrubs and trees to plant in the fall?

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Gardening 101: Where are the Farmer's Markets in Northeast Tennessee?

2009-07-31T05:39:00.001-07:00

Gardening 101: Where are the Farmer's Markets in Northeast Tennessee?

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Gardening 101: Where can I find daylily farms in Northeast Tennessee?

2009-07-27T05:40:00.001-07:00

Gardening 101: Where can I find daylily farms in Northeast Tennessee?

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Tips for Keeping Your Kids Happy and Healthy - Associated Content

2009-07-19T06:12:00.001-07:00

Tips for Keeping Your Kids Happy and Healthy - Associated Content

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Gardening 101: Where are some locally-owned, budget-friendly greenhouses in Northeast Tennessee?

2009-07-15T17:43:00.001-07:00

Gardening 101: Where are some locally-owned, budget-friendly greenhouses in Northeast Tennessee?

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Dena's Place

2009-07-15T08:38:00.001-07:00

Dena's Place

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Have fun at the Fun Fest Farm Fest at The Exchange Place in Kingsport

2009-07-09T09:02:00.001-07:00

Have fun at the Fun Fest Farm Fest at The Exchange Place in Kingsport

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The Barefoot Chameleon

2009-07-09T07:44:00.001-07:00

The Barefoot Chameleon

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Shop local farmer's markets for your 4th of July celebration

2009-07-02T05:12:00.001-07:00

Shop local farmer's markets for your 4th of July celebration

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Using what is in bloom to decorate for your Fourth of July party

2009-07-01T07:37:00.001-07:00

Using what is in bloom to decorate for your Fourth of July party

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"A Peek into Our Backyard" -- a tour of the gardens of the Historic Tree Streets District

2009-06-30T07:36:00.001-07:00

"A Peek into Our Backyard" -- a tour of the gardens of the Historic Tree Streets District

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Nashville Landscape Design

2009-06-29T08:05:00.001-07:00

Nashville Landscape Design

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Making All-Natural Insect Repellents and Insecticides from Herbs - Associated Content

2009-06-29T05:17:00.001-07:00

Making All-Natural Insect Repellents and Insecticides from Herbs - Associated Content

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Dena's Excursions

2009-06-25T08:30:00.001-07:00

Dena's Excursions

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Keeping deer out of your garden

2009-06-22T09:22:00.001-07:00

Keeping deer out of your garden

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Farmer's Market

2009-06-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

To all of my gardening buddies -- I will be at the Farmer's Market on State of Franklin Road in downtown Johnson City tomorrow (Saturday, June 20). If you are looking for anything in particular, send me an email. I might have it or know where you can find it.

Hope to see you at the Farmer's Market!

Go green and save money by creating an edible landscape

2009-06-18T15:20:00.001-07:00

Go green and save money by creating an edible landscape

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Designing a fragrance garden with herbs

2009-06-15T09:40:00.001-07:00

Designing a fragrance garden with herbs

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Still Hollow Farm

2009-06-15T05:58:00.001-07:00

Still Hollow Farm

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Yard art and more from locally-owned businesses .... Charming Clutter

2009-06-12T07:13:00.001-07:00

Yard art and more from locally-owned businesses .... Charming Clutter

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Yard art and more from locally-owned businesses .... The Barefoot Chameleon

2009-06-11T08:08:00.001-07:00

Yard art and more from locally-owned businesses .... The Barefoot Chameleon

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Yard art and more from locally-owned businesses .... River Mountain Antiques

2009-06-10T15:47:00.001-07:00

Yard art and more from locally-owned businesses .... River Mountain Antiques & Primitives

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Nashville Gardening Examiner: Herbs harming vegetables

2009-06-05T05:10:00.001-07:00

Nashville Gardening Examiner: Herbs harming vegetables

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Nashville Gardening Examiner: Herbs helping vegetables

2009-06-02T10:50:00.001-07:00

Nashville Gardening Examiner: Herbs helping vegetables

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Interfaith Hospitality Network Community Garden

2009-05-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

As I wrote on my Examiner site (to which you can refer for additional information about IHN and this garden project), Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Johnson City has undertaken to transform a old, abandoned, overgrown parking area into a community garden. Here are some of the photographs from the first day I visited the site as work was commencing. They had already had some excavation work done; however, as you can see from these photos, there is still quite a lot of work to do. (Please note: I will be posting additional photos this weekend showing some of the progress that has already been made.)

Still Hollow Farm

2009-05-27T05:49:00.001-07:00

Still Hollow Farm

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Plant exchange

2009-05-13T05:12:00.000-07:00

"The Dirty Nails Gardening Club" will be holding its first plant exchange of the season on Saturday, May 16th at 11:00 am in the parking lot in front of the main building at Winged Deer Park in Johnson City. This is FREE and open to the public. You do not have to be a member of the club in order to attend. Bring you perennials, annuals, herbs, houseplants, and seeds to exchange plants and gardening tips with other gardeners. If you have questions or need any additional information, just send me an email: dena.bolton@gmail.com and include you name and email address to receive notices of any upcoming gardening events.

Nashville Gardening Examiner: Plant profile: St. John's wort

2009-05-12T09:08:00.001-07:00

Nashville Gardening Examiner: Plant profile: St. John's wort

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Nashville Gardening Examiner: Plant profile: jimsonweed

2009-05-04T05:53:00.001-07:00

Nashville Gardening Examiner: Plant profile: jimsonweed

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Winged Deer Park

2009-05-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

Winged Deer Park offers many opportunities for the gardener. They are currently conducting classes for families (A free garden club for kids and parents), plus they have raised beds full of tomatoes, squash, and peppers. They also have lots of herbs. However, volunteers are needed at Winged Deer Park to help with the planting and maintenance of these gardens. (For more information and contacts, see: Volunteers needed.)

If you have never visited Winged Deer Park located on the Bristol Highway in Johnson City or have not been there in a while, you are missing a real treat. View the slideshow on this blog to get just a hint of the beauty that you will be able to enjoy at the park. Also, consider volunteering -- whether for an hour or a day. You will be glad you did!

Nashville Gardening Examiner: Volunteers needed

2009-05-01T10:22:00.001-07:00

Nashville Gardening Examiner: Volunteers needed

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Nashville Gardening Examiner: Herbs, heirloom tomatoes, and peppers

2009-04-30T06:01:00.001-07:00

Nashville Gardening Examiner: Herbs, heirloom tomatoes, and peppers

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Nashville Gardening Examiner: A weekend excursion to a garden fair

2009-04-27T15:58:00.001-07:00

Nashville Gardening Examiner: A weekend excursion to a garden fair

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Nashville Gardening Examiner: Celebrate Earth Day with a common heirloom plant

2009-04-22T04:12:00.001-07:00

Nashville Gardening Examiner: Celebrate Earth Day with a common heirloom plant

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Nashville Gardening Examiner

2009-04-21T09:27:00.001-07:00

Nashville Gardening Examiner

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Bird sanctuary

2009-04-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

My husband and I recently planted a weeping spruce given to us by our friend Mary Curtain. We established a bird sanctuary (see my article Celebrate Earth Week by planting a tree). We were so excited when a robin, who had been watching us attentively while we were designing the garden, immediately built a nest. The first photo is of the eggs she has laid. You can see Mama Robin, if you look closely, in the second photo. (She would not let me get any closer.) By the way, whenever you are creating an area for birds, there are a few things to remember. One, of course, is to have bird feeders. Also, do not just feed your birds in the spring and summer. You should be sure that they have food during the winter months, as well. Second, bird baths are extremely important. Birds not only need water to drink, but they do like their baths. (We have noticed that robins, especially, love to take nice long baths.) Third, you should provide them with places on which they can perch. Many birds will take a seed from the feeder and fly to another area to crack the seed open. (See my article Bird Watching: Tufted Titmouse, which describes this behavior.) Finally, it helps to have some plant life around the area. I have planted some mountain blues and other bushes plus seeds for vines, which will give the birds a more secure feeling when they are perching or hopping about on the ground. As the perennials I have planted begin to take hold and spread, the birds will be even happier. Right now, they have several trees nearby to which they can fly.

Nashville Gardening Examiner: Oregano: a rather confusing herb

2009-04-17T07:19:00.001-07:00

Nashville Gardening Examiner: Oregano: a rather confusing herb

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Nashville Gardening Examiner: Rue: an unusual herb for your garden

2009-04-16T12:05:00.001-07:00

Nashville Gardening Examiner: Rue: an unusual herb for your garden

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Nashville Gardening Examiner: A free garden club for kids and parents

2009-04-11T10:39:00.001-07:00

Nashville Gardening Examiner: A free garden club for kids and parents

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More new growth in my garden!

2009-03-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

I always get excited about gardening this time of year. It seems that everyday something new is growing, blooming, or starting to bloom. Right now, many of my tulips are starting to bloom. I am going to be keeping better track this year of the types of bulbs I have blooming. (I have planted 300-400, at least, each year that we have been in our home, which is about 4 years now. Unfortunately, I have lost track a bit of what I have planted, especially since I tend to choose numerous varieties of different bulbs.) My fringe and lily-tipped tulips tend to bloom a little later in the season, as do my double-lates and parrots. However, there are some starting to open. (Wonder what type they will be?) I do think, though, that there was some method to my madness this past fall. I actually believe I planted them according to color.

My perennial herbs are also coming along quite nicely. The lovage and the French sorrel are looking great! (For more information on lovage, read my article Lovage: a taste of celery in the herb garden.) In fact, there is already enough of each to use for cooking. They both also tend to taste better when you use the young, tender leaves. I have them ready for use from now through the fall. In fact, I probably need to divide the lovage. My daughter-in-law should be happy to hear that! Also, my catmint is coming up. I currently have it planted in three different areas: in my two rose gardens and in my mint garden. Catmint, by the way, is not nearly as invasive as many of the other mints. It has a basel growth and tends to be rather well-behaved. You will want to use catmint as an edging plant simply for the scent. It is absolutely wonderful when you brush up against it. Also, catmint is good to have around for repelling rodents. (Cats, by the way, will not eat it; however, they have been known to lay in the middle of it or under it.)

I hope everyone is enjoying their newly-emerging gardens, as I am mine. If you want to read any of my gardening articles, be sure to visit me at the Nashville Gardening Examiner.

Happy gardening!

Things are blooming in March!

2009-03-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

I have lots of things that are actually blooming right now. Of course, many of my daffodils are in bloom. However, lots of the hybrids, which are mid-to-late-spring bloomers are just now getting some buds, as are most of the tulips. Naturally, the forsythia are in bloom. (It is spring in Tennessee, after all.) The large bush at the back of our property is particularly magnificent this year. The two closer to the house, that were in not such great shape when we moved in 3-4 years ago, are looking great this year. (It is amazing what a little judicious pruning can accomplish.) The magnolia that I uncovered at the fence line is blooming, as well. (When we first moved into the house, there were little saplings and unsightly bushes hiding the magnolia. We didn't even know it was there until I started clearing out stuff.)

I did plant some things today -- pole beans, carrots, plus some annual ornamentals (sweet pea and cosmos). I have something coming up in a raised bed. I had veggies in it last year, so I'm not really sure right now what went to seed. Hmmmm. I am taking photos this year and dating them on this blog and in my garden journal on Folia. Hopefully, it will come in handy next year. (You can also view some of my daffodils in my garden journal on Folia.)

My roses are filling out nicely. I do believe my 'Queen Elizabeth' climber is going to have a lot of blooms this year. (This is her third year, and she has gotten quite tall.)

Now I must go prune the roses in my other rose garden.

Happy Gardening!

Urban Homesteading

2009-03-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Have been reading some blogs about urban homesteaders. While I do not consider myself such, I do like the idea of developing a garden that will supply my family with fresh veggies throughout the year plus have some for freezing and canning to sustain us through the winter. I have been doing some experimenting with developing a more edible landscape. Last year, it was not unusual to find various herbs and veggies growing amongst my perennials. This year, I am creating a "tire garden" for my vegetables. (I will debate the pros and cons of recycling tires into the garden at a future date.) I used about 3 tires last year for tomatoes. The tomatoes actually did better in the tires than they did in the regular vegetable garden, which has now been turned into a major compost pile, by the way. The tire tomatoes also required much less work. There was absolutely no weeding involved! I have already planted some spring lettuce in one of my tires and plan on planting not only tomatoes but also green beans, corn, carrots, cucumbers, green onions, jalapeno peppers, sweet green and red peppers, and potatoes. I may plant one or two other kinds of hot peppers; however, I still have plenty in the freezer from last season. I think I will go easy on the hot peppers this year.

In my efforts to create a more edible landscape, I am also conscious of recycling, which is one of the reasons I have chosen to use tires. I reclaimed 2 tires that I had replaced last year. The mechanic was more than happy to give them to me, since he has to pay the recycling center when he turns in tires. I also picked one up from the side of the road. I have added 2 more, which I also found on the side of the road. (Why people do such things is beyond me!) To make them a bit more attractive, I plan on painting them. I think I will make one look like a lady bug and another like a frog. The same mechanic who changed my tires also told me about drilling holes in the rims of the tires and planting strawberries or other trailing vines. That really sounds like a great way to camouflage them. Not sure if I really need anymore strawberries, since I have 2 raised beds of strawberry plants. Of course, I could raise more and sell them at the local farmer's market. (Something I may do with my herbs, since they always do extremely well.)

Growing one's own vegetables is becoming more and more popular, especially in our current economic climate. Victory Gardens are back in vogue, plus more community gardens are popping up. I would love to hear from you as to what types of gardening you are pursuing and if more of you are turning to raising your own vegetables.

Happy Gardening!

Ozark Sundrops

2009-03-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

For those of you who just read my article on the Examiner -- A great plant for spring ... Ozark Sundrops -- here are some pictures of the ones in my garden. As I mentioned, mine begin to bloom in the early spring and are usually spent by June, which is not supposed to be this plant's normal blooming time. Perhaps it is due to the heat we get in the summer.) The blooms are quite large and really stand out -- even from a distance.

Be sure to read my article on the Examiner (if you have not already) for more information on this cheerful plant.

Happy gardening!

Daffodils in my garden

2009-03-01T04:18:00.000-08:00

This post ties in with my article for the Nashville Gardening Examiner, in which I discuss the flower for March, which is the daffodil (Narcissus).

I have several varieties of daffodils in my garden, blooming from early to late spring. One of my favorites is 'Tahiti,' which is a fully double golden yellow daffodil with bright orange accents. Similar to 'Tahiti' is 'Golden Ducat,' which is a double version of the 'King Alfred' daffodil and a solid yellow color.

I have also in recent years added miniature daffodils to my landscape. One is called 'Cheerfulness,' which is very much like 'Tahiti' in color; however, it boasts small blooms on each stem. (It can be seen in the background of the photo of my 'Tahiti' daffodil.)

Some of my absolute favorites are my collar (or split-cup) daffodils. One I have is called 'Cum Laude' and features a darker orange center. 'Ice King' has a paler yellow center surrounded by white petals. Both feature blooms of 4-5 inches, which remain for 3-4 weeks. (I am not kidding! They stay pretty for a very long time.)

I also have some white daffodils. One is 'Sir Winston Churhill,' which has 3-5 blooms per stem. The flowers are white with flecks of orange in the center and slightly fragrant. This is a late-bloomer.

As my daffodils begin to bloom this spring, I will be sure to shall photos with you.

FREE gardening classes at Heritage Gardens

2009-02-28T06:31:00.000-08:00

Heritage Gardens in Greeneville, TN, will be hosting free gardening classes in March. The classes revolve around the concept of Victory Gardens, which were encouraged by the United States Government to support the war effort during World War II. (For more information on Victory Gardens, read the recent article by the Hartford Green Living Examiner.)

The current economic climate in our country is causing more and more people to start growing their own vegetables in order to offset the high costs of produce in the markets, which are spurred by the rising cost of gasoline, which causes an increase in the prices of produce that must be shipped from long distances.

The classes offered by Heritage Gardens will be hands-on, so you will want to come dressed for the weather and ready to work. Seeds and materials will be available. Three different classes will be held. The first, on Saturday, March 7, will concern garden bed prep, building raised beds, and container planting. On Saturday, March 14, learn about planting your garden, companion planting, and pest control. Finally, on Saturday, March 21, the class will deal with herbs, starting seeds, planting “by the signs,” and more. Gift certificates for future purchases will be given to those who attend all three sessions.

Classes will be from 9:00 a.m. until noon at Heritage Gardens, 745 Park Lane, Greeneville, TN. Please call 423-798-9494 to reserve your space for one or more of these sessions and/or for more information.

Some lilies in my garden

2009-02-26T07:08:00.000-08:00

For those of you who followed from my eHow article on How to Choose the Right Lily for Your Garden, here are a few of the lilies that appear in my own garden each spring and summer.

The 'Cancun' (the orange and yellow on the left) is a showy and profusely-blooming Asiatic lily. I am constantly amazed at the number of blooms, which appear on just one stem. In addition, its blooms stay pretty for quite a long time.

The 'Stargazer' (the pink lily on the right) is a very popular Oriental lily that blooms later in the season. Once again, it is actually a very easy lily to grow and provides a splash of color for an impressive amount of time.

One lily that I did not mention in my eHow article is the 'Spider lily,' sometimes called a 'Peruvian daffodil.' This is Hymenocallis, which is actually a member of the family in which amaryllis ( or 'Belladonna lily') is found. Mine did not bloom the first year I planted it; however, it did the second. You might find it necessary to offer this flower a little bit of support, in order for its unusual blooms to be better appreciated.

I am constantly planting different types of lilies every year. (Right now, I think I have about 25-30 different varieties and colors.) As the season progresses, I will be sharing photos of my treasures with you. Perhaps you would like to subscribe to this blog so that you will not miss a bloom!

2009 Nashville Lawn and Garden Show

2009-02-24T13:29:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year! Mark your calendar and plan on attending the largest gardening event in Tennessee. For more information, read my article on the Nashville Gardening Examiner: 2009 Nashville Lawn and Garden Show.

Angel Trumpets

2009-02-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

If you have just read my article on the Examiner, you know that I have developed quite a love for angel trumpets. My first angel trumpet was a purple, which I have not seen anywhere else. My sister-in-law Gail, an angel in her own right, in Virginia grew a very impressive angel trumpet last year. This is definitely an example of an angel trumpet that grew into a tree.

Spring is just around the corner

2009-02-19T03:48:00.000-08:00

I keep telling myself that -- spring is just around the corner. It is actually true, though the cold snap we have been experiencing would sometimes counter that belief. However, as I wander through my garden, I see evidence that my tulips and daffodils will be blooming soon. I have planted over the last four years, since we moved into our house, about 300-400 bulbs each fall. Many of the varieties I have planted are not exactly what is normally found in gardens. For example, I have planted 'lily-tipped tulips,' which tend to be late bloomers and remain blooming for quite a long time. I planted these particular tulips the fall before that late freeze we had around Mother's Day about 3-4 years ago. They were blooming quite happily at the time. I thought for sure that the freeze would destroy them. It did not, and they just kept on blooming right through the freeze and even longer.

Another late-bloomer (and one of my favorites) is the 'bright parrot' tulip. I just love this tulip! The blooms on it are huge! Much larger than my 'black parrot.' If you are not familiar with parrot tulips, they are really "odd birds," with their crinkly petals that often open more than other tulips. There are numerous color combinations available, which -- being a good little plant collector -- I will be adding to my garden as time goes by.

I will be sharing photos of my numerous spring flowers as they begin to bloom and also information on some of the different varieties. I hope you will stay tuned!