The Leaflet - June 2026

The Leaflet

~ June 2026 ~

It’s soon going to be officially summer, which is the busiest time for all gardeners. We have been blessed with some rain and warmer weather, so plants are taking off at last. In the midst of all your watering, weeding, and harvesting, take time to sit and just enjoy all that you’ve planted. Take in all the colors and scents of your flowers and vegetables. Listen to birds and the bees doing their part to keep life cycles going. June is our reward.

Okay, the Zen moment has passed. On to the rest of June, which includes blueberry picking, Tobacco, Beef and More Field Day, and Seeds of Hope Garden Tour! At this point, two blueberry-picking days are scheduled for June 20 and June 27. Bobby is looking for help directing the public and cashiering. Martha’s Song Tour is June 26, and a number of our members’ and friends’ gardens will be on the tour. It is always worth supporting, and garden tours give you great ideas to add to your own garden. Our Highland Rim Garden is a featured stop on the Tobacco, Beef and More tour. We definitely need Master Gardeners to help prepare the gardens for our big show. Everyone is welcome to register and attend Field Day, June 25th, which includes a session with Dr Natalie Baumgardner. I know I’m fan-girling like mad. Hope to see you out and about!

Beth Hannabass, President

RCMGA

June 22-28 is National Pollinator Week! Click on the image to learn more about its history, ways you can contribute, download your toolkit, and find additional resources.

Are you doing all you can to promote pollinators in your natural spaces? Find out by completing the Promoting Pollinators Checklist.

Congratulations to Bob Ary who was recently honored at the State Master Gardener Conference for his numerous contributions, making the program what it is today. Thank you, Bob!

UT Gardens, Jackson, invites you to their annual Garden Buzz: The Celebration of Pollinators! Held in conjunction with National Pollinator Week, this free event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy educational displays, honey tastings, arts and crafts, and a guided garden tour. Plus, take home FREE plants to add to your own garden, benefiting pollinators in your neighborhood. Registration is not required, so bring the whole family and learn more about these magnificent organisms and their vital role in our world!

Profiles in Gardening...

Vicki Tolleson

Hi! My name is Vicki Tolleson. I grew up in Orlando, Florida, where my love for creativity and performance began. As a young adult, I worked as a character performer and dancer at Disney before earning a degree in Parks and Recreation with a minor in Theater/Dance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I later completed a bachelor's degree in Education from Western Kentucky University.

My career has been centered around teaching and inspiring others. I owned and operated a dance studio for 10 years and spent 25 years teaching first grade in Robertson County. After a rewarding career in education, I retired and am now enjoying life to the fullest.

Family is at the heart of everything I do. I am blessed with two daughters, a grandson, and a wonderful blended family that includes several beloved fur babies and grand-fur babies. In my free time, I enjoy hand-smocking children's clothing, combining my love of creativity, craftsmanship, and tradition. I became a Master Gardener as a way to spend more time with one of my daughters and husband. Gardening has since become a cherished passion, specifically incorporating native plants into my landscape.