A Family Weekend Visit to the Murray State Doran Arboretum

by Sarah O'Neal

During Family Weekend at Murray State University, our family explored the Doran Arboretum, a free public garden located on the 13-acre Pullen Farm. Open daily from dawn until dusk, the arboretum offered us a relaxed place to explore together.

The property includes a variety of gardens that visitors of all ages can enjoy. We began in the sensory garden, where interactive features invited us to match leaves to an identification board and make music with a flower.

As we continued along the path, we discovered a small book library. It was a thoughtful addition that made especially good use of the arboretum’s peaceful setting.

Just beyond the picnic area, we came to a rain garden, another distinct feature along the arboretum’s path.

My favorite part appeared as we followed the path around a corner: a beautiful pond with a fountain and waterfall. The pond stretches across the main part of the park, with the apiary located at the far end.

The apiary is cared for by Murray State students majoring in agriculture. From behind the windows of the enclosed area, visitors can safely observe the hives and the surrounding garden while students maintain both. Their goal is to increase the number of hives and sell the honey to support future projects. The apiary was a fitting final stop because it showed how the arboretum combines education, conservation, and public enjoyment.

I look forward to returning to the arboretum throughout the seasons to see how the leaves change and the gardens evolve. I am especially excited to watch the apiary grow because our college kid was recently hired to maintain and expand the operation. He is fortunate to have a mama who is a Master Gardener and can suggest plants that will help the bees thrive.

Can You Propagate Patented Plants?

Perhaps you've heard that you should not propagate patented plants. But what if you only plan to use it in your own garden? And what are patented plants anyways?? Check out this explanation from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR).

Plant of the Month...

Purple Hyacinth Bean

by Rose Bedwell

Native to tropical Africa, the most common use in this country for purple hyacinth bean is as an annual ornamental crop in the cut flower industry. It is valued for its late summer flowers and colorful, purple seed pods in the home garden.

Purple hyacinth bean should be planted after the danger of frost has passed. It is a twining vine, often growing to 10-feet long and 5-feet wide with purplish stems and leaves. It should be grown on a sturdy trellis to support the weight of the vine. It prefers light, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It does well in hot, humid climates when mulched and has low water needs once established. Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies love the purple hyacinth bean. Be sure to collect the seed pods for next year!

Profiles in Gardening...

Tresa Thresh

Name?

Tresa Thresh

Why did you become a Master Gardener?

I became a Master Gardener because I wanted to meet people who share my interest in gardening. I thought it would be a great way to connect with other gardeners, learn from them, and become part of a community of people who enjoy growing things.

What types of gardening are you most interested in?

I love cottage gardening, especially creating a garden that is filled with blooms throughout as much of the year as possible. I also have a dedicated cut flower garden, and I enjoy growing flowers that I can bring indoors to enjoy. I love collecting plants and seeds of different varieties and finding a place for them in the garden. I am constantly thinking about what can be blooming next and what I want to grow next season. Even when the current garden is at its peak, I'm usually already planning the next one!

What are two of your favorite plants?

This is probably the hardest question because my favorite plant is usually whatever happens to be blooming at the moment! I have a particular love for dahlias and roses, but there are far too many plants I enjoy to narrow it down to just two.

What is your favorite thing about Master Gardeners?

The gardeners themselves. Gardeners are some of my favorite people. They tend to be generous with their time, their knowledge, their plants, their seeds, and even their mistakes. There is always someone willing to share what they have learned or pass along a plant they love. I really enjoy being part of a group where people genuinely want to help each other grow.

What other hobbies or interests do you have?

I am a tad adventurous. I love traveling, antiquing, spending time outdoors, and listening to audiobooks. I am an avid audiobook listener. I also enjoy drying flowers and using them for crafts, which gives me a way to enjoy the garden even after the growing season has ended.

Where, other than Robertson County, have you lived & gardened?

I grew up in Cheatham County and spent my childhood summers in Mississippi, where my father's family all live. I have lived in Robertson County for 22 years.

How did you first become interested in gardening?

I had a small interest in gardening for years, but the obsession really started when my youngest began driving and I no longer had to escort boys to all of their sports activities. First, my best friend's father started sharing plants with me, and then my aunt gave me a carload of plants. Apparently, that was all it took! Their generosity and love of gardening got me hooked.

What are two interesting things about you that we don’t know?

I am attempting to visit all of the U.S. National Parks with my husband. Last month, we checked Glacier National Park off the list. We hiked to Grinnell Glacier and did a Polar Plunge.

I was destined to be a redhead. Both my parents, both grandparents, and all of my aunts and uncles are redheads. I guess the red hair was inevitable, and apparently so was the personality!

RCMGA welcomed visitors and shared knowledge during Greenbrier's Autumn in the Brier.