Stories

Spring in the Garden

In the Spring Garden, Blackberry Farmstead Ambassador Dakota Eddy says the only constant is change.

Stories

Prepping Tobacco Beds

Blackberry Farm Master Gardener John Coykendall describes the history of raising tobacco in Tennessee.

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Velvet Beans

Master Gardener John Coykendall is planting velvet beans to add a special touch to this year's garden.

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The Art Spirit in Daily Life

As an artist and landscape painter, Master Gardener John Coykendall captures nature on his canvas.

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Stove Pipe Peas and the Grove Pepper

Master Gardener John Coykendall reflects on his search for a seed variety enjoyed by a Central Florida farmer.

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The First Seedlings

The first seedlings welcome a new season filled with hope for a successful growing season.

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Looking Back: Connecting in the Garden

Master Gardener John Coykendall reflects on his favorite experiences across 27 years at Blackberry Farm.

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Preaching the Seed Gospel

Master Gardener John Coykendall travels across the country to spread the importance of saving heritage seeds.

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Searching for the Past

Master Gardener John Coykendall describes his ongoing search for heritage seed varieties and preserving their history.

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A Winter’s Day in Our Garden Shed

Master Gardener John Coykendall describes what a cold, rainy day looks like in the Winter Garden.

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Winter in the Blackberry Farm Garden

Farmstead Ambassador Dakota Eddy shares a glimpse of what the Garden team is working on this Winter.

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Forgotten Fencerows

Master Gardener John Coykendall spends Winter days taking long walks and reflecting on his farm's history.

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The Gardening Daydreams of the Winter Season

In the stillness of Winter, Master Gardener John Coykendall imagines the new gardening season right around the corner.

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The January Garden

The Garden at Blackberry Farm continues to flourish throughout the Winter months.

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Looking Back: Guard Animals Through the Decades

From llamas to donkeys, there’s a history of animals that have been entrusted to protect the sheep that have called...

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Ways to Use Apple Onion Jam

Enjoy a taste of Fall in the Great Smoky Mountains with this sweet and savory spread from Blackberry Farm.

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The Final Summer Harvest

Blackberry Farm just had our first frost of the season, marking the true transition from the Summer garden to the Fall...

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Winter Predictions with Persimmons

Enjoy the return of one of our favorite fruits of the season and discover the special folklore behind it.

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Keeping Our Agricultural History Alive

Over his years as Master Gardener, John Coykendall has observed shifts in attitudes and awareness about our foodways.

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Capturing Fleeting Scenes and Moments in Time

Blackberry Farm Master Gardener John Coykendall reflects on capturing photos around the Garden.

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Shoepeg Milling Corn and Kentucky Field Pumpkins

Blackberry Farm Master Gardener John Coykendall shares the history of two heritage crops grown at the Farm.

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A First Look at Fall

Farmstead ambassador Dakota Eddy shares what the Garden team is excited for this Fall and what's happening in the rows...

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Our Gardens from an Artistic Perspective

Blackberry Farm Master Gardener John Coykendall describes how nature inspires his personal artwork.

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5 Edible Flowers with Unique Uses

Learn about five edible flowers and their unique uses in the garden, on the plate and as decór.

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An Early Hint of Fall’s Approach

Every year when we reach the days of late August, Master Gardener John Coykendall's thoughts turn to Fall.

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Garden-Inspired Favorites

Blackberry Farm Larder Manager Veronica Krebs shares some of her all-time favorite Garden products.

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Mountain Tucked Corn

The Garden is growing an heirloom variety of corn brought to us from the mountains of Guatemala.

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Farming Memories from Long Ago

Master Gardener John Coykendall created a patch in the Garden that features crops inspired by an old friend.

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Indian Ghost Pipe

A perennial wildflower known as Indian Ghost Pipe is a welcomed sign in the forested areas surrounding Blackberry Farm.

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How to Start Your Homesteading Journey

Explore beginner-friendly homesteading tips from Blackberry Farm Farmstead Director Christen Waddell!