Title: Horticulturist Shares Gardening Knowledge Through Weekly Newsletter
In a small town in Tennessee, a young boy named Jared Barnes learned valuable horticultural lessons from his great-grandfather, setting him on a path to become an associate professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. Dr. Barnes now shares his wealth of knowledge through a free weekly email newsletter called “plant-ed.”
The newsletter, which includes curated links to must-read articles and his own blog posts, serves as a “forcing function” for Dr. Barnes to stay updated on the latest horticultural information. Inspired by his curious students, he delves into various topics, from native-plant trials to meadow making techniques.
Dr. Barnes’ personal garden, Ephemera Farm, reflects his ecological and wild design style, featuring a variety of native plants and naturalistic plantings. He draws inspiration from contemporary wild landscapes and experiments with different species to create a unique and sustainable garden environment.
Through his newsletter, Dr. Barnes shares insights from other horticulturists and gardeners, such as Rebecca McMackin and Chris Helzer, who provide valuable information on plant interactions and landscape design. He also looks to resources like GrassSolutions and Dig Delve for innovative ideas on meadow making and using grasslike plants in urban habitats.
Despite facing challenges like acidic soil and wildlife intrusion, including deer and feral pigs, Dr. Barnes remains dedicated to sharing his passion for gardening and learning from nature. His commitment to cultivating knowledge and creating sustainable landscapes shines through in his newsletter and personal garden.
For gardening enthusiasts looking to expand their horticultural knowledge, Dr. Barnes’ newsletter offers a wealth of information and inspiration, making it a valuable resource in the world of gardening.
