July 2018 - Cheekwood
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A Chat with Cheekwood Docents

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Are you an avid gardener, an admirer of the arts, or intrigued by Nashville’s rich history? Do you enjoy sharing your interests and knowledge with your community? If so, you may be interested in the program! Join us for our fall docent recruitment beginning Tuesday August 14. Simply register for the training by August 7 by contacting Haley Combs at 615.353.6980 or [email protected].

 

Learn more about the docent and volunteer program at Cheekwood: https://cheekwood.local/support/volunteer/A Chat with Shelia Mullican (pictured, right) 
When did you begin volunteering at Cheekwood?
I began volunteering at Cheekwood in the autumn of 2016.

What is your favorite memory as a Cheekwood Docent?
I love bringing children who live in the inner city with mostly concrete landscapes into the gardens. Their unbridled joy at seeing chipmunks, butterflies, frogs–their delight when they see the sugar maple’s helicopter seeds, and when they learn this tree also gives them syrup–the wonder in their eyes when they gently brush their fingers over the lavender, then breath in the scent–are marvelous.

Why did you become a Cheekwood docent?
Cheekwood has always been a special place for my children and me. We spent a great deal of time here as they were growing up, watching the seasons change, picnicking in the Japanese tea house, sketching blossoms, taking art classes. In gratitude for the joy given us, I wanted to give something back.

What experience, background, circumstance, etc. led you to being a Cheekwood docent?
I am at a threshold season in my life where the children and grandchild who have been my principle focus over the last several years require less of my time, and I am free to explore other opportunities. Volunteering as a docent at Cheekwood allows me to delve deeply into pursuits that nourish my soul–beauty, nature, story–and to interact with the most fascinating people.

A Chat with Karen Connoly (pictured, left) 
When did you begin volunteering at Cheekwood?
I began volunteering at Cheekwood in 2016. I have been a Cheekwood member since shortly after I came to the Nashville area and discovered Cheekwood. I was able to fit in the docent training only recently. I’m glad to see that you are now offering some docent classes at night so people who have difficulty in attending daytime classes can still become docents.

What is your favorite memory as a Cheekwood Docent? 
Actually, my favorite tour to date just occurred. The tour was a private tour with a group visiting Nashville for a family event weekend. What I enjoyed most about the tour was its interactive nature. The people in the group were high energy and lots of fun and were interested in the garden, the family history, and the mansion. They had a lot of questions and comments so the tour became a conversation rather than a one-way presentation of information. I’ve found that as a docent, I most enjoy tours where there’s a lot of give and take between those taking the tour and me. I hope that our visitors feel the same way.

Why did you become a Cheekwood docent?
Any discussion about Cheekwood has to begin with the beauty that draws so many of us to Cheekwood. As a new visitor, member and gardener wannabe, I was attracted to the beauty and peace of Cheekwood. I took a docent-led garden tour and then and there decided that I wanted both to learn more about Cheekwood and to be able to share that knowledge as a docent. Fast forward several years to when I was able to take the training and I have been a docent ever since.

What is the funniest thing a visitor has said to you on a tour?
An adult on a garden tour who had the funniest comment. I was waxing eloquent on the beautiful exfoliating bark of the crape myrtles, when a visitor said, “Thank goodness, I thought that the trees were diseased and were losing their bark.”

 

Pictured: Karen, left, and Shelia, right The docent program at Cheekwood offers behind-the-scenes information and training on Cheekwood’s 55 acres of gardens, historical mansion, and art exhibitions. We offer the opportunity for our volunteers to train as a Garden Docent, House and History Docent, and Exhibition Docent. As important members of our team, docents act as volunteer teachers and tour guides while sharing their passion for Cheekwood’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, gardens, and historical residence with visitors of all ages.

We recently sat down with two of our docents, Karen and Shelia, to ask them some questions about their experience as a docent, and what they love most.

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Native Plants

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Native grassLittle Bluestem / Schizachyrium scoparium

Little bluestem is one of the most useful and attractive grasses for multi-seasonal interest that is native to our limestone rich soil, growing 2–4 feet in height. During the early period of growth, stems appear red-purplish in color, later maturing to a reddish brown with lavender-blue stem bases, and eventually turning into a bronze-orange hue in fall and winter. The puffy seed heads that follow the small purple flowers add a soft texture to the landscape. Little blue stem is an excellent grass selection for controlling erosion, restoring poor soils, and providing proper habitat. It is also deer tolerant.Native wildflowerIndian Pink or Pink Root / Spigelia marilandicaSpigelia has upward facing, red trumpet-shaped flowers with yellow throats. Native to the southeastern U.S., it is one of the most beautiful star-shaped wildflowers found in our Tennessee forests. To happen upon this stunning flower is an incredible treat, however, they are most impressive when given more sunlight than the deeply canopied woodland they are commonly found. The tubular red flowers are a beacon for all the resident hummingbirds and deadheading will encourage a rebloom.Native vineCrossvine / Bignonia capreolata When given a suitable structure such as a fence, trellis, or even a building or tree, crossvine can climb from 30-50 feet by it’s tiny tendrils with disk extensions. It’s trumpet-shaped flowers are seen mostly in an orange-red color, flowering in May in our area.  Its leaves are semi-evergreen and the flowers emit a mocha-like fragrance.Native shrubCommon Sweetshrub / Calycanthus floridusThis gorgeous native with large red blooms, which start off maroon and brighten in color as they open (great for arrangements as they are long-lasting), responds best in both flower power and stature when grown in full sun, even though its natural habitat is deep within the forest canopy. Calycanthus is found in the wild from Virginia down to Florida. Plant in either sun or shade near an entranceway to maximize your exposure to its fragrance, a spicy apple. Even the bark of sweetshrub is scented and was once used as a substitute for cinnamon. This shrub is also deer resistant and tolerant of a wide range of soils.Native treeYellowwood Tree / Cladrastis kentukeaYellowwood is one of the loveliest southern native trees and it just so happens to also be the Tennessee Bicentennial tree (not to be confused with the Tennessee State Tree, tulip poplar). A member of the pea family, Fabaceae, flowers are pendulous, white, fragrant and a nectar haven for bees. It blooms between May and June here in Nashville. Yellowwood ranges between 30 and 50 feet in height and is a low-branching tree with a rounded habit. The bark is an attractive smooth gray, which is similar to beech. It makes for an excellent shade tree with little disease and pest issues. The common name reflects the yellow heartwood of the tree.

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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

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Here are a few ways Cheekwood visitors can help to make a difference within the community. 

  • – Follow the three R’s of sustainability: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
  • – Identify recycling centers in your area
  • – Be aware of any rules or regulations specific to your area
  • – Familiarize yourself with the types of paper, plastic and metal that your area recycles
  • – Do not purchase plastic water bottles, instead have a reusable bottle
  • – Bring reusable bags to do your groceries
  • – Eliminate the use of straws
  • – When recycling, keep objects intact, i.e. don’t crush cans or shred papers as this is not helpful and may make them unrecyclable
  • – Spread the word on the importance of recycling to those around you

Photos by David Almeida PhotographyThrough the summer of 2018, Cheekwood is proud to present the work of Italian artist collective, Cracking Art, in a site-wide exhibition that occupies both the museum and gardens. Based in Milan, Italy, Cracking Art began in 1993 with the goal of radically changing the history of art through a strong social and environmental commitment. In conjunction with a revolutionary use of plastic materials, the art  investigates the close relationship between natural and artificial reality.

The colorful invasion is designed to inspire a community-wide conversation about the importance and environmental impact of recycling, while leaving a potent artistic statement. Plastic recycling means subtracting it from toxic destruction which devastates nature; plastic artworks mean communicating through a different and unconventional language while paying strong attention to the planet. The term “invasion” is used from the characteristic of plastic products which have the effect of occupying spaces. Think of shopping bags or micro plastics that create undersea continents as plastic invades the environment.

So what can you do to implement the important environmental message of Cracking Art into your own life?

Presented By  

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July Featured Plant List

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Sigourney Cheek Literary GardenBear’s Breeches / Acanthus mollisA Mediterranean native, this Acanthus species does surprisingly well here at Cheekwood in our hot and humid climate. Recognizable to many as the elegantly lobed-leaf motif used on Greek Corinthian columns, it is only fitting that the plant is thriving in the foreground of the Museum of Art’s Georgian-style facade, of which was inspired by classical Greek and Roman architecture. Bear’s Breeches performs best when given bright morning sun with adequate watering and well-drained soil. Flowers are creamy white spikes, often blushed with pink, and are similar in shape to those of snapdragons. A. mollis can be very difficult to remove once established as it spreads by thick tuberous roots which, if left in the ground, will produce new growth. Bees are a true fan of this plant.Wills Perennial GardenTall Verbena, Purple-top Verbena / Verbena bonariensis
Verbena bonariensis is native to South America and was first discovered in Buenos Aires. It has become very familiar in the U.S. and has even naturalized from South Carolina to Texas. We have noticed a healthy amount of goldfinch visitors to the verbena planted in Wills Perennial Garden. It is not so much a reliable perennial in zones 6b and lower, however its desire to remain a garden mainstay is evident in it’s viable reseeding. It can reach a height of 5’ tall and looks best when planted in masses. Powdery mildew is a common issue with V. bonariensis, but it does not negatively affect its performance or vigor.Weaver Walk Garden Summersweet / Clethra alnifolia ‘Sixteen Candles’

Native to the eastern U.S. and Texas coastline, this deciduous shrub possesses a sweet scent and it is an excellent choice for shady and wet areas (rain gardens, along stream beds, woodlands). It is just coming into full bloom at the time of this writing in early July here at Cheekwood. There are both pink and white flowered selections. ‘Sixteen Candles’ is of the latter. Both bees and butterflies find Clethra worthy of much attention. Planting near a walkway or gathering place will provide the best exposure for summersweet’s fragrance. Its fall color consists of various shades of yellow. If you are looking for an outstanding summer-blooming shrub for a shady garden, look no further.Howe GardenButterfly Weed / Asclepias tuberosaAn herbaceous perennial native to the southeastern U.S., Asclepias tuberosa is multipurpose!  Not only does it provide nectar to a variety of butterflies and leaves (as a food source) to monarch butterfly larvae, it is also tolerant of deer, drought, erosion, and dry soil. In addition, A. tuberosa has been used for centuries as a medicinal to successfully treat pleurisy, the inflammation affecting the lining of the lungs. Its seed heads are valued for dried arrangements. Butterfly weed has a long bloom period, gracing our gardens at Cheekwood from late spring until the end of summer. Flower color is usually orange or yellow orange, but there is variety in coloration, even showing up as pure yellow or deep red. Plant Asclepias in a sunny border, butterfly garden, or meadow, and especially surrounding your vegetable garden to maximize pollination.Burr Terrace GardenSpiderflower / Cleome sp.This pollinator magnet is native to South America and is known to draw interest from hummingbirds, butterflies and bees (it’s nectar, seed, and pollen are all irresistible). A fast grower, it will bloom from early summer to frost and will very possibly reach up to 6 feet tall. Flower color is either white, pink, or purple. Cleome is a unique plant for back borders, containers, and, of course, butterfly gardens. Though an annual, its tendency to reseed is very high, and in some regions, even aggressive. If unwanted for the following year, be sure to promptly remove seed heads before they open.Carell Dogwood Garden: Dogwood Garden Annabelle Hydrangea / Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’

Discovered in Anna, Ohio by two sisters while horseback riding in 1910, Annabelle Hydrangea did not become wider-known until much later in the 1960’s. Woody plant expert, J.C. McDaniel, visited the town of Anna and became smitten with the unknown hydrangea he saw growing in every other garden there. He took cuttings and, a few years later, she was ready for market. Today, ‘Annabelle’ is known to be one of the top 10 shrubs in American horticulture. This smooth (also called “wild” at times) hydrangea is hardy in zones 4 – 10 and performs best when well-watered and given ample shade. Since blooms occur on new wood, prune back close to the ground in late winter. This will encourage vigorous and sturdy new growth.Shōmu-en
Japanese GardenYellow Groove Bamboo / Phyllostachys aureosulcataThe Yellow Groove Bamboo flanking the walkway, leading to the heart of the Shōmu-en Japanese Garden, creates a transitional experience from the open core of Cheekwood to the tranquility that this unique landscape encourages. It is one of the hardiest of bamboos, withstanding a temp of -10°F (USDA hardiness of 5 – 10) and provides exceptional evergreen privacy. Attractive strips of yellow decorate opposite sides of the dark green canes.  Yellow Groove matures to 2 inch diameter and can reach a height of 30 feet. As with all bamboo, this one can be invasive. Remove older canes and new shoots at the base to thin and reduce vigor.Herb Study GardenTennessee Coneflower / Echinacea tennesseensisTennessee Coneflower was once on the Federal Endangered Species List, starting in 1979. In 2011 it was officially removed. It was rare to begin with, only being found naturally in particular cedar glades and limestone barriers of the Central Basin around the Nashville, TN area. Adding the impact of residential development, collection of the species for commercial and recreational purposes, and, to a lesser extent, grazing put E. tennesseensis at a serious risk. A recovery plan was put into place that included 6 objectives:

1.) Conduct systematic searches for new colonies.

2.) Secure each colony found

3.) Provide a seed source representative of each colony.

4.) Establish new colonies.

5.) Monitor colonies and conduct management activities.

6.) Conduct public education projects.

Tennessee coneflower will bloom from early June until August. It features mauve colored, upturned ray petals encircling greenish-pink centers. Plants grow up to 2 feet tall and attracts both bees and butterflies. Avoid planting too close to or among other Echinacea species, since, due to its less vigorous habit, it will likely be crowded out.Seasons Garden: Summer Section / Trains Display Gardenia / Gardenia ‘Frost Proof’

Many plant enthusiasts and admirers will tell you that gardenia is the undeniable queen of garden fragrance. Landing the nose somewhere between honey and jasmine, the very mention of the name is an exotic experience. Combine a gardenia bush with the heat and humidity of the southeast, and one has a perfect recipe for a perfumed garden. ‘Frostproof’ fills out to an average dimension of 4’ by 4” and its leaves are a lustrous dark green and slightly twisted. The creamy white blooms are double and abundant. Though marketed as frost resistant (the name says it all), it probably will not endure an usually cold winter in Nashville as we are right on the cusp of the hardiness zone for this plant at 7a. However, if it is knocked to the ground, it’s likely that it will grow back from the roots.Color Garden ArchesGlobe Amaranth / Gomphrena ‘QIS Carmine’

A Central America native, Gomphrena is among the most heat tolerant of cut-flower plants, thriving in heat and even withstanding a considerable amount of drought. Also used as a bedding plant (boasting a bushy, compact habit growing to a 24” a 10” dimension), it provides an interesting shape and a great texture to a garden’s design. Though an annual, it will reseed quite readily. ‘QIS Carmine’ has light purple flowers tipped in yellow that sit atop sea green foliage. Here in Nashville, gomphrena blooms will persist from late spring until frost. Regular deadheading will encourage fresh blooms.Bradford Robertson Color Garden
Sunflower / Helianthus ‘Sunfinity Yellow’

This quintessential flower of happiness will not only bring all the goldfinches to the yard, but it is also a nonstop bloomer from spring until fall. Because of its superior branching habit, ‘Sunfinity Yellow’ will produce multiple flowers per plant. At an average ultimate height of 36-48”, these vigorous sunflowers can delight gardens, patios as well as floral arrangements, while simultaneously enticing bees and butterflies. This selection is also resistant to downy and powdery mildew which is very advantageous for those gardeners living in more humid climates like Nashville. Plant in full sun for a stunning meadow scene or in a back border as displayed here at the Bradford Robertson Color Garden.It’s no secret that July is a hot month in Tennessee. With high temperatures and even higher humidity, Nashvillians tend to retreat indoors or to the nearest watering hole during the month of July.

But July is also a beautiful month to observe nature! From colorful summer perennials, to lush greenery, our gardens really come to life in the summer months. And with our weekly Thursday Night Out series, a family outing to the botanical garden can make for the perfect summer night! Grab a cocktail at one of our bar stations, and enjoy a sunset stroll through our 11 distinct gardens.

To help direct you, our garden team has put together a list of must-see plants in each of the 11 gardens this month. Use a printed plant guide from the front desk upon arrival, or pull up this blog post on your phone, and use our helpful garden signs to see if you can locate all of these beautiful blooms and plants on your visit.

Photography by Andrew Bruckse

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