Volunteer Gardener
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Nashville Public Television

The Hosts

Host Tammy Algood - "In the Kitchen"

Tammy Algood, food expert for the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Agency, presents food ideas with the gardener in mind—whether it's a recipe utilizing produce yields or a quick-and-easy lunch for busy people.

Host Julie Beriglia - "The ABC's of Organic Gardening"

Julie Berbiglia, Metro Water Services' Education Specialist, reports on middle Tennessee's garden community outreach projects as well as all things green. Topics covered include recycling of waste, invasive plant control, organic gardening tips and community gardens.

Marty DeHart

Marty DeHart is our walking plant encyclopedia. She knows her plants, no matter where Volunteer Gardener takes her. Whether she's in a water garden full of aquatic plants, a prairie full of native species, or someone's shady backyard, Marty can name that plant and explain what conditions it needs to thrive. Marty is a professional landscape designer and plant propagator.

Host Sheri Gramer - "How-to Specialist"

Sheri Gramer enjoys all kinds of gardening, but her passion is herbs. She shares ideas for using herbs in the landscape as well as an ingredient in fragrant gifts and tasty recipes. Sheri is the proprietor of Yarrow Acres in Franklin, Tennessee, a unique specialty shop featuring garden-themed gifts and products for the home gardener.

Sally Reynolds

Sally Reynolds is the designer and devoted caretaker of an extensive five-acre hillside garden at her home just outside of Nashville. She has been in horticulture professionally for 27 years, crediting her paternal great grandfather as the beginning of her family’s “green genes.” Sally shares her talent as a landscape designer demonstrating how to group plants for the best effect.

Host Troy Marden - Garden Design

Troy Marden, landscape designer and self-proclaimed plant collector, enjoys showcasing the newest cultivars in the nursery trade. But along with the latest and greatest plants, Troy also encourages use of those tried and true perennials, shrubs and trees that are always great performers in a Tennessee garden. Troy helps viewers plan their own gardens by emphasizing the right plant in the right spot.

The Barefoot Farmer

Jeff Poppen, the "barefoot farmer" is the conversation piece of the show. Jeff owns and operates a 300-acre farm. He's a market gardener who does all his chores in his bare feet! Jeff shares his extensive training in both organic and biodynamic methods of farming.

Annette Shrader

Annette Shrader is the state’s top gardener, according to The Leaf-Chronicle of Clarksville, Tennessee. She enjoys spotlighting gardeners and their successes, whether that’s in the vegetable garden or a yard full of ornamental garden beds. Recently, Annette served a two-year term as the president of the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs that boasts 4,000 members statewide.