Tom Oder – Southeast Gardening Blog & Garden Events
The Royal Horticultural Society named the orchid nothogenus Oderara after Tom. Shown here, Oderara Orange Scorpion, a hybrid of five genera that defines the nothogenus. Photo by Larry Watson, used with permission of Kherwin Cheng Chua.Atlanta and Southeast Gardening
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My latest Feature: The marvelous mum
Chrysanthemums have transcended being just plants. They have become decorative icons of American seasonal culture. An exclusive interview with Brian Krug, Ph.D., of Syngenta Flowers pulls back the curtain on the massive manufacturing machine of ornamental fall horticulture. This is the first of a two-part look at how mums get to front porches across America and what happens then with pollinators.
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Blooming now in my garden: Goldenrod
Goldenrods are a top-performing resource for caterpillars that birds need to feed their young, as well as one that specialist bees rely on for their pollen, according to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. It's also one of five native plants the botanical garden recommends planting in fall gardens in the Southeast. Pardon the double tease to the same blog on the Home page, but fall gardens are doubly important to pollinators preparing for winter.
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In progress: A children's picture book
I have written a children's picture book about the epic migration of the monarch butterfly. When I was developing the idea for the book, one of the most respected voices in pollinator science in the Southeast told me I would need a new angle. I found one.
The book is built around new tracking technology that allows children — in a classroom setting or at home — to follow tagged monarchs in real time via a smartphone app, turning the reading experience into a living, interactive journey. The classroom application in particular suggests strong potential for school system adoption. This technology angle makes it meaningfully different from previously published children's picture books about monarchs. I am seeking representation for a single book, but the real goal is a trilogy covering the full migration.
The manuscript — scientifically accurate and narrative-driven — has received a very positive review from the director and an acquisitions editor at a major academic press, an editor with a children's book background who offered specific suggestions to strengthen it. All have been incorporated. I am now seeking literary representation. (Photo: Susan Meyers, Monarchs Across Georgia)
Garden Events
Southeast Garden Events
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North Fulton Master Gardeners Online Garden Fundraiser Through Flower Power
Shop the North Fulton Master Gardeners online Flower Power plant sale and support scholarships for local Georgia students pursuing environmental science, horticulture, and related careers. Fifty percent of each purchase returns to the organization, and all proceeds support scholarships. The sale includes plants, spring bulbs, and curated gifts for gardeners. Zone 8A gardeners are encouraged to give allium bulbs extra chilling time in the refrigerator before planting. For more information and to shop, visit https://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/index.php/marketplace/seller/profile/shop/northfultonmastegardeners
Southeast Gardening Resources
Tools & References
Vetted resources for Southeast gardeners — extension services, plant databases, and regional guides.
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension — research-based gardening guidance for Georgia.
North Carolina State University Extension — plant recommendations and pest management for the Carolinas.
Alabama Cooperative Extension System — gardening, horticulture, and environmental resources.
Clemson Home & Garden Information Center — South Carolina plant and pest guidance.
University of Tennessee Extension — gardening resources for Tennessee gardeners.
Georgia Native Plant Society — native plant information, events, and plant sales.
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