Tom Oder – Southeast Gardening Blog & Garden Events
Atlanta and Southeast Gardening
Horticulture Journalism Vetted by Science
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TomOder.com is built on a unique blend of Tom Oder's award-winning print pedigree at a major metropolitan newspaper and deep, science-focused alliances with elite horticultural researchers in academia and industry. The result is an authoritative investigative journalism site connected to an active network of experts throughout the United States and the Americas with specialized resource guides not available in one location anywhere else on the web.
My latest Feature: The marvelous mum, Part Two
There are reasons Americans can't resist fall porch mums — four to be exact. Part Two of our fall feature on mums and how they have transcended being just plants examines those reasons, mums' nectar benefit -- or lack of benefit -- to pollinators and several native plants with colors and textures to complement iconic fall porch displays suggested by Debi Rodgers of A Nearly Native Nursery in Fayetteville, GA.
Read the storyAlso on the Features page
A Heartfelt Plea for Independent Nurseries
Independent nurseries are more than plant stores — they are community anchors, ecological stewards, and irreplaceable sources of regional expertise. Here's why they deserve your loyalty and your dollars.
Read the storyNews Alert
First monarchs reach Mexico
Correo Real, a community science program that tracks monarch sightings in Mexico, reported seeing monarch butterflies roosting in Coahuila on Oct. 5 and 7.
Read the Journey North report
Blooming now in my garden: Anemone
Just when cool nights of fall are starting to put the garden to sleep for its coming winter snooze, the anemones wake up! Boy! Do they wake up. Fall colors are so often oranges, yellows and browns. Then here come the anemones in their pinks, pale purples and whites. I love how they bloom in part shade and brighten darker spots. I also love how their open blooms provide a vital, late-season source of pollen for bees, butterflies and other pollinators when fewer flowers remain. If you could use a colorful beacon in a shadowy spot with filtered light in your garden, consider the cheerful anemone.
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
Regional eventS
Gardening Calendar
The Definitive Southeast Garden Calendar: The region's premier curated resource for plant sales, festivals and horticultural symposia. Submit an event
Fairies in the Garden!
Save the date for the most magical time of the year! Fairies in the Garden runs October 10–24 in partnership with Skyland Trail and Hillside Atlanta. Stay tuned for a detailed calendar of events and plan ahead for when you'll visit the magical exhibit. Contact: info@woodlandsgarden.org | 404-373-2222 | https://www.woodlandsgarden.org
FallFest at Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville
Celebrate the beginning of Scarecrows in the Gainesville Garden with this family-friendly fall event featuring live music, food, activities, performances, a Plant Doctor table, mini-market, and crafts. 2026 date TBA. For more information, visit https://atlantabg.org/calendar/fallfest/
Deep South District Convention and Rose Show
The American Rose Society's Deep South District Convention and Rose Show, hosted by the Tampa Rose Society. Theme: "Kick Up Fun with Roses." Rose show chair: Karen Prevatt. The show is governed by the standard rules, regulations, and guidelines of the American Rose Society. For more information, visit https://www.ars.org
Botanical Printing Workshop
Botanical printer Jan Quarles and GroWild co-owner Terri Barnes lead a hands-on workshop on using leaves and flowers to create fabric prints. The $195 fee includes notes, two prepared scarves, gloves, rolling dowels, and a pre-dyed blank; all equipment is provided. This year’s class explores white prints, iron modifiers, cotton mordants, a colored silk scarf with a dye blanket, and a bundle surprise. Bring lunch, wear old clothes, and contact Jan Quarles at jan37129@yahoo.com to register or request an invoice. Enrollment is limited to 10 students. GroWild: 615-799-1910.
Spring Starts in the Fall: Bulb Gardening
A free hands-on class hosted by Cherokee County Master Gardeners covering bulb selection for the Georgia climate, lasagna bulb planting, soil preparation, and planting depths and spacing. Held outdoors at the BAES Garden at Veterans Park. Registration required. For more information and to register, visit https://cherokeemastergardeners.com/event/spring-starts-in-the-fall-bulb-gardening/
Smith-Gilbert Gardens Fall Tree and Shrub Sale
Following the success of its spring plant sale, Smith-Gilbert Gardens is hosting a fall edition. Native, ornamental, fruit trees and shrubs, pollinator host plants, perennials, grasses, vines, and beginner bonsai will be available. Proceeds benefit the Smith-Gilbert Garden Foundation, which helps maintain exhibits and educational programs. Members may enter at 9:00 AM.
Autumn Festival — Beech Hollow Native Plant Nursery
An autumn festival featuring environmental education, native plant sales, and special events. For more information, email info@beechhollowfarms.com or visit https://beechhollowfarms.com/
Alabama Plant Show
The Alabama Plant Show in Huntsville, featuring plant vendors, exhibits, and enthusiasts from across the region.
Virtual Firefly Symposium
The Xerces Society is hosting a free, 3-day virtual symposium about firefly research, conservation, management, and tourism in the United States. Daily sessions will include 5-6 presentations by panelists studying and conserving fireflies, and the first and third days will also feature optional Zoom meetings for symposium attendees to network and discuss topics of shared interest. The symposium schedule can be found on the event webpage at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/6GFrtHL?source_id=8795af98-de09-49cd-8b53-8e71acd15bb1&source_type=em&c=lv6Vh75ZECSdTho9iDBHevT3O4QnlSZswkLGk1I2OOQ7oVqpUvUdWQ==. Register for the symposium here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qn91j1nuTRybIE8zYG1oXA#/registration
Apopka International Fall Orchid Festival
The Apopka International Fall Orchid Festival brings in some of the greatest orchid hybridizers in the world and they will be bringing their newest hybrids along with rare species and plenty of beautiful flowers to sell. With well over a dozen vendors, there's a ton of variety from miniatures to giants! Open 9 AM to 5 PM Friday–Sunday. Free admission and open to the public.
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.
Proud Partner in Regeneration
As a vetted source for regional horticulture journalism, we proudly support Homegrown National Park. Founded by Dr. Doug Tallamy, this grassroots movement empowers individuals to regenerate biodiversity and restore local ecosystems by planting native species. Click the logo to log your yard on the national map and explore their official social sharing tools.
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