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Sunday Letter: 06.07.2020

June 7, 2020 By Talya Tate Boerner

Sunday Letter

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

This has been a sad couple of weeks. I try not to get political on social media, but for me, what’s going on in our country has moved beyond the political to the human. Between the pandemic and the tragedy of George Floyd’s death, I’ve been at a loss over what to say. Saying nothing seems wrong. Continuing on with my typical posts about what’s growing in my garden and cooking on my stove rings hollow and insignificant.

I hate how divided our country has become. I’ve begun to question whether or not we will come through this without losing bits of ourselves and many of our friends. While I don’t expect everyone to believe the same things, I have always believed that deep down we are more alike than different.

Lately, I’ve begun to question that as well.Continue Reading

The Little Pipevine That Could

May 28, 2020 By Talya Tate Boerner

The Little Pipevine That Could

Two days ago, the best thing happened! The Little Pipevine That Could arrived on our doorstep.

Let me explain…

I’d been looking EVERYWHERE to purchase a pipevine plant. Pipevine is the host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail, and I want to add it to our butterfly garden. Unfortunately, pipevine plants are difficult to locate. This spring, they quickly sold out at all the regular garden places I visit (if they were there to begin with). The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks offered a few starters at its spring sale, but I was a few minutes late to the on-line party and missed out. Continue Reading

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

May 24, 2020 By Talya Tate Boerner

Happy Memorial Day weekend! If I could, I would give you a bouquet of red poppies…

This Memorial Day likely won’t look the same as Memorial Days of the past. (Well, it shouldn’t, in my opinion.) While the corona-craziness has changed the scope of our gatherings, (well, it should, in my opinion), the meaning behind Memorial Day hasn’t changed. And that’s what’s important.

On Memorial Day, we commemorate those who died in service to our country.

Poppy Symbol

Did you know the red poppy is the symbol of both Memorial Day and Veterans Day? I only learned of this poppy connection a few years ago while doing book research for Gene, Everywhere.

After WWI, red poppies were the first flowers to bloom across war-torn European battlefields. The seeds had lay dormant for some time, but after such disturbance to the land, they germinated again.Continue Reading

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: 03.29.26
  • Sunday Letter: February 22, 2026
  • Our Garden Mission Statement
  • Goodbye, 2025. Hello, 2026.
  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25

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