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(highly) Scientific Garden Experiment re: Japanese Beetles

June 28, 2019 By Talya Tate Boerner

Well, what do ya know? The Japanese beetles have returned. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been conducting a highly scientific garden experiment regarding the Japanese beetles that are incessantly eating our roses and cherry trees. Today on the blog, I bring you the steps of my research leading to a conclusion with commentary thrown in for good measure.

Something a little different, I guess you might say. Something inspired by 5th grade science class.

Or Mystery Science Theater.

Remember that greatness?

Or maybe my efforts were inspired by a childhood spent only a few fields away from the UofA Northeast Research and Extension Center (aka The Experiment Station). That’s probably it.

Continue Reading

Sunday Letter: 06.23.19

June 23, 2019 By Talya Tate Boerner

Sunday Letter

Dear Sunday Letter Readers,

Here in northwest Arkansas we had thunderstorms all night; it’s still storming, and there’s rain in the forecast all day. Rolling, booming thunder, the good sleeping sort except when it’s too loud and too much, which was last night. I woke up every hour it seemed. Now here I am drinking coffee, listening to the storms, writing this letter to you.

We survived soggy spring to see stormy summer? Hopefully not.

I’m exaggerating a bit. Since summer’s arrival, we have had several warm, hair-frizzingly humid days. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for more sunshine. A whole week in a row of sunshine. Maybe two. Three? Hold the frizz, please.Continue Reading

Sunday Letter: 06.16.19

June 16, 2019 By Talya Tate Boerner

Sunday Letter

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

I woke this morning unsure of my whereabouts. LOL. In the past ten days, I’ve been driving all over the state, sleeping in a hotel, a bed and breakfast, my childhood home (aka the Bat Cave), and now, at my friend’s home in Jonesboro.

I’ll be glad to sleep in my own bed tonight.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: February 22, 2026
  • Our Garden Mission Statement
  • Goodbye, 2025. Hello, 2026.
  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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