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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.

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We survived Garden Tour! (Party Crashers and all…)

June 10, 2019 By Talya Tate Boerner

Garden Tour

Hey everyone! Sorry I’ve been MIA this past week. MIA as in Missing in Arkansas. A few days after participating on the garden tour, I set out for the Delta Arts Festival and spent two days in the Batesville / Newport area with fellow Arkansas artists and authors. Now I’m preparing to spend five days in Piggott at the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center with a group of authors and Ernest himself if he decides to inspire us with his presence. Just kidding about Ernest but it is an inspirational place to write.

This morning before I forget, I want to share my thoughts on the recent garden tour.

(FYI – This post is sponsored in part by The Sweet Bee Company which provided the t-shirt in the last picture.) Continue Reading

How to Create a Certified Monarch Waystation

May 30, 2019 By Talya Tate Boerner

Monarch Waystation

A few years ago, we set out to create a butterfly garden, adapting our backyard into a bonafide stopover for migrating butterflies. In 2019 we received our official Monarch Waystation certification. A Certified Monarch Waystation means the area designated (our property) provides food, shelter and breeding habitat for monarchs.

If you build it they will come. It’s true. 

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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: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 26, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 5, 2025

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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