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My Summer Accomplishment

September 17, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

my summer accomplishments

Today marks the first day of the last week of summer 2017. If I’m being honest, my summer accomplishment is pretty much singular. I did a handful of the things on my summer bucket list, which was a carryover from last summer’s bucket list. I had grilled lobster thanks to my sister-in-law. I read several books outside my normally preferred genres. John and I “sort of” hosted a porch party for the first Razorback home game. In other words, friends came, and we hung out on the porches for a while. And, I found the small church I plan to attend, but I haven’t yet.

So no, the church one doesn’t count.Continue Reading

Secret Gardens of Fayetteville

September 2, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

Secret Gardens of Fayetteville

It’s no secret, The Secret Garden is one of my all-time favorite books. Early on, it helped shape me and became part of my personal narrative. Because of that, it probably comes as no surprise that I always notice secret gardens wherever I go.

My definition of a secret garden: a tucked away, enchanted green area. It may be located behind a garden gate, in an unexpected corner of a commercial space, growing wild along the ditch bank . There may be faeries present for those who believe.

Every place has secret gardens, but not everyone sees them. Today, I’m sharing a few of my favorite secret gardens of Fayetteville. I bet there are secret gardens where you live, too.Continue Reading

in the early garden

July 26, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

early morning in the garden / things the night owls miss

There’s a transparency in the early garden as fresh sunlight begins to filter down from Mount Sequoyah. Sweet air, clear thoughts, the dogs walk instead of sniff. O, the night-owls miss so much. I thank Daddy for my early-bird nature. And, Papa Creecy before him. Growing up in the Delta, I was surrounded by hard-working farmers who saw the sunrise every morning. It’s in my DNA. I bet if I do one of those ancestry tests, the early-bird farm girl slice of pie would be one of the largest pieces.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 (2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Why a Rainy Day Is the Best Time to Visit a Botanical Garden
  • Happy Birthday, Theo Gruene!
  • Sunday Letter~ 05.17.26
  • Sunday Letter: 03.29.26
  • Sunday Letter: February 22, 2026

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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