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Fallen Leaf Art

November 12, 2019 By Talya Tate Boerner

Fallen Leaf Art

Have you heard about fallen leaf art? I read about it thanks to Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. On Facebook, Baker Creek linked to an article on fallen leaf art. The official term is ochiba art. Ochiba is Japanese for “fallen leaves.”

落ち葉

Did I ever tell you I studied Japanese at Baylor University during my college years? And that I spent a summer in Japan? I would love to return someday (#bucketlist). For now, I’ve decided to embrace the eastern idea of fallen leaf art. After all, supplies are plentiful in our neighborhood this time of year.

Well, in reality, colorful leaves were plentiful last week before winter came down like the Polar Express.

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Why I Garden

February 20, 2019 By Talya Tate Boerner

Why I Garden

Why I Garden?

Three little words arranged into one short question opens up a world of memory for me. Why I garden? As I think about my love for digging in the soil, I realize even dream-like and fleeting experiences have become deeply imprinted on my mind. People, places, aromas, songs, the way our family lived as part of the land—if I dissect my memories, these glimpses of my life add up to a love of nature and gardening.

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Interlude with a Sleepy Little Moth

July 27, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

A Polyphemus Moth Came to VisitA few days ago, a sleepy little moth hitched a ride on John’s tennis shoe and came home with us after our morning walk. Actually, he wasn’t all that little. At first, he looked like a brittle brown leaf. Then, a butterfly? When I got a closer look, I knew he was a moth of some sort.

He clung there, exhausted.

We moved him onto the back of our wicker sofa on the porch. He fully spread his wings as though wanting to make sure we noticed his incredible markings.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: 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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