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By Brenda Peterson
There are seasons in life when the world feels louder than usual. The headlines come faster. The worries linger longer. The sense of control we once held so tightly begins to slip through our fingers. In times like these, it’s easy to feel untethered—like everything is moving, shifting, unraveling all at once.
And yet, just outside our doors, something entirely different is happening. The garden is still growing.
A Quiet Kind of Stability
Gardening doesn’t ask us to solve the world’s problems. It doesn’t demand answers or explanations. Instead, it offers something much simpler—and perhaps more powerful: presence.
When your hands are in the soil, your mind follows. You notice the texture of the dirt, the softness of new leaves, the quiet determination of a seed pushing its way toward the light. In a world that feels unpredictable, the garden reminds us that some things still follow a rhythm.
Seeds sprout. Roots deepen. Flowers bloom. Not overnight. Not all at once. But faithfully.
Small Acts That Ground Us
Planting a garden—whether it’s a backyard oasis or a few pots on a porch—is an act of hope.
You water something you cannot yet see.
You tend something that may take weeks to reveal itself.
You trust in a process that unfolds slowly.
And in doing so, you begin to soften.
The act of caring for something living pulls you out of the constant noise and into a quieter, steadier space. Even a few minutes spent weeding or watering can feel like a reset—a return to something real and tangible.
A Reminder That Growth Takes Time
In chaotic times, we often want immediate change. Immediate clarity. Immediate relief.
Gardening gently teaches us otherwise.
It shows us that growth is rarely rushed. That setbacks—like a late frost or an unexpected storm—are part of the process, not the end of it. That patience isn’t passive; it’s active, intentional, and deeply necessary.
And maybe most importantly, it reminds us that just because we can’t see progress right away doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.
Beauty Still Exists—And You Help Create It
There’s something quietly empowering about watching something bloom because you planted it.
In a world that can feel overwhelming, gardening gives you a small, beautiful corner where your actions matter. Where your care makes a visible difference. Where life responds to your attention.
A single flower. A thriving tomato plant. A row of herbs swaying in the breeze.
These are not small things. They are proof that beauty still exists—and that you are capable of nurturing it.
Coming Back to What Matters
Maybe that’s why gardening feels so comforting when everything else feels uncertain.
It brings us back to the basics:
Sunlight.
Water.
Time.
Care.
No noise. No urgency. No chaos. Just growth.
Final Thought
When the world feels like too much, you don’t have to fix everything.
Sometimes, it’s enough to step outside…
dig your hands into the soil…
and remember that even in uncertain times—something is still growing.
By Blake Davis
Image of the rose petals in my monastic guest room
This summer I spent several weeks traveling through the United Kingdom overseeing a documentary for work. When the trip was confirmed, my wife being a saint- insisted that as a birthday gift I should extend my stay in the country and book myself into a Benedicting monastery, a long time bucket list desire.
I chose Buckfast Abbey partly because of its renowned gardens and Buckfast bees. But I’ll save those garden observations for next month's article.
For now, I wanted to share a tip of roses and hospitality from a monk named Brother Daniel.
When I arrived, sweaty and travel-worn after numerous train delays and malfunctions, Brother (Br) Daniel met me at the Abbey gate.
A gentle, soft-spoken man with a twinkle in his eye when talking with people, who limps with a stern focus when approaching a task that needs doing.
He was utterly unsurprised by the train delays, just glad I made it in time for him to welcome me before dinner.
From the pictures online, I was prepared for the kind of tight, minimalistic quarters that contribute to one's piety and spiritual growth.
But as Br Daniel led me to my door, he told me that because my wife said this visit was a birthday present, they gave me what is affectionately known as the ‘Cardinal’s room’. He opened the door to what could best be described as a plush executive suite with an incredible view directly over the monk's private garden.
After my surprise at my sumptuous quarters at a monastery, I noticed the strong scent of fresh roses. I was confused as I saw no roses in the room but the smell was stronger than any rose bush I’ve smelled at a distance.
Br Daniel’s led me to a writing desk at the opposite end of the room, where he lifted a small bowl of rose petals and offered it to me with an eager pride I can only relate to when my children present me their favorite artwork.
For the rest of my stay that scent remained the first thing I noticed each time I entered my room, and I’m confident for the rest of my life the smell will remind me of great hospitality.
Each evening after Compline -the final service of the day- Br Daniel would visit the small community room in the monastic guest area for anyone who wanted to spend time together.
On my final evening at the Abbey, I found myself alone with Br Daniel. I thanked him for his hospitality and asked about the rose petals.
He said he’s done this with his roses for years, and his trick is to gather the petals when they are just about to fall -usually gathering them during his normal deadheading- and lay them all out on a flat surface to dry in the sun.
He then pours the dried petals, which should now have shrunk to half their original size, and sprinkles some rose water on them, and “for a final trick” he lightly squeezes them to release the scent. He said the scent has only worked for him with his red and pink roses, not white or yellow.
I listened to him reminiscing that a long time ago (he’s been at the monastery for over 50 years) he got his rose water from a special trading network among monasteries that shared goods made by monks around the world. He spent some time fondly remembering an excellent sparkling wine they used to receive through barter from a monastery in France.
“But now,” he said, “I just get my rose water from Amazon.”
He charged me to take the knowledge home and try it- “Which would be really neat,” he finished, smiling as his eyes twinkled, “because you can tell them you learned that from a Benedictine monk.”
Image of Br Daniel from the Buckfast Abbey website
When you talk with our President, Donna Jo, her deep reverence for nature and her infectious sense of humor are immediately obvious. From her childhood summer roots to leading our organization with purpose, Donna Jo brings both heart and proven leadership to the Master Gardeners of Davidson County.
Roots & Reflection
Donna Jo’s gardening journey started at just eight years old during summer stays with her Aunt Frances and Uncle George. She spent those long, sun-soaked weeks planting potatoes, beans, and watermelons, feeding chickens, calling cows in from the pasture, and hunting for eggs high atop hay bales.
That early immersion sparked a lifelong belief that humanity has an inherent, inescapable need to be connected to nature: to be in the soil, in the sun, and among the flowers with the bees.
While she adores flowers of every variety, lilies hold a special place in her heart for the breathtaking, natural symmetry found deep inside their blooms. If you look for her favorite spot in Nashville, you won't find it on a map, it's tucked away in her own backyard.
"I have an old folding metal chair behind Aunt Frances' climbing roses, beside the 'Lizard Hotel' - a woodpile they use for sunning - and in front of the Rose of Sharon bushes," Donna Jo shares.
Beyond the garden, Donna Jo holds a worldly past: she studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France, during college. She returned so immersed in the culture that her mother noted she was completely changed - and she even struggled to speak English for the first few days back home!
Resilience & Vision for MGofDC
Donna Jo’s path to becoming a Master Gardener is a testament to her persistence. After completing chemotherapy for breast cancer, she sought something meaningful to help rebuild her mind and body. She stumbled upon the MG website, read every document posted, and knew immediately she had found her tribe.
Though she wasn't accepted the first time she applied for the training class, she persevered, applied again for the Class of 2024, and was hooked by the third lesson.
Now as President, she brings top-tier leadership experience to the table. Having simultaneously served as a Master Trainer and Human Resources Director for Starwood Hotels and Resorts, she leads with a core philosophy borrowed from Stephen Covey: "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." She combines these sharp communication skills with a belief that laughter is good for the soul, bringing joy and humor into every aspect of her work.
Her ambition for our organization is clear and bold:
A First-Choice Resource: Position MGofDC as the primary authority on gardening and nature in our city, the first place people think to look, and the definitive final answer they need.
Community Impact: Ensure the title "Master Gardener" carries deep meaning and prestige across our local communities.
Member Empowerment: Create dynamic opportunities for members to share their unique talents, skills, and flowers with others.
Can you believe it? The Master Gardeners of Davidson County are turning 40! For four decades, our members have been digging deep, sharing knowledge, cultivating beautiful spaces, and growing a vibrant community. To celebrate this incredible milestone, we are hosting a very special celebration, and you are officially invited to come home.
Mark your calendars, dust off your favorite gardening shoes, and get ready for a morning of fellowship, food, and fun!
Mark Your Calendars!
What’s in Store for the Celebration?
Our planning teams have been busy working behind the scenes to put together an unforgettable morning. Here is a sneak peek at what we have planned:
The Loveless Cafe Food Truck & Anniversary Cake!
We are thrilled to announce that the legendary Loveless Cafe Food Truck will be rolling in right at 8:30 AM! Attendees will be able to purchase delicious breakfast and brunch favorites directly from the truck to enjoy during our reception. Following food truck refreshments, join us as we gather around for a special cake-cutting ceremony featuring a beautiful anniversary cake to satisfy your sweet tooth.
A Living Legacy: The Arboretum Christening
In honor of 40 years of service, we will be holding a special tree dedication ceremony at the Arboretum. Led by Paul Prill, we will be planting and christening a Bladdernut Tree. We want every single member to leave their mark on this living legacy: when you arrive, stop by our messaging station to write your dreams and hopes for MGofDC’s next 40 years on a card made of special bird-seed-infused paper. We will tie these notes of hope to the tree, allowing nature to carry our collective wishes forward into the future.
Cash in Your Hard Work at the Live Auction!
It’s time to cash in on those volunteer hours and CEUs! We will be hosting a thrilling Live Auction powered entirely by "Funny Money."
Your custom "Funny Money" stash will be waiting for you right at the registration desk when you check in. Lead volunteer Gianna Bielenda and her team have already begun securing fantastic, brand-new gardening tools, beautiful plants, trees, pots, and floral arrangements. Get ready to raise your bidding cards and take home some amazing garden loot!
(Note: If you have a favorite local vendor, restaurant, or doctor you’d like to solicit a donation from, please text Fay Binning at 828-963-0056 first to make sure we don't double up!)
Walk the Red Carpet & Reconnect
Take a walk down memory lane with a rolling digital slideshow highlighting 40 years of Davidson County Master Gardener history. We will also have a formal Award Recognition Ceremony to pass out certificates honoring our lifetime members and "lifers" who have given decades of service. Roaming photographer Tobias Brown will be capturing memories throughout the morning, and we’ll have a professional RovoBooth Photo Booth on site so you can take home fun mementos with your fellow MGs!
The MGofDC 40th Anniversary Cookbook!
What is a community homecoming without a shared table? Led by Susanna and Brenda, our Cookbook Team is busy putting the finishing touches on a commemorative MGofDC Cookbook using the Heritage Cookbook platform. More than just a collection of delicious recipes and stories, it will feature an opening introduction on our organization’s rich 40-year history compiled by Donna Jo.
While we are planning to print a limited physical run (around 30–40 copies), we will also be offering a digital copy version for those who prefer it! Keep your eyes peeled for an order form on our website and a Sign-Up Genius pre-order link coming soon. You'll be able to view visuals of the cookbook at the October 3rd celebration and even pick up your pre-ordered copies right at the event!
How You Can Help This Month (July Checklist):
We can't wait to see faces past and present come together to celebrate being Rooted in Community. See you on October 3rd!
If you’ve ever found solace in the rustle of winter leaves or discovered the pure joy of gardening through a loved one, you will find a kindred spirit in our new Education Chairperson, Paula Joyner.
We sat down with Paula to chat about her roots, her vision for MGofDC's educational future, and the unique blend of skills she brings to our Executive Board.
Rooted in Tradition
For Paula, gardening is woven into her history. She traced her love of digging in the dirt back to her grandmother, who shared with her the wonder of flowers and the art of caring for them. As a child, the garden provided a rare, quiet sanctuary during school summer breaks.
That early connection blossomed into a lifelong passion for native species. When asked to choose a go-to plant, Paula admitted she simply can't pick just one. While the majestic American Beech tree holds a massive piece of her heart, she is equally fond of smaller-scale powerhouses like native trumpet vine and native grasses.
Unsurprisingly, her favorite spot in Nashville isn't a public park—it's right in her own backyard.
"My favorite spot is my swing, given to me by a carpenter friend," Paula shares. "A moonlight garden with white dogwood blooms in the spring is amazing while swinging in the dark. And in the winter, the American Beech leaves blowing in the wind are music to listen to from that swing."
Beyond the garden, Paula is a keeper of traditional crafts, possessing a treasure trove of "hobbies upon hobbies" passed down from her grandmothers and aunts, including sewing, embroidery, and knitting.
Bringing Banking Brilliance to the Board
Paula joined MGofDC to learn, share her passion with like-minded growers, and serve a community that increasingly needs a connection to nature in our high-tech world.
While her passion is green, her professional background is pure gold. Paula spent fifteen years as an investment banker—a hidden talent she plans to leverage for the organization. She aims to use her background to emphasize organizational strengths, ensure the efficient use of resources, and amplify the culture and achievements our members care about most.
As Education Chairperson, her goal is entirely member-focused:
Listen & Adapt: Cultivate fresh educational ideas annually by listening directly to member preferences.
Build Engagement: Create strategies and events that members are genuinely excited to be a part of.
A Little Wit & Wisdom
To wrap things up, we asked Paula a few rapid-fire icebreakers:
If you were a plant, which one would you be?
"My spirit is stronger than my health in this decade of my life… so I would be a fragile, native plant like a Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata), needing a very particular habitat to survive! "
The best gardening advice you’ve ever received?
"Be okay with not getting everything done. Work toward a design that lets the plants 'decide.' Right plant, right place."
We are thrilled to have Paula leading our educational initiatives! Be sure to say hello and share your ideas for future programming the next time you see her at a meeting.
By Sydney Danielle Lee, Juris Doctor Candidate 2028
Belmont University College of Law
When the economy takes a downturn, it is easy to assume that processed, packaged foods are the only affordable way to get by. We look at ultra-processed snacks, sugary cereals, and think they are the budget-friendly choice just because they are superficially cheap. However, economic pressure can actually flip this misconception right on its head. When ultra-processed foods start feeling the pressure of inflation, a strategic plan during a recession can actually favor a switch towards whole, healthy foods. Whole-food cooking can become both a nutritional win and a financial benefit.
Ultra-processed snacks can come with two costs: processing and marketing costs. When buying sugary bright cereals, a large cost is manufacturing, packaging, and branding. These expenses flow directly to the consumer.
In contrast, basic, whole foods like beets, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, and cabbage have long periods where they are locally in season. In-season produce is highly effective because it lacks factory processing fees and cuts out long-distance transport. Because these foods grow regionally, they only require a short truck journey to get to our stores, completely dodging the cost of shipping, expensive refrigeration, and heavy fuel consumption. Also, in-season produce is not only less expensive, but also more nutritious because it gets harvested right at peak ripeness.
Tighter times always spark a shift in how we shop, often opening a door for a return to bulk buying and scratch cooking. Cooking from scratch is commonly skipped in a strong economy for the love of convenience. But when a recession causes a tight wallet, the convenience of packaged goods becomes unsustainable.
Navigating an economic downturn is daunting, but it is still possible to find a way to create a sustainable, budget friendly diet and lifestyle. While packaged foods offer a delusion of cheap convenience, they are highly vulnerable to changing packaging costs, loss of satiety, and higher long term healthcare cost. Eating healthier may not only be possible when the economy is struggling, but also may be the smartest financial choice you can make for your table.
You May Be Asking, “What’s in Season in Tennessee”?:
*Note: Even if a fruit or vegetable is technically in season, imported varieties may be slightly more expensive than those grown locally.
Sources:
https://bcbstnews.com/bluehealthsolutions/11-fruits-and-veggies-to-eat-year-round-in-tenne ssee/
https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/seasonal-produce-guide
https://lifetips.alibaba.com/plant-care/best-fruits-and-vegetables-to-grow-in-tennessee
By Jen Zimmerer
Master Gardeners from Memphis to Bristol and everywhere in between gathered in Knoxville, TN for the State Conference May 27-29th. Despite our previous state conference taking place right here in Middle Tennessee, this was my first time being able to attend and I had a blast! It combined two of my favorite things about the Master Gardener Program: hands-on practical experience and fellowship with like-minded volunteers.
Hosting at UT Knoxville is an easy home run with all of the available campus facilities, nearby UT research sites, and cooperating organizations in the Knoxville area. The schedule offered a variety of interactive workshops, site visits and tours, lecture-style education, and time for sharing ideas and recognizing outstanding volunteers.
We had several Davidson County MGs and Interns who traveled to Knoxville and they each highlighted a favorite activity, all of which involved hands-on experiences that could translate directly into their home gardening and volunteering! MG Susanna Hadley attended a workshop on home food production in small spaces and recalls, “We got to build our own small hydroponic containers during the session, and it was eye-opening to learn just how easy it is to set one up at home. I even took mine home with lettuce plugs I added to the mini hydroponic I made right there at the workshop!” Intern Autumn Eggleston Fogel joked about the conference being “the best summer camp ever” and said, “The beneficial fungi class was so informative, and we got to inoculate and take home our own tomato, rudbeckia, and strawberry plants.”
My personal favorite session was a visit to the UT Organic Crops Unit Farm led by Drs. Bumgarner and Tsuruda. Dr. Bumgarner showed us fertility research trials that will inform home gardeners about research-based results of using various levels of fertilizer on tomatoes and other crops. Dr. Tsuruda had us suiting up in full beekeeping gear to paint-mark bees and learn about apiculture practices. The tours felt like a great balance of useful research and novel experience to both deepen your understanding of familiar topics and broaden your horizons.
Another highlight for our Davidson County crew was being able to recognize our Extension Agent, Amy Dunlap, who received the 2026 Urban Coordinator of Excellence Award. Just a few agents from TN were honored for their impact in their community and support of their Master Gardener Program. We’re fortunate here in Davidson County to have an active and engaged agent who supports our interns and MGs and also does so much outreach in our community to support urban agriculture education!
Our time in Knoxville closed with on-campus tours where attendees could choose from an urban tree walk, a greenhouse tour, or a visit to the ANR green roof. MG Donna Jo Carey’s favorite spot was the awe-inspiring green roof, “I felt like I was walking through a field of flowers! This rooftop garden successfully uses run off-water from the entire building, so watering was basically eliminated. The view of campus made the visit complete - blooming bushes and flowers interspersed among the many buildings.”
Summer is when the garden truly comes alive—lush greens, vibrant blooms, and the promise of homegrown harvests. But with all its beauty, summer also brings intense heat, thirsty soil, and new challenges for gardeners. With a few thoughtful strategies, you can keep your garden flourishing all season long.
Embrace the Early Hours
One of the simplest ways to support your garden in summer is to adjust your timing. Watering in the early morning—before the sun climbs too high—helps moisture reach the roots instead of evaporating. It also gives plants a fresh start before the heat of the day sets in.
Water Deeply, Not Frequently
Rather than light, daily watering, aim for deep, less frequent soakings. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making plants more resilient during dry spells. A good rule of thumb: most gardens need about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or your watering can.
Mulch is Your Best Friend
Adding a layer of mulch around your plants can make a world of difference. Whether it’s straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves, mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds. It’s like giving your garden a protective blanket.
Choose Heat-Loving Plants
Some plants thrive in the summer sun. Consider adding heat-tolerant favorites like zinnias, marigolds, peppers, okra, and tomatoes. These varieties not only withstand high temperatures but often produce abundantly in the heat.
Keep an Eye on Pests
Warm weather can bring an increase in garden pests. Regularly check the undersides of leaves and stems for signs of trouble. Natural remedies—like neem oil or a simple spray of water—can help keep infestations under control without harming beneficial insects.
Prune and Harvest Often
Frequent harvesting encourages many plants to keep producing. Snip herbs regularly, pick ripe vegetables, and deadhead flowers to promote continued blooms. Pruning also improves air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.
Provide a Little Shade
Even sun-loving plants can struggle during extreme heat waves. Shade cloth, garden umbrellas, or even strategically placed taller plants can offer relief during the hottest part of the day.
Listen to Your Garden
Perhaps the most important tip: pay attention. Wilting leaves, yellowing foliage, or slowed growth are all signs your plants may need a little extra care. Gardening is as much about observation as it is about action.
Summer gardening is a balance between nurturing and adapting. With mindful watering, a bit of mulch, and a watchful eye, your garden can not only survive the heat—but truly thrive in it.
So step outside, soak in the sunshine, and enjoy the simple joy of tending something that grows.
In the April issue of the newsletter we included an article regarding companion planting and the practice of growing different plants close together so they benefit one another. If you already decorate seasonally with plants, companion planting adds a meaningful new layer — you’re not just styling with greenery, you’re growing it with intention.
Imagine stepping outside in late fall to clip herbs for a Thanksgiving centerpiece…
Harvesting fragrant rosemary for Christmas wreaths…
Or tucking edible flowers into spring holiday tables. Companion planting makes that possible.
When you design your garden with beauty and function in mind, you create a harvest that doubles as décor.
Designing With the End in Mind
Instead of planting vegetables in isolated rows, think ahead to how they’ll look — and be used — during the holidays.
Layer:
You’re designing future centerpieces, wreaths, garlands, and hostess gifts — all while supporting a healthier garden ecosystem.
Holiday-Worthy Companion Pairings
Silvery-green Rosemary planted near ornamental or edible Cabbage creates a stunning winter palette.
By late fall, you’re harvesting décor straight from your beds.
Soft, velvety Sage paired with feathery Carrot tops creates beautiful contrast in the garden — and later on the table.
Sage bundles dry beautifully for:
Carrot greens can be tucked into rustic centerpieces for a farm-to-table look.
Low-growing Thyme beneath Rose creates layered ground cover while filling the air with fragrance.
It’s companion planting that feels like cottage-garden styling.
Trailing Nasturtium alongside Cucumber softens garden edges in summer and provides edible blooms.
Those jewel-toned flowers are perfect for:
Plan ahead in Spring by planting:
Interplanting herbs helps reduce pest pressure while creating fullness in your beds.
By the holidays, you can:
Your décor becomes fragrant, meaningful, and entirely homegrown.
Instead of purchasing cut greenery, design your garden to supply it:
Tuck small potted herbs into table arrangements so guests can take them home — a living favor grown right in your own beds.
Companion planting naturally:
It turns your garden into a seasonal design studio.
There’s something deeply satisfying about decorating with what you’ve grown.
The rosemary wreath on your front door…
The thyme tucked into napkins…
The sage woven through a Thanksgiving garland…
It all began months earlier when you intentionally paired plants together.
Companion planting becomes more than gardening — it becomes part of your seasonal rhythm.
By Genma Holmes
According to the 2025 Economic Report to the Governor of the State of Tennessee, prepared by the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at UT’s Haslam School of Business, “The state’s agricultural and forestry industries directly and indirectly contributed $103 billion to the Tennessee economy,” says Andrew Muhammad, UTIA professor of agricultural economics.
Decades before the annual reports were provided to Tennessee governors, Dr. Neal McAlpin, Sr., understood how the state’s agriculture influenced its economy from the ground up. McAlpin was a respected researcher, plant scientist, and horticulture specialist who taught at Tennessee State University from 1943 until he retired in 1980. He showed how agriculture supported Tennessee’s economy and the well-being of both urban and rural communities. His in-depth research on peaches and his work developing new varieties of flowers, such as orchids, roses, and chrysanthemums, made him a popular speaker at think tanks, universities, horticulture conferences, and gardening shows across the country.
Born on May 30, 1914, to Cora Belle Roddy McAlpin and Ivy Brandford McAlpin, Sr., McAlpin grew up in Dayton, Tennessee, where his love for horticulture began humbly as a young boy, climbing peach trees in his family’s home orchard. He shared with the Tennessean’s Hal Herd in 1970 that after causing the peach trees to split from climbing in them to pick the fruit, “We tied the limbs back to the trunk to keep my mother from finding out. It was interesting to learn the limbs would soon grow back to the trees.” Those encounters with trees healing themselves from injuries grew into an educational interest nurtured at home. In the Jim Crow South, his parents allowed him to attend events such as forestry training in 1933 while still in high school. This was not an adventure often offered to families of color. While in high school, he also contributed to the Chicago Defender and other newspapers. He covered social events, comings and goings in Dayton, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas, as well as African-American issues. After graduating valedictorian and class president from Dayton High School in 1936, McAlpin attended Tennessee State University, known then as Tennessee A & I State College.
(Chattanooga Daily Times 1933)
(Chicago Defender, 1931)
When he left the small town of Dayton, he was equipped beyond his years to attend college. McAlpin brought with him a love of learning and his passion for peaches, which served him well as he progressed meritoriously through college. He graduated with distinction with a B.S. in Agriculture and, soon after, he began teaching at his alma mater in 1941. In 1940, he married his college sweetheart, Ruth Francis Duvall from Hot Springs, Arkansas. Together, they became a power couple known not only in Nashville but nationally until her passing in 1972.
(The Ayeni,1941)
(The Afro American, 1953)
(Nashville Banner, 1956)
After marrying Ruth and joining the faculty, he was employed for only a short time before pursuing further study and earning his master’s degree in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His leaving to pursue his master's degree was newsworthy at the time. He returned a few years later to pursue his doctorate in horticulture and botany at Rutgers University in 1958, and the school, once again, touted his accomplishment. A lifelong learner and born leader, few horticulturists have demonstrated the devotion to improving the gardening experience for everyday people as consistently as McAlpin. He believed beautiful, healthy plants should not be a luxury reserved for a select few. Instead, he worked toward a vision where homeowners from every socioeconomic background could enjoy successful gardens and landscapes.
(New Journal Guide, 1951)
Dr. McAlpin believed Tennessee could become the “Peach Blossom State,” according to numerous media statements. He aimed to make his childhood peach-picking experiences possible for urban youth during his horticultural career. He wanted them to be able to walk outside to grab a peach from a tree, despite the smaller lots on which homes were being built. He also focused on community health. By growing their own food, McAlpin knew families would improve their health outcomes, and individuals would live longer, healthier lives. An environmentalist and conservationist before those words became part of our lexicon, McAlpin recycled cans and egg cartons long before it was trendy. Recycling food and goods saved money; money saved could move urban families from being consumers to producers. He did not stay in the classroom; he was not comfortable with the complications of town and gown. He took the classroom to the people. He taught rural communities how to improve farm output by introducing more advanced techniques to enhance disease resistance. Fewer diseases and pests meant more crops. More crops transform poor farmers barely making ends meet into financially stable businesses, business owners who contribute billions of dollars to the state's economy.
He was a hands-on speaker and performed gardening demonstrations around the country and at TSU’s “Farm, Home, and Ministers Institute,” an annual event on campus that brought “leaders (federal, state, county, and community) to discuss ways and means and develop methods and techniques for improving the standard of living among rural and urban low-income and limited resource families in Tennessee.” Along with other leaders, McAlpin helped bring people to the institute from counties across the state. The annual event began in 1958, after Tennessee A & I was elevated to land-grant university status. Dr. Walter S. Davis was the President, and Dr. Walter A. Flowers was the first director of the Division of Extension and Field Service, organized the program.
(The Call 1958)
It was at this time that research in agriculture grew exponentially on the campus. McAlpin began breeding thousands of peach trees on 14 acres to develop varieties for consumers. He started with 400 trees in 1963 and grew the experimental farm to over 10,000 trees in under a decade. He introduced dwarf flowering varieties suitable for home fruit production and ornamental plants. Central to his work was the development and promotion of plants with improved disease resistance. By focusing on varieties better able to withstand common plant diseases, McAlpin reduced the problems experienced by home gardeners who may not have had access to expensive treatments, specialized equipment, or extensive horticultural knowledge. He preached the gospel of growing your own food, no matter where you lived.
(News and Record, 1979)
McAlpin understood that gardening could enrich lives, strengthen communities, and connect people with nature. His efforts reflected a belief that access to reliable, resilient plants should not be determined by income level or neighborhood. Whether a homeowner maintained a large estate garden or a small backyard plot, McAlpin sought to provide plant varieties that would thrive and bring lasting enjoyment.
(The Tennessean, 1964)
His legacy reaches beyond the plants themselves. He championed the idea that horticultural innovation should serve the public good. By helping develop and introduce stronger, more adaptable plants, he made gardening more accessible, successful, and rewarding for numerous families.
(The Tennessean, 1981)
(The Tennessean, 1970)
(Farm and Home Bulletin, 1970)
Today, McAlpin's work exists as an indication that horticulture is not only about creating new plants—it is about improving the quality of life. His lifelong devotion to disease-resistant plants and wide accessibility has produced a lasting impact on gardeners, landscapes, and communities, helping connect his horticultural work to Tennessee’s broader prosperity and the pleasure of growing plants for everyone.
(The Tomahawk, 1971)
(Richmond Times, 1986)
Dr. McAlpin remarried later in life to Helen Harris. He was inducted into the Tennessee State University Agriculture and Home Economics Hall of Fame in 1997. After his death in 2003, TSU’s School of Agriculture established a scholarship in his honor. And a plaque was dedicated to him on the campus.
The Master Gardeners of Davidson County
P. O. Box 41055 Nashville, TN 37204-1055
info@mgofdc.org
UT/TSU Extension, Davidson County
Amy Dunlap, ANR Extension Agent
1281 Murfreesboro Pike Nashville, TN 37217
615.862.5133
adunla12@utk.edu
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