September 5, 2011
Interview with Master Gardener Laverne Davis
Laverne Davis is one of our Master Gardeners at the Bernice Garden. Along with Terry G. Wright, she is in charge of the care and growth of the plants in the garden. We are so thankful to have Laverne as apart of the Bernice Garden team, and wanted to give you a chance to get to know her. Below is a recent interview with her, and if you see her at the garden, take a moment to ask her any question. She has a wealth of information!
Laverne Davis Master Gardener
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up outside of Pine Bluff, Ar on Hwy 190 on many acres of land. This land grew some of everything, vegetables we planted and fruits and nuts we never planted. The land was very fertile and we always had plenty of produce and herbs. We grew most of what we ate.
Q: What is your first memory of being in a garden or around plants?
A: My memory goes back to age 6, picking worms off vegetables. I guess this was called organic pest control at an early age.
Q: Did your parents or grandparents have a garden? Did you participate in it with them? What did they grow?
A: My parents were excellent gardeners, I would say that the garden and fields were manicured at all times. I learned so much about gardening from them and was very much involved in the process at an early age. We grew every type of vegetable but eggplant.
Q: When did you first have a garden of your own and what did you grow in that garden?
A: My first garden was established in 1974 on a challenging slope. I grew cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, lettuce, onions,okra and many herbs.
Q: When did you become a Master Gardener and what possessed you to begin the courses
A: I became a Master Gardener in 2003. My friend, Helen Simpson encouraged me to take the course. She and her husband had completed the course and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Q: What is your favorite thing to see grow, flower, vegetable, fruit or tree?
A: I enjoy growing peas because they produce fast and my favorite flower is the cone flower, my favorite fruit would be pears
and the favorite tree would be Crape Myrtle and Japanese Maple.
Q: How long have you been working with the Bernice Garden?
A: I have been working at Bernice Garden for 3 months and enjoy the tranquil feeling in the garden.
Q: What other projects do you work on in the community?
A: I do have other projects and community interest. I’m presently a volunteer at the Food Bank Garden, Curran Hall (Master Gardner Project) and The Scholars Garden at the Presidential Library (Master Gardener Project) and the Roof Top Garden at the Presidential Library (Volunteer).
Q: Is there anything that you’ve always wanted to grow but haven’t had the chance? If so, what is it?
A: I’ve always wanted to grow Muscadines, but don’t have the space at my place.
Q: What keeps you gardening every day? What does it do for you emotionally, spiritually that keeps you coming back to it every season?
A: I truly love gardening, it is an art of inheritance, Gardening calms and energizes me and I look forward to walking among the vegetables and flowers. I sometimes sing and hum a song when no one is around. I’m always so thankful for the beauty and joy of nature. I feel blessed!
Q: Are all the plants & flowers in the garden native to Arkansas?
A: Not all the plants and flowers are native to Arkansas. However, the Cone flower is a native plant and it is planted several places in the garden.
Q: Why is it important to you to have vegetables and herbs in the garden?
A: I like to plant herbs and vegetables as companion plants. Some of the herbs planted near vegetables helps to repel insects.
Q: What type of insects are you trying to attract with your plant selection? Why are these insects important to the garden?
A: We are trying to attract butterflies, bees and wasp by day and moths at night. These are all beneficial pollinators. Attracting pollinators are very important in the production of vegetables and flowers.
Q: Pick a plant that has interesting facts or attributes that are important to the ecosystem of the garden?
A: The Bronze Fennel is a host plant for the Monarch Butterfly. The butterfly lays eggs on the fennel plant and the caterpillar feeds on the fennel. Another interesting plant is The Bee Balm. This plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. Therefore, both plants are good for our environment and the ecosystem. I personally like the Bee Balm for the cut flowers and the outstanding bonus of great fragrance. The Oswego Indians infused Bee Balm as a drink and it became a popular tea substitute in New England after the Boston Tea Party, in 1773.
Q: How is the best way to reach you?
A: I do not have a website yet, but you can contact me at 663-3737 or 837-5083. I talk gardening!
