Blooming In Nashville HSMT Magazine - Magazine - Page 68
A Flag Day Celebration
OF FAMILY, GARDENING, AND PATRIOTISM
Story: Master Gardern of Davidson County
Photos: Genma Holmes
Holmes started her garden in 1999 after
her Marine son had a tragic accident. She
described those early days as “playing in
the dirt for therapy.” Over time, the garden
has become a place for healing, hope,
and celebration.
With her son currently deployed, this
year’s Flag Day tour carried even greater
signi昀椀cance.
“This year was especially personal,”
Holmes shared. “I also have four
grandchildren now. My heart—and my
backyard—have grown to welcome new
little feet and lots of new plants.”
Visitors admired the garden’s newest
addition, a patriotic hosta collection
made in honor of her son and inspired by
America’s 250th anniversary. Varieties
with names like Liberty, Revolution,
Patriot, Minuteman, Pilgrim, Loyalist,
Dawn’s Early Light, Fireworks, American
Dream, and Freedom created a living
tribute to patriotism and brought comfort
during his deployment.
E
very year, Genma Holmes welcomes friends, neighbors,
fellow gardeners, veterans, and military families into her
garden. Visitors get to see a landscape that has grown
with her family. This year’s Flag Day Garden Tour felt especially
meaningful, bringing together patriotic pride, family traditions,
and the healing power of gardening.
Guests soon realized that Genma’s garden is more than just a
collection of beautiful plants. It is a place where memories grow,
children learn to love nature, and every 昀氀ower has its own story.
“My grandchildren bring laughter, wonder, curiosity, and a love of
nature to the garden,” Holmes said. “They remind me every day
why I continue to plant.”
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The garden also showed another
successful season of trying new things
and learning. Holmes again joined the
University of Tennessee’s home tomato
trial program, growing many container
