A Story about a girl named Janelle
Janelle and Buddleia
Janelle McQuien is the Gnome at Home, and she has been playing in gardens since she was a little seedling.
Janelle was born on an intentional community in Summertown, TN, and has always loved being outside...especially admiring flower gardens. Although a native of Tennessee, Janelle's first big garden job was in Pennsylvania. Working for Tiffany & Tiffany Designs (teak garden furniture and hosta collectors) of Point Pleasant, Janelle spent her days working in an expansive and beautiful garden surrounding an old water mill turned B&B.
Janelle's gardening career would later transplant her back down south, with taking care of new and historic gardens at Belmont University in Nashville. Some of Janelle's proud projects included revitalizing Adelicia Acklen's historic labyrinth rose garden and creating the flower planters that were enjoyed all over campus. During her full time work at Belmont, Janelle also took evening classes at Nashville State Community College to become certified in Horticulture.
Janelle was born on an intentional community in Summertown, TN, and has always loved being outside...especially admiring flower gardens. Although a native of Tennessee, Janelle's first big garden job was in Pennsylvania. Working for Tiffany & Tiffany Designs (teak garden furniture and hosta collectors) of Point Pleasant, Janelle spent her days working in an expansive and beautiful garden surrounding an old water mill turned B&B.
Janelle's gardening career would later transplant her back down south, with taking care of new and historic gardens at Belmont University in Nashville. Some of Janelle's proud projects included revitalizing Adelicia Acklen's historic labyrinth rose garden and creating the flower planters that were enjoyed all over campus. During her full time work at Belmont, Janelle also took evening classes at Nashville State Community College to become certified in Horticulture.
Belmont Mansion
Janelle continued to hone her skills in maintaining ornamental gardens while working several years with an all-female crew at the Weeding Woman, LLC.
Janelle has worked in many different gardens all over Nashville and the surrounding area and is a Davidson County Master Gardener. She continues to further her horticulture education and give back to the community by staying involved with local volunteer projects. Over the years, Janelle has developed a loyal following and has slowly established her own small business to become the GNOME AT HOME.
Janelle has worked in many different gardens all over Nashville and the surrounding area and is a Davidson County Master Gardener. She continues to further her horticulture education and give back to the community by staying involved with local volunteer projects. Over the years, Janelle has developed a loyal following and has slowly established her own small business to become the GNOME AT HOME.
Cheekwood Botanic Gardens
Janelle reflects on her personal connection on gardening:
My true passion for gardening came after I was in a tragic car wreck as a teenager. During and after this time, I experienced the loss of several close friends and family. I remember receiving a white orchid at one of the memorials. With my severe physical and emotional pain, I took the little strength I had and put it into the tender loving care of this orchid. Seeing this rather difficult plant grow strong and healthy gave me hope. I realized a special connection...plants helped me fill the dark hole in my life with light and new beginning.
Janelle is happily married to a wonderful artist and they have been blessed with a beautiful daughter. With the support of her family and friends, she continues to create gardens...everywhere she grows.