From the Smoky Mountains to Your Backyard: Dream, Grow, and Be Inspired
Isn’t it great to get a breather—a change of scenery and routine—a little fresh air and the fresh perspective that comes with it?
I recently enjoyed some of that on our family vacation to the Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forge area. The adventure of it all was refreshing: time on the road, discovering new and fascinating places, hiking to waterfalls, spotting a bear, taking in the gorgeous scenery on a drive through Cades Cove, noticing wild passionflower growing along the roadside, and feeling my heart race in line for a wild ride at Dollywood.
It wasn’t all rosy and perfect—there were challenges, too. A bee sting, a fall on the rocks, a mild cold, and yes…a bit of whining about the length of one particular hike. But that’s real life, and part of the adventure.
We were inspired by Dolly Parton herself—though we didn’t meet her in person. We stayed at her HeartSong Resort and spent a day at Dollywood. Her presence is everywhere—in the music, the details, and the welcoming spirit. It makes you feel like everything is going to be okay and reminds you to notice the beauty all around. Dolly grew up with very little, sometimes going to bed hungry, but she was a dreamer. She longed for more and worked hard to get it.
I can relate to that. My upbringing was different from Dolly’s, but it had its challenges. Something in me knew I could work toward a better life, and dreaming was a big part of that.
Do you dream? Do you give yourself the time and space to dream?
Vacations can be wonderful for that—stepping away from the day-to-day to see the bigger picture. But it doesn’t have to be a week away in another state or country. I find that same clarity on a solo walk or bike ride along the Montour Trail, after a workout or yoga class, sitting on my porch before the house wakes, or in the garden—watering, weeding, deadheading, or photographing. These moments refresh me, give me space to reflect, and let new ideas flow.
How about you? What brings you that space and inspiration?
Here at Bedner’s, we know gardening and being in nature are deeply good for the soul. A big part of our mission is to be a conduit for those experiences—by growing and offering the highest quality plants, by helping you choose the right ones and teaching you how to grow them, by designing and building beautiful landscapes for years of enjoyment, and by creating experiences that pull you out of the daily routine and inspire—whether it’s live music in the Wine Garden, picking your own flowers and veggies in our fields, or getting creative in a Make & Take workshop.
I’m so thankful for this week with Russ and our girls—to get away, have an adventure, clear my mind, and stir up new dreams. And for a little inspiration from Dolly, who reminds us to, “Dream more, learn more, care more, and be more.”
If your dreams are of the plant and landscape kind, we’d love to help you make them come true. That’s our passion and specialty—so reach out to our landscape team today to start planning for a fall 2025 or 2026 project.
Whether you’re inspired by a trip to the Smoky Mountains or a quiet morning in your own backyard, Bedner’s can help bring those dreams to life. From custom landscape design and installation to expert gardening advice, we’re here to help Pittsburgh-area homeowners create beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy for years to come.
Melanie has been with the family garden center business since 1999, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every aspect–from cashiering and greenhouse production to bookkeeping, perennial buying, marketing, and store management. Now serving as Finance and Marketing Director, she combines her expertise with a passion for growing the business. She and her husband, Russ, have loved seeing how plants, gardening, and beautiful landscapes bring joy to our community.
