Diary of a Gardener - Why do you Garden?

When did you become a gardener? Or a plant lover? I come from a lengthy line of farmers and plant lovers and gardeners, but outside of watching my grandparents and parents I never wanted to participate. I admired their work, but it felt like work and not something a child wanted to spend their time doing. My Granny had two acres of flowers, everywhere you could imagine. My great grandfather planted the biggest vegetable garden our little Kentucky county had ever seen. My dad planted a garden and once too many cucumber plants. He said that year he had so many cucumbers he could not give them away. And my mom has always planted flowers and played in her garden. But not me, until about 10 years ago.

I had dabbled in efforts to grow plants. I always had grand expectations, but the time spent vs the time and knowledge I had were not equal. Until I moved into my current house eight years ago. It was a barren Florida lot with an old house, some old trees, and old and hideous shrubs. It was cold, uninviting, green, and lacked character. I found myself in a new situation and one that left me with time and the motivation to make my surroundings pretty. I needed something I could control, something to give back to me as much as I put into it.

I started out with large containers. As many plants as I bought, that many died. But that did not deter me. I kept going. More pots and plants came in and suddenly this small area was filling up. Fast forward a few years and the hideous, half dead shrubs came out. Overgrown ferns, agaves, and lawn were removed and replaced with pretty plants. I lost count a long time ago with my plant collection, but I am sure it is in the 1000’s. 1500. I have downsized both my plants and pot collection, but not enough for the passerby to notice.

I decided to learn more and took a master gardener class with our local county extension. It was by far one of the most valuable courses I could have taken. For one, it taught me about our local plant selection and environment. Also, the two teachers sparked something inside of me I did not know needed to be woken up. The fire had been lit and off I went on a journey that has led me to now.

After many more courses and certifications and homing in my skills and qualifications I find myself now owning a business centered around Florida landscaping, plants, and teaching. If you are unaware, living in south Florida (Florida period) is a different planet compared to other states. Our weather and water situations make for challenges. Add pests, sandy soil and plants people are unaware of and so many folks just give up and go with the status quo of landscaping. That certainly was not me and it is not my goal in my business. Creating beautiful, interesting, colorful landscapes is attainable and without excessive maintenance, but you must rearrange your thoughts of a garden and landscape. Often you must flip the seasons too.

So that is the abridged version of how I got here. The why? Well, as if you have not figured it out by now, plants and gardening are like the sun is to Superman. It is where I find my power, my peace, my therapy, and my joy. Even in the extreme heat, I still find myself working outside as much as I can.

So, how about you? Where and when did your plant and gardening journey begin? More importantly, why?