Who or what inspired me to garden.
I grew up in an apartment building on the wrong side of the tracks - no grass, no garden. I would walk up and down residential streets admiring gardens. Sometimes I snuck a flower or 2 from a garden to bring home to my mom. It wasn't until my mid 20's that I purchased my first home and began working in the dirt and learning everything I could learn about plants, trees and shrubs. It was very relaxing and gave me a creative outlet.
How I learned to garden.
Naturally I read a lot but more importantly I joined a local horticultural society. I learned so much from the members and guest speakers. Plant lovers are always willing to share their knowledge and their plants with you. I was able to build up my garden through trading with members and our annual plant auction. I have so much knowledge now that people often call me to get advice, help or plants to add to their garden. Naturally, there is always more to learn. I'm constantly looking to make my gardens the best they can be during all 4 seasons through color, texture, bloom time. For the winter it is stem/wood color, seed heads left on for the birds and balancing evergreens with berry bushes/trees plus adding onramental accents for interest. We have long cold winters in Canada.
Lessons learned
- Do not allow your husband in your perennial beds because he'll pull them all
- Trim/shape flowering bushes as soon as they are done flowering so you do not cut off next years blooms (Lilac) and some bushes like Spirea will actually flower again for you in the fall (at least in zone 5);
- Gardeners' love to help and will always share. Don't be afraid to ask for something you would like to grow;
- In problem areas (very dry, very wet or poor soil) use what grows well there ... "survival of the fittest". I use what grows naturally in our area for problem spots.
