Toni Gattone 
One of the many gifts I’ve received from my passion for gardening has been experiencing how the consistency, patience, observation, and resilience needed for growing a thriving garden has also been such a great teacher for what is needed to create a rich and rewarding life. For many of us, gardening has been a constant …
Prune Away What’s Keeping Us from Thriving Something I’ve appreciated about gardening over the years are the rich metaphors it provides for a life well-lived. There is something about stepping through the garden gate in my mind and considering the questions I’m being challenged by, through the lens of tending to my garden, that energizes …
I am so grateful for the change of seasons. It’s not only brought striking autumn colors and cooler temperatures but also the rain! Yes, here in one of the most dangerous wildfire zones in the western United States, we’re celebrating having rain for several weeks now, which has provided quite the exhale because it is …
I’ve been quiet the last several months, listening and writing about how I can best be of service to this community. Far too many of us are experiencing the realities of climate change. With drought conditions worsening, floods wiping out entire towns, and wildfires threatening precious forests and resources, I’ve come to realize there is …
GardenComm recently announced their 2021 Award Winners. I was so incredibly touched to be named a Gold Winner in the Speaking category that I wanted to say a few words about how much I’ve appreciated being a part of the GardenComm Community and a few thank yous to the people who have supported me, that …
Have you ever been so swept away by the anticipation of getting your spring garden planted that you slid down the slippery slope of being overzealous and perhaps just a tad unrealistic about what you can reasonably accomplish in an afternoon? This is the time of year when we’re most apt to take chances by …
When we try something new in life OR in our garden and what we’d envisioned doesn’t happen, we might come to the conclusion that we weren’t cut out for what we’d set out to do or that we don’t have what it takes to be a successful gardener. Most of the lessons I’ve learned in …
The quieter months of winter are the ideal time to dream, imagine, and plan for a garden that can contribute to your wellbeing, provide a space for creativity, and an experience that energizes you, while bringing you peace. On a recent rainy Sunday afternoon, I spent hours in front of our fireplace, doing one of …
2020 will go down as one of the most extraordinary years we’ve ever experienced. Between Covid and politics, wildfires and hurricanes, I don’t know about you, but I’ll be kicking up my heels and celebrating as we say bye-bye on December 31st. Along the way, I’ve learned some amazing life lessons I want to share …
What a difference a year makes! When I’d envisioned 2020, I saw myself on the speaking circuit, traveling around the country, delivering my talks and doing book signings. WOW… have things changed. Although now it seems like a lifetime ago, this time last year my book and website launched. I was excited beyond belief the …