On August 20th my first book, The Lifelong Gardener, Garden with Ease and Joy at Any Age, officially launched and is available in bookstores across the country, on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, and Goodreads. Considered to be “the gardening book for seniors”, it was quite a thrill to walk into my local bookstore, The …
In the Spring of 2017, I was approached by an editor at Timber Press Publishing, to write a book on Adaptive Gardening, — what an amazing ride this adventure has been! She heard me speak at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle and she explained they were looking for a subject matter expert …
Read moreVirtual Ribbon Cutting: A New Book, A New Look, and a New Online Garden
What is a Resilient Gardener? 3 Guiding Principles for the Resilient Gardener: We are creative and we recognize that we have choices. There is always another way to get something done. We never give up. When I first began reading about Adaptive Gardening, I’d already been introduced to the concept, so I knew what the …
1. Our bodies change. That’s life. When we realize we have limitations that stop us from doing what we want to do, we have to learn to “accept what is” first. Then, and only then, we can develop resiliency by looking for other ways to get it done. 2. You deserve a safe and comfortable …
Read moreThe Top 10 Adaptive Gardening Guidelines to Live By
Seeking to create a sustainable garden is an act of good self care and an ideal way to garden with greater ease and more joy as we age — it also means less labor for you and contributes to more eco-friendly communities and a healthier planet. Below are some of my favorite suggestions to help …
If you like to use a watering can, in my experience as a garden rep for nearly thirty years, the only watering can to own is made by Haws, where they’ve been expertly crafted in England, since 1886. As I’ve aged and needed to adapt my gardening practices and tools, I learned that Haws watering …
Now! Start where you are. Think about what hurts you when you garden. Decide what chores have become increasingly difficult to do. Then take a hard look at your garden and plan for whatever the future may hold. Let’s face it, we are living in a stressful and complicated world. All the more reason to …
Read moreWhen Should You Start Thinking About Adaptive Gardening?
Rosemarie Rossetti was referred to me by a mutual friend who knew we just had to meet because we speak on the same subject, but from two different angles. We talked for an hour and a half, and only at the end did we realize we are both blessed to be Sicilian! Rosemarie tells an …
While most gardeners focus on the plants in their garden, it’s the non-living, man-made hardscape elements that are most important in a well-thought-out adapted garden—mainly because they are the most expensive aspect to change. Uneven paths can be a tripping hazard, and gaps between flagstones or other surfaces can catch heels or canes, causing falls. …
One of the many light bulbs that went off in my head when I became a Master Gardener was the concept of right plant, right place. When I began to speak and write about adaptive gardening, I knew I needed to include it. After all, we strive to save time, money, and energy, right? Using …