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ediesgardens
ediesgardens

ediesgardens

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Stream About me

  • Gardening Background

  • Biographical Information
    I grew up on a dairy farm. One day when I was 10 years old, I told my mother I wanted my own place to garden. She handed me a pack of radish seed, pointed to the row she had just prepared, and said, "you can plant these." NOT what I had in mind. 45 years later, after getting an advanced degree in paleoecology and working at a variety of jobs including several years in nursery sales, I began to do what I've wanted to do since I was 10 - designing garden spaces. Now at 61, I am taking the big step to self-employment doing what I love.

  • My Mulch Profile

  • Occupation
    garden designer, gardening coach & consultant
  • Gardening Ability
    6 - Gardening Professional
  • My 5 favorite plants are
    Syringa meyeri 'Palibin', Mahonia nervosa (long-leaf Oregon grape) Carex morrowii 'Evergold', Epimediums, Camellias
  • What is a garden myth you hear frequently which you know is untrue?
    Plants must be purchased and planted in odd numbers.
  • And, what is the reality?
    It depends on the effects you want in your garden. There are times when an even number of plants makes sense - when you want a formal or very balanced look, for example. Or, if you have a spot too large for one plant, you might want to plant two to grow together to fill the space.Also, if you are doing a massed planting of one kind of plant, your eye will not notice if you have an odd or even number of plants.
  • What is your favorite gardening outfit or costume?
    In the winter, a tattery old warm coat and old sweats with rubber boots. In summer, old cut-offs & holey t-shirts and clogs.
  • What is the one question about gardening you would really like people to ask you?
    How do I know if I'm doing the right things design-wise in my garden?
  • And what's the answer?
    Ask yourself, Does my garden reflect me and my tastes? Do I love to be in my garden? Do my plants thrive? Do I spend only the time I want to on maintenance? If the answers to these questions are 'Yes', then you have the right design for you.
  • Who is your own favorite gardening personality on TV, radio or in print? Why?
    Scott and Lauren Ogden. Their new book, Plant Driven Design - is the best gardening/design book I've come across. They do an excellent job of describing the links between plants, place, and people.
  • Do you have a gardening philosophy you would like to share with other gardeners? What is it?
    Try it, it might work. When a client wants a plant that is not really recommended for their conditions (e.g., a cherry tree in potentially boggy winter soil), I give them information on how to improve the condition (build a mound for the cherry tree) and remind them to enjoy the plant while they have it. They've probably spent less on the plant than they do for a good dinner, and their pleasure in the plant will last a lot longer than the dinner even if it ultimately dies. And, it may thrive - we can help Mother Nature, but we don't control Her.
  • If you could grow only one plant, what would it be?
    Unfair! Unfair! If I was forced to choose, I guess it would have to be Mahonia nervosa - long-leaf Oregon grape. It's evergreen leaves have a great texture, and turn shades of red in the winter. Bright yellow spring flowers are followed by edible berries for wildlife.
  • What plant have you tried to grow that has given you the most trouble? Or, what plant would you like to grow and can't, and why?
    Figs. I don't have a hot enough site for them to thrive. This year, I'm going to try a gravel mulch to hold more heat, and adjust my drip system to give them more summer water.
  • What is your favorite time in the garden?
    Late afternoon, after my chores and goals for the day are done and I can wander or sit (see above question) and just enjoy.
  • What is your favorite color in the garden?
    Orange
  • What is your favorite place or activity in the garden?
    My favorite place is the covered portable swing that my husband bought. It's a great place to sit, relax with a cup of tea or glass of great Oregon wine, and enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds of the garden. My cat often joins me there, and sometimes on the week-end, even my husband joins me.
  • What is your favorite public or private garden in the world? Why?
    Butchert Gardens in Victoria, B.C. It's the first public garden I ever visited, and I still enjoy wandering its beautiful paths, watching an evening musical, or having an English tea at the restaurant.
  • What individual has influenced your gardening interest the most? How?
    My wonderful bosses at Decker Nursery - Jill and Mary. They provided the opportunity for me to grow as a plantsperson, taught me the basics of landscape design, and encouraged me to dream.
  • Gardening Dilemmas
    Too much space to fill, not enough $$$ & time.
  • What do you dislike most about gardening?
    Weeds.
  • What do you like most about gardening?
    The process. I joke that I'm only happy when I'm up to my knees in dirt and plants.
  • Company/Organization
    self-employed
  • Favorite Nursery
    Decker Nursery, Down to Earth, Barden's Gardens (for water features)
  • Cat or Dog person
    Both Cat and Dog
  • What is your Garden Test Score?
    16-20 Very Good

  • Education

  • Interests
    gardening, garden designs, reading & libraries, cats, cats, cats!, & aikido

  • Plant Care Provider Profile