Garden coaching is also known as gardening coaching and gardening mentoring.

From what I could find out when I thought I invented the concept a few years ago, garden coaching began in the UK a decade or more ago. It crossed the pond at least a decade ago. Here in the US, we can thank Susan Harris, among others, for her tireless work at getting the garden coaching ball rolling here. Check out her website (though I hear she is changing her focus from gardening to baby-boomer issues… interesting!)

Most people have still never heard of garden coaching, but it is growing in popularity… particularly for do-it-yourselfers. I like to use the following analogy to explain what garden coaching is... and is not:

A garden coach does for you in the garden what a personal trainer does for you in the gym. The trainer doesn't do the exercising for you, (s)he teaches you skills so you can get the most benefit from your workout. Thus… garden coaches don't do your gardening for you, we teach you skills that can help you become a better gardener.

Through coaching, my mission is to teach homeowners to become better stewards of their small parcels of our planet. I encourage sustainable cultural practices and the use of native plant species.

Coaching is useful for beginning and experienced gardeners alike. It can be very helpful to new or first-time homeowners... particularly if they have moved here from another planting zone. And coaching makes a great gift!

Here are some things coaching can help you with:

• plant ID
• getting smarter about culture and maintenance (things like: mulching, composting, soil science, pruning, how to research online, etc.)
• making general design and space planning suggestion
• getting my opinion about what's going right… or wrong… with your current landscape situation
• site analysis
• plant placement and styling… also container design
• plant shopping or cruising for design inspiration with you

So, if you have garden issues, want to improve your gardening skills, or just need 'fresh eyes' on your project, call or email.

 

A Drawn Design Plan Is NOT Part of a Coaching Visit

The main reason for this is that there are many variables concerning design and plant selection that can only be adequately addressed through contemplation and research. I'm not happy giving you a finished design that is not the best I can do, and that is what you'll get if I (or ANY designer) doesn't take the time to make considered choices regarding design and plant selection.

What seems like a good idea as we look out at your yard doesn't necessarily translate into a good design plan once it's on paper (or computer). Some ideas don't work so well in reality.

I want to plan gardens that will ultimately be successful over a long period of time. Experience has shown me that a successful garden is one that has been thoroughly thought out. Unfortunately, I'm not able to memorize every plant's height, width, soil, sun & water preferences, bloom time, etc. And since I need to evaluate these things as I'm designing… well, I hope you can see my point.

With all of this said, I do occasionally sketch smaller area concepts, but I don't draw more than simple, very-small garden borders at coaching visits… and even that is rare. If you want/need a design plan, I will make a written estimate. I make plans for small garden areas as well as for entire yards. I just don't do it while you wait.