What is a garden consultation?

In just a word: help. When I began gardening over 10 years ago, I didn't have a mentor or the extra money to buy gardening books. I had YouTube and the seed rack at my local Bi-Mart. My very first raised beds were made from wooden tongue-groove shiplap that I slapped together with random nails and a hammer. Pretty sure I just dug up crappy sandy dirt from the back part of my parents 6 acres. I put so much love into those beds, had a friend baby sit them when I went on a summer trip and then... a friend accidentally parked his truck on top of one. I was heartbroken. To be fair this friend had been out of town on work for many months and the last time he'd come over for a visit there weren't raised beds in the driveway... that and it being dark meant death for the plants.

Thankfully it wasn't a total loss, and I fixed the beds then replanted them and my first garden season left me wanting more. By the time we got to our first homestead, 5 acres of old hay and alfalfa, about a year later I was so ready for a huge garden. We tilled around 3000 square feet of pasture planning to grow all the things. Well, I didn't mulch it that day and I didn't quickly plant it either. Before we knew it that beautiful dirt plot was a jungle of waist high weeds. Back to YouTube I went for help, that was the first and last time we ever tilled for a garden.

The failures go on and on. Bottom line is, I didn't have a mentor, someone to guide me and teach me. I made mistake after mistake and learned by trial and error while watching hours of educational videos and several dozen blog posts. But what I desired more than anything was someone to come stand in my garden with me, someone to say I was on the right track or give me suggestions on how to find it. I had so many questions with no specific answers. Fast forward to now and I am confident in my gardening abilities and it has become my greatest passion. I'm constantly answering questions and building up the confidence of those around me with a desire to get back to the garden. I am the mentor that I wish I had all those years ago. Now more than ever we need real people to show us these long-lost skills, to give us the encouragement and inspiration needed to do the work.

So, when I stumbled upon a gal teaching people to become garden consultants (thank you Instagram ads!) I felt this strong pull to investigate. After attending a free workshop, I knew I could do it to. Teach people how to garden? I am so in, I thought. The funny thing is, I was already doing it! Over the last 5 years I have taught my friends and family about gardening and regenerative agriculture in person, by phone and of course on multiple social media platforms. My biggest desire it to help people fall in love with gardening as they foster a relationship with the land and their garden. I want everyone to know the garden is for them to and no you don't have a brown thumb. All that you need is already inside of you. Somewhere along the way your DNA was coded for gardening. Maybe it's one generation above you, maybe five or six, but it's there. If you're alive today, at one point your ancestors were growing food. So, take comfort in that. Be confident in your ability to learn.

I teach people how to garden. I get to walk and talk with them about their dreams and goals for their garden. Can you say dream job?? I help my clients release the tether on their imagination, give my suggestions, teach them tips and tricks for success and I'll even get down and dig in the dirt with them. At a time when our connection to the land is dwindling, I am here to help my small corner of the world find deeper connection with the land and each other. Because gardening is connection, to our creation and all the things that nourish us.

During a 1-hour garden consultation clients show me their garden or desired garden site, ask me all the questions they have, and I give suggestions or recommendations based on their garden. I also ask them their desired outcome from their consultation be it confidence in growing food or just having a beautiful space to enjoy. If clients choose a 3-hour consultation then I will return a second time and either help them prep their garden (form up rows, mulch, fill raised beds, broad-fork etc.), basically any work we can get done together in two hours -or- help them to plant their garden for two hours. 3-hour consultations also come with either a garden design/layout or a detailed planting plan from me.

I deeply desire for us all to get back to the garden. A garden doesn't just feed your stomach but your soul as well. It fosters creativity and self-reliance. In the garden the fruits of our labor literally providing you fruit to nourish your body. The confidence and accomplishment you'll feel will fuel your motivation and get you through the winter months dreaming of spring gardens. Get in your garden friends, what's the worst that can happen?

And if you need help, you know where to find me.

Peace and Love,

Q