MEET OUR PINK POT AMBASSADOR FOR FEBRUARY: @thewreathcoach!
Describe your garden.
My husband and I have just moved into our first home in Trenton, Ontario, and I was so excited to start my own garden. We lucked out with a beautiful corner lot with lots of room to plant. I have started planting in the front yard in the ground up against the house, focusing primarily on main trees and shrubs. I love bold colors in the garden but wanted to keep most of my perennials on the softer side. Mixtures of white and pink hydrangeas, rich green boxwood, and vibrant purple Japanese maple and beech trees. I plan to use some colorful annuals through the garden for a fun pop in the warm months.
I am also a huge fan of planters. I have 9 planters around the exterior of the house and keep them colorful, full, and fun!
I am also super excited to start a large vegetable garden this year. We have so much yard space that I will be utilizing a good chunk for vegetables. I grew up with both of my Italian grandparents having massive vegetable gardens. I would love to be able to feed my family with fresh grown produce at home!
Tell us about the first time you ever gardened.
While I was in University, I worked for the City of Mississauga during the summers maintaining city properties. I was initially part of the turf crews and never wanted to venture to the horticulture side because weeding seemed so tedious. One summer, I was placed with the horticulture crews and my love for plants grew from there. I had great mentors who began teaching me about plants and the many varieties. It quickly became a calming escape. I have now created a living off of planting for others and I am always grateful for that opportunity. The calmness planting brings is the best feeling!
What is your favorite combination using Wave Petunias?
I use Wave Petunias primarily in my planter arrangements. They are always my go-to for the most vibrant colors and easy care. The fullness they bring to planters creates a grand and dramatic arrangement. I am excited to try petunias this year in my garden beds!
Give one suggestion for what a gardener can do with the Wave Pink Pot after they take the petunias out of it.
I like to keep my empty pots handy in the yard throughout the summer. They are handy when weeding as you can stuff your weeds in the pots especially in tight spaces of the gardens. They are also great for collecting your vegetables like tomatoes, peppers etc. You can also plant some of your herbs in the pots!
If you could have one gardening superpower, what would it be?
I wish I had a superpower that would bring dying plants back to life. It can be difficult when planting and maintaining a garden or planters to ensure your investments last. If I do a house visit for a client who has neglected their garden or planters, I would love to just snap my fingers to bring them back to life.
I would also love to have a superpower that prevents weeds! Not a big fan of weeding garden beds.
Share your secrets! What’s the best gardening hack you know?
Since I can’t snap my fingers to bring plants back to life, I like to ensure that plants are getting the best chance. When you’re planting, after you’ve dug your hole, make sure to add a fertilizer/transplanter. Plants are a living investment. Take the extra time and care to ensure they will grow healthy roots. If the roots establish well, then the rest should be easy- sort of! Haha!
Another tip if you’re tired of weeding, add a thick layer (6-10 inch) of mulch to the bare areas. This will keep weeds down dramatically. Just pay attention to the mulch around plant bases so you don’t suffocate the plant.
LET’S PLAY!
We asked @thewreathcoach to choose which she would kiss, which she would marry, and which she would kill!
BONUS QUESTIONS:
What is the most unique flower you’ve ever used in a mixed combo?
One of my favorite unique flowers to use is Ranunculus in spring arrangements. The multiple thin layers to each flower are beautifully delicate and eye catching. They are similar to petunias in their bold colors and easy care.
What is your favorite part about being a garden designer?
The planting process itself is calming. My favorite planting time is early in the morning, when all you hear is the birds chirping. It is such a tranquil activity.
I also love coming back once everything has grown. Seeing the process of the planters or gardens filling in, pops of color and trailing greens. Plants are constantly changing and growing. Seeing the process from just-planted to full bloom is magnificent.