Let me introduce myself.

I realize I have been in business for 17 years now and while many of you know me and have been with me since the beginning (thank you!) there are so many who don’t know my story. As I gain more and more followers I thought I’d stop and reiterate who I am and what The Captured Garden is. 

In my life BC (before children) I was in marketing. More accurately I was an advertising copywriter. I loved the fast-paced creative environment. Days were long but laughter was abundant. Then came kids. (BTW two of the most wonderful humans you could ever meet). I realized early on that I wanted to stay home and be with them and my husband agreed. I had grown up in a family of gardeners and as we bought our first home, and the children became more independent, I found myself gardening more. I especially loved container gardening which I found a perfect fit for my busy lifestyle. Neighbors began to notice my windowboxes and ask for help with theirs and a seed began to grow. After talking it over with my husband we decided I should start a small business. 

People often ask where I came up with the name The Captured Garden and I answer, “Prayer.” And it’s true; I am a praying woman and I have a strong faith. I knew if this venture was from God He would have to be the CEO.  Lots of ideas for names crammed my brain but driving over the Tobin Bridge “The Captured Garden” came to me and it stuck. Over time my unusual container gardens prompted clients to ask me about garden design. I became a Master Gardener, MCH and MCLP to learn as much as I could.

Fast forward a few years and I have been blessed with opportunities to speak at Flower Shows, Garden Clubs and Symposiums. Now I am finding a whole new audience through Zoom presentations. I find that I LOVE sharing my passion, whether live or virtually. Today The Captured Garden is a business with three distinct segments: container gardening, garden design and garden presentations.

On a personal note, my first love will always be the Lord. A close second is my family. If you ask my children what my mantra is, they will tell you “Faith and family”. When making decisions these are the two criteria: it must be pleasing to God and good for the family. I also love animals, Masterpiece Theatre (especially Downton Abby and Poldark), long walks in the reservation behind our home and a nice glass of red wine. I love hugs, but you already know that if you have been reading this newsletter. I prefer the warm weather over the cold weather and my favorite month is May. Favorite color is green. I am a beekeeper which has really impacted how I garden and inspired my presentation “Beauty and the Bees”. Finally, if I could have a superpower it would be super speed because then I might actually accomplish everything on my to-do list!

Ultimately, I am sure I am like many of you. Just a simple gardener who is happiest when her hands are in the dirt.