I recently took my (formerly) gorgeous houseplant to my local nursery and the gentleman put his hand on my arm and said softly: "You just loved this little guy to death by overwatering."
I LOVE to be outside. I love vegetables. I love flowers. I love sunny skies and dirt and being with my children, unplugged, in those perfect days of spring when the sun is still shining at 8PM. You'd think, with all that love to give, I would have found success in the world of gardening but - alas - no. For those of you who know me well, it's because of my extreme lack of patience to a) learn anything and b) follow directions. To those of you who don't know me, let's pretend it's the poor soil quality in Colorado.
I've had a few miracles and a lot of loss. The lettuce of 2015 was stellar. The bulbs my sister brought back for me from Amsterdam? I can't even discuss.
So when I stumbled upon an article about Gardenuity, I was intrigued. I googled the site and then I sent an email to the co-founder, the lovely Donna Letier, and asked if we could chat. She called me from her office in Texas and we talked like old friends about family, business, girl power, design and the great outdoors.
Gardenuity, started by Letier and Julie Eggers, is like Match.com for wannabe green thumbs across the country. By looking at the time of year, location, and your hopes and dreams, Gardenuity sends you everything you need to be a superstar green thumb success. When you enter your zip code, the plants that are right for your region appear on the screen. You choose what you want, order and voila - your little miracle appears. I just ordered spinach and this is what will come in the mail:
Kidding. He's extra.
This is what really comes in the mail:
Soon I will receive emails alerting to me to weather happening in the area and tips to help my spinach grow and insight on when and how to harvest. Additionally, there are step-by-step directions (ahem) about how and when to plant. And if I am not seeing my garden blossom into something both spectacular and edible, I can reach out to Gardenuity and a "grow pro" will call with advice. Like magic!
Letier was so gracious on the phone. She's all about simplicity and success and beauty and health which are the things in life we all want and deserve and can't always seem to find. But there is something sacred about digging in soft soil - something that feeds body and soul. Studies show that people who garden experience less stress and increased mental clarity. And since I can't remember where I left my car keys most days and spend a solid two hours in the middle of the night replaying my previous day and and overthinking the one coming up, less stress and mental clarity sound sort of great. Sign me up.
If you give Gardenuity a try, let me know. I am not receiving any compensation for this post; I'm just a believer in women-owned businesses and health and happiness and finally finding the car keys.
Happy planting from The Neighbor's House!