My gardening adventures started when I was just a baby. I come from a family of farmers and gardeners, and I grew up harvesting enough corn and green beans to feed the family for the entire year.

I started vegetable gardening for myself in 2008 when my children were preschool age in North Carolina. The children loved to harvest their own food, discover all the insects, and just play in the dirt. When we moved to Texas in 2010, I found gardening here to be more of a challenge. I joined the Plano Community Garden for 3 years, where I learned from others and successfully grew enough produce for my family and enough to be donated to the local food pantries. As the children became older, I had the desire to cultivate my passion for gardening and combine it with a volunteer organization. I became a Collin County Master Gardener (CCMG) where we share research-based garden knowledge.

When my oldest child entered Middle School, the principal expressed a desire to have a garden on campus. I helped lead, plan, and obtain grant money to establish the Nelson Middle School Nighthawk Garden (@nighthawk_garden) which has been incorporated into the curriculum and culture for the last 6 years. I currently still volunteer to lead the garden club twice a week.

GardenWise Solutions is my next venture to help others experience the satisfaction of growing your own vegetables. I specialize in year-round vegetable gardening and school gardens. Gardening in North Texas can be challenging, but with my 25 years of experience and a little knowledge, I can help you grow along with your garden.