By meeting some of our own basic subsistence needs, we create a foundation of resilience for ourselves and those around us.
There are as many ways to garden as there are gardeners. The plethora of gardening trends and gardening advice can make your head spin. Till or no till? Buy starts or grow from seeds? Heirlooms or hybrids? Determinate or indeterminate tomatoes? Overhead or drip irrigation?
I’m here to help you by simplifying your gardening decisions and helping you to chart a course that is rooted in your value system and the unique characteristics of the land you occupy. I encourage eco-centric garden designs that build healthy soil, create rich habitats for beneficial insects, conserve water and regenerate the biosphere.
I also care a lot about creating nourishing spaces for people and their kindreds.
In traditional permaculture design, Zone 0, the home, is given almost no attention, and the person (zone 0.1), none at all. Yet how we manage our time, energy, mindset and relationships is critical to our well-being and to our gardening success. Growing a garden should improve your lifestyle, not overwhelm it. What is different about my garden coaching services is that I create a detailed project management plan that you can follow through on with ease and joy; fully supporting Zone 0.1, YOU.
This means creating plans that enable you to meet your self-sufficiency goals at the speed of nature, growing priority crops this season and adding more zones as you build the capacity to sustain them. I’m here to teach you the basics and beyond of growing food and growing self-determination, guide you, and cheer you on.
It’s empowering and DIY-driven!
How It Works:
Step 1: Free phone consultation
We’ll start with a half hour initial consultation by phone. I’ll hear your vision for your land projects and learn how I can best support, educate and encourage you. This is the opportunity to see if we are a good fit to work together and make a commitment to one of my services.
Step 2: Site Visit & Map out
Your Dream
In preparation for our first 90 min site visit, I’ll email you the Mapping Out Your Backyard Dreams Workbook that will guide you through a wide array of considerations such as water availability, pets, your energy level, your budget and your dream garden so when I meet you at your land, I can make recommendations that truly fit your lifestyle.
Step 3: Get Your
Garden On!
The number of on-site sessions is determined by the package you choose. Each on site session will be followed up by a new individualized workbook packed with resources and ideas based on your specific needs for support. I’ll provide you with a full project management plan including a plant list, garden layouts, original ideas, and where to purchase all the things you'll need to create your dream garden. I can also help you to design your own irrigation system with supplies you can easily acquire at your local hardware store.
See package options below, or set up a custom package.
Already Excited to Get Going?
Choose Your Package
The Bee Package
2 coaching sessions
Workbook full of resources for 2 zones
Voice App support for quick questions
Great if you have an established yard where just one or two areas need some re-working, if you just want to spruce up your space or you have specific, smaller projects you need support with. This package is appropriate for those with intermediate gardening skills, or who plan to pay for gardening services.
$500
The Ladybug Package
4 coaching sessions
Workbook full of resources for 4 zones
Access to my plant lists
4 completed designs with plant suggestions
Voice App support for quick questions
Great if you’ve moved onto a new, small property or you want to completely redesign your property. This package is appropriate for beginner to advanced DIY gardeners who are motivated to create the outdoor spaces they dream of.
$900
The Mantis Package
6 coaching sessions
Workbook full of resources for 6 zones
Access to my plant lists & design templates
4-6 completed designs with plant suggestions
Raising backyard animals design and support
Voice App support for quick questions
Great if you have generous property, wish to grow as much food as possible or you’re someone who wants to create a cottage industry with their property. This package is appropriate for beginner to advanced DIY gardeners who are motivated to create a closed loop system of resilience gardening with animals and/or an abundance of farm products to feed yourself or for market.
$1350
More on My Land Based History
I developed a deep relationship of reciprocity of my first 5 acre piece of pre-developed land in 1994, the year my first son was born. I later went on to make a resilient home of a wild and bare plot in the wilderness of Williams. Back then (2003), I was a single mom of 3, wild eyed indigo children.
Fueled by many years experience of living in spiritual organic farm communities, I built a 30ft Yurt under the tall trees in a pristine watershed where I foraged and farmed most of my own food.
When I moved into town in 2005, I co-managed the student housing community garden. From 2007-2019, I’ve been curating Sunny Joy Farm where I’ve grown over 100 lbs of food in a season on just a 1/3 acre suburban homesite, during which time I created Backyard Gardeners Exchange Southern Oregon, a FB group with over 1200 local member gardeners who share knowledge, resources, food and farm products.
I’ve been an avid advocate for the abolishment of Genetically Modified crops in the Rogue Valley, which resulted in winning a GMO ban in Jackson County in 2014. The last few years have been characterized by creating garden beauty more than food as I’ve learned to grow flowers, herbs and dye plants for medicine and art. You can read my whole story here.
Recent Resilient life Posts:
The Resilient Life Blog
Create a thriving and diverse backyard & Family ecology for resilience
Get a copy of my FREE Companion Planting Garden Design & Weekly Meal Planning Template
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