Who are we?

My love for plants started early. Summers in Northern Minnesota were spent exploring my great-grandfather’s untouched property, where Virginia bluebells, blue flag iris, and native violets thrived. He let the land “go wild,” using its timber and stones to build a cottage and a “wiki-up” by the water. Those experiences shaped my deep connection to nature.

While at GVSU, I planted my first raised veggie bed, growing vegetables and cut flowers. In 2009, I earned my MSU Master Gardener certification. Later, my husband and I lived in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, where the rugged landscape and rare plants like lady slipper orchids deepened my passion for native species.

When we returned to Grand Rapids, I transformed our urban yard into a thriving perennial and native garden, replacing a third of an acre of turf grass. By 2017, I was working as a personal gardener and began learning about Great Lakes native plants. That fascination led me to volunteer with River City Wild Ones in 2021, co-chairing their Native Plant Education Garden. I also earned my MSU Master Naturalist certification in 2023.

During the pandemic, I received a backyard greenhouse from my mother, sparking a new adventure in growing native perennials and vegetables. Today, I cultivate over 30 native species and help others restore landscapes with native plants.
Whether designing native gardens, creating pocket prairies, or crafting container gardens for balconies and patios, I love making native plants accessible. My “Great Lakes Planters” are perfect for small spaces, bringing nature to anyone, anywhere.

I’m passionate about connecting people with the beauty and benefits of native plants. Let’s work together to create greener, more sustainable spaces.