How To Grow your Own Dreamy Southern Garden

How To Grow Your Own Dreamy Southern Garden
An Interview with Southern Rooted Gardens for Tips & Tricks on Growing Your Own Garden Oasis
Original Content by Carl Johnson

Summer sun, buzzing bees, and flowers in full bloom - These are all typical scenes hitting your senses as you take a stroll in almost any neighborhood in the Triangle. I know I find myself often passing by a neighbor’s beautiful yard filled with bright colors, raised garden beds, and rain barrels thinking to myself. . . I could never grow a garden so lovely. But after talking with Garden Consultation and Founder of Southern Rooted Gardens, Kristen Thomas, having a garden of my own is not far away!

Whether you are wanting to add to your home’s curb appeal and landscape or wanting to grow your own fresh fruit and vegetables, we are here to help. We sat down with Kristen to get some helpful tips and tricks for you to get started on growing your own southern dream garden.

Some key take-a-ways are: know your growing zone - start small - add a bench so you can enjoy the fruit of your labors! 

Read the full interview below to learn more!

Q: How did you get your passion for gardening?
A: I grew up in a small rural town outside of Pittsburgh, PA where my grandparents always had a garden. It was a fun way for them to try new foods and allow them to cook fresh homegrown meals. My family has always loved to cook and try new foods, so when my husband and I bought a house of our own, one of the first projects was to put a garden in.

My first year in our garden, I was able to grow such high-quality food that tasted so much better than store bought food. It only enhanced the meals that we cooked and created such a sense of pride saying “I grew all of this from my garden!”. From that moment, I knew I found a new passion which was gardening.

Q: Gardens are more than just curb appeal. A garden can become a mood booster and lifestyle. Do you agree?
A: I completely agree. My garden is one of my favorite places to go after a day’s work. For me it’s a way to be outside and enjoy nature. Not only am I able to taste and harvest all kinds of fruits and vegetables but I’m able to see how all the pollinators enjoy my garden just as much as me or potentially more. I always suggest putting a sitting area in your garden so that you can sit and take in all the beauty that surrounds you.

Q: What makes North Carolina gardens so unique and special?
A: I believe North Carolina is unique and special because I am fortunate to live in an area where I am able to grow so many different types of plants and able to grow vegetables most of the year. Being in growing zone (Hardiness Zone) 8a, I am able to grow and harvest vegetables most of the year and able to grow a big variety of fruits and vegetables as well. However, to do this requires a good deal of upkeep and timing to make sure we are rotating plants that grow properly throughout the seasons.

Q: Are there different seasonal gardening tips people should be aware of?
A: Yes, there are tons of seasonal gardening tips out there. However, a lot of the tips that I suggest are based on the growing zone that you live in. For example, North Carolina's growing seasons are different from Pennsylvania’s. So, three main tips I like to suggest, are first to be aware of the growing zone you live in. Second tip is to make sure when you grow your own vegetables and fruit that you select seeds, plants and tree varieties that do well in your zone. Third tip is to journal as much as you can. Having a journal where you can take notes year to year will help you know what personal works in your area and help you remember not only what type of plants did well but when.

Q: Home grown fruit and vegetables cannot be beat! Is it possible for a NC homeowner to grow their own produce?
A:  100%, I personally have a small kitchen garden that has 8 raised beds where I am able to grow most of our fresh produce all year round. I believe having a garden in your backyard is such a great way to enjoy nature and a great hobby for you and your family to enjoy.

Q: We have found sustainability at home to be a desired quality for our clients when looking at properties. How are gardens able to contribute to this? (i.e. rain barrels, irrigation, fruit and veggies, local pollinators…)
A: I believe gardens contribute to this because you are growing your own sustainability. There is such a sense of excitement and appreciation when you grow your own food. It allows you to know exactly how your food was grown and shows you the benefits that it does for your local pollinators as well. Not only is this space aesthetically wonderful, but you can attract so many different types of pollinators and beneficial insects in such a small space. Truly giving yourself a beautiful, sustainable and productive space in your own backyard that can benefit only you but the environment.

Q: What are the first few steps you recommend for someone just starting their gardening journey?
A: The first step I always recommend is to start small. If you are just getting started it is always best to set yourself up for success which is not to take too much on at first. You can always expand once you continue to enjoy your journey. Second, is to do your research and have an understanding for what works in your area. Lastly, enjoy your journey. You are going to do things that do not work out every year but take it as a learning lesson and not a failure. Give yourself the appreciation that you tried and something to improve on next time.

Q: What services does your company offer? Do you work with both beginner and mature gardens? Do you offer remote consultation and in person?
A: Garden Consultations for beginner and existing gardeners we can do a consultation with our thoughts and feedback on improvements to enhance your gardening experience. We also can discuss your specific zone and what plants work best in each season. This can be done in-person or virtually, whichever suits you best.

Provide garden designs which give you an idea on how to create the perfect garden for you. We will spend an hour at your space and discuss your wants and wishes and follow up with a garden design, additional value adds and a rough estimate.

If you have an interest at all, we would love to have an initial conversation where we can learn more about your situation and see if we can be of assistance with your gardening journey. 

Take advantage of the North Carolina life-style and get outside and garden! Even if it is just a small herb planter in your downtown Durham loft, or a full raised garden set in your lush suburban yard there is nothing be benefits to gain from getting started on your dream garden! 

If you are looking for inspiration you can take the time to visit one of my favorite spots, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens!

Looking for more curb appeal tips and tricks to help get your home looking its best? CLICK HERE to visit our resource page to learn how you can take small steps that make an impact.