M R Gardens: Back in school

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Back in school

Haywood Community College campus

If you're looking for me this fall, look in the greenhouses at Haywood Community College. This fall, an educational allotment I was awarded for my AmeriCorps service with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy in 2004 was due to expire if I didn't use it. I decided to take the opportunity to brush up on the science of all I do as well as improve my skills in plant propagation and landscape design. This semester, I'm taking Plant Propagation, Soil Science, Applied Plant Science, Plant Materials and Landscape Design.

While I'm enjoying the classes, I look forward to returning to the work of M R Gardens once I've earned my Horticulture Certificate. Check back in early 2013 for announcements about spring plant sales, garden coaching and edible landscaping consultations.

Customers' comments

"Working with no-till beds was a completely new experience for me. What looked like a mound of leaves was pushed aside to reveal true garden alchemy months in the making. Looking at the rich, crumbly earth, you could just tell this was good stuff! After I pushed the garden fork in the earth with absolutely no resistance, I was hooked. I had to know how to replicate this in my home garden." —Brooke of West Asheville, N.C., M R Gardens volunteer

"Part of my retirement dream was having gardens all around our new house. Before I met Megan, I could visualize my gardens but was completely stuck when it came to implementing my vision. She listened to my vision and was able to create a design that reflects what I saw. Most importantly she taught me how to rebuild the topsoil that was graded away during the building of our house. The day we started working on preparing the beds, I felt deeply that we were healing the damaged earth by layering the organic compost and leaves to decompose over the winter."—Susan of Rutherfordton, N.C., M R Gardens client

"Great organic gardener with a wonderfully organized approach to provide plants at the right time for gardeners to plant for best results."—Colleen of Asheville, Long-time customer

"Friendly and calm in the chaos of the Asheville Herb Sale. Many thanks!."—Asheville Herb Fest customer.

"Love having a local, native plant connection who has knowledge and inventory!"—Jay, M R Gardens customer

"Megan was very patient with all my questions! Thanks!."—Carol of Black Mountain, N.C.

"Megan is an incredible resource! I consulted with her this past spring on a new garden and was so grateful for her breadth of knowledge of native plants. She offers an incredible variety of natives and coached me through which to select along with growing tips. All are thriving so far, which is completely thanks to her, as I have little experience or talent in this area. I highly recommend her and M R Gardens!." —Melissa of West Asheville

"I don’t know what the secret is, but Megan’s perennials are special, they’re hardy and they come back every year like they are supposed to… even if I am slightly neglectful. I especially appreciate the native species." —Lorraine of Asheville

"I have purchased native plants from M R Gardens for the past two years. They are healthy and happy plants that have really made my garden nicer, and Megan is so helpful and knowlegable about native plants." —Nikki of Asheville

SERVICES

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Back in school