Greetings, fellow gardening enthusiasts!
I’m Alena, a biologist deeply passionate about gardening. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of guiding gardeners in crafting thoughtful flower gardens. Throughout this journey, I’ve come to appreciate the magic of plant combinations – those perfect pairings that not only look stunning together but also thrive in similar conditions.
To me, these combinations are like building blocks, laying the foundation for breathtaking garden compositions. I’m committed to selecting only the most sustainable plants, ones that not only beautify our gardens but also play a vital role in supporting wildlife. After all, our gardens are not just isolated spaces but integral parts of a larger ecosystem.
However, I understand how overwhelming the choices of plants in garden centers can be. How do we even decide what to choose? And even after selecting those plants, how do we determine the proper spacing between them?
In this workbook, I aim to simplify the process for you. The first section features a thoughtfully curated collection of 15 perennial plants chosen for their simplicity of care and suitability for beginners—plants you’ll likely find in most garden centers. These plants bloom at various times throughout the seasons, ensuring your garden is consistently adorned with captivating hues. Furthermore, they’re cherished by butterflies and other pollinators, imbuing your garden with life and transforming it into a vibrant sanctuary that contributes to wildlife conservation.
The second part of this workbook provides practical tools for designing your dream garden. Using graph paper and scaled labels for each plant, you can sketch out your garden layout and experiment with various arrangements. This hands-on approach not only aids in visualizing plant spacing but also simplifies the process of determining the required number of plants.
So, come join me on an adventure to create a unique butterfly sanctuary. Let’s turn your gardening aspirations into a vibrant reality.
