Hi there! I’m Allysa—a proud mom of two tiny humans and one very lovable fur baby. While I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a “green thumb,” I have a passion for gardening, and the good sense to learn from the experts around me. To me, there’s just something magical about a garden. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been captivated by the beauty and peace that a garden offers. Some of my earliest memories are of visiting my grandma’s garden, where rows upon rows of lilies and raspberries stretched out before me (I'm sure that there was more, but those are the plants my 6-year old brain focussed on). To this day the scent of fresh soil instantly transports me back to her greenhouse. It’s no surprise that as soon as I had even a square foot of dirt to call my own, I was planting something in it. What began with simple pansies quickly blossomed into a love affair with tulips, strawberries, and eventually, just about any plant that catches my eye. Now, I can hardly walk past a plant without wondering how I might fit it into my garden.
I can easily lose hours each day in the garden, utterly amazed at how time seems to slip away when I’m surrounded by nature. There’s just something so soothing, so grounding about it. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. In recent years, gardening has seen a remarkable resurgence, and for good reason. The simple act of slowing down, getting our hands dirty, and connecting with the earth is something that everyone can benefit from. According to the Mayo Clinic, gardening has been shown to lighten mood and lower levels of stress and anxiety. It’s a powerful way to reconnect with nature, find peace, and enjoy the present moment.
Of course, gardening isn’t without its challenges. But those challenges are part of what makes it so rewarding. The sense of accomplishment that comes from nurturing a plant and watching it thrive is unmatched. That’s why I was over the moon when my mom, Nanette Best, purchased the Old Farm Garden Center in 2021 and asked me to join her on this journey. It brings us immense joy to share our love of gardening with the Cowichan Valley community.
Gardening has also led me down a path of sustainability, which has become an important part of my life. As I’ve grown in my gardening journey, I’ve become increasingly aware of how our choices impact the environment. I’ve found that by focusing on sustainable practices—like composting, planting native species, and conserving water—we can create gardens that not only bring beauty and joy but also contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. This is something I’m incredibly passionate about, and I’m excited to share more about it here.
In this space, I hope to make gardening feel accessible and enjoyable for everyone, no matter where you are in your journey. I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned along the way, as well as new tips and tricks I’m picking up as I continue to grow (both literally and figuratively!). My goal is to inspire others to discover the joy, peace, and fulfillment that gardening can bring—because I truly believe we can all benefit from it.
Comments