Creating Gardens That Matter

Gardens matter. Whether big or small, in containers on a balcony or rows on a farm, gardens are important. They provide food and beauty. They enrich and enhance our lives in countless ways. So, why doesn’t everyone have their own garden?

We think they should.

Hello, and welcome to Gardens That Matter. Thanks for stopping by. We are so happy you found us.

My name is Colby Martin Landers.

And this is me with Amy in the first garden we tended together, more than ten years ago. Today, we have quite a few more grey hairs on our heads and growing seasons under our belts.

We are the founders and creators of Gardens That Matter, an online business devoted to providing information, inspiration, and ACTION-able guidance to help aspiring growers start or improve their own gardens.

Amy and I make a great team. I’m the artist and she’s the naturalist. I’m the manual labor and she’s the decider. (She hates when I call her that.) Amy is the main voice and primary contact for Gardens That Matter. She will go above and beyond to help you with your projects. I will be there to help you along the way, too. (Read more about us.)

Have you ever wondered?

• How do I find more healthy alternatives to processed foods?
• Can I cut our grocery bill without sacrificing the quality of organically grown foods?
• Where have all the farmers gone?
• Where have all the bees gone?
• What are some new ways to connect with my kids?
• How can I keep the kids busy and engaged without turning to TV and other media?
• How can we live more sustainably so our kids will grow up in a clean, beautiful world?

If you can relate, then you are in the right place.

We don’t have all the answers, but perhaps one answer is growing a garden.

Now, we know gardening can be a challenge.

We’ve struggled with many of the questions that you might have.

Where do I start?

Do I have the space?

What else do I need to know?

What should I plant?

What tools do I need?

Can I do it affordably?

What do I do with all these weeds?

Is that a good bug or a bad bug?

And, of course, how do I make time for all this?

Amy and I face the same challenges with life that you do. Challenges with time, money, stress, sleep, energy, relationships, health. You know, the typical stuff we all have to deal with.

Nonetheless, we believe everyone should have a garden. Growing a garden is not going to solve all life’s problems. That would be silly.

We do believe, however, that gardening can make your life better.

Our ultimate goal at Gardens That Matter is to inspire and empower you to create a garden. The one that matters to you. And we would love to help you through the process.

How We Can Help

We teach about gardening through articles on the blog, videos, and courses. Here’s what you can expect from us:

• We will share practical knowledge that you can easily understand and apply right away.
• We will give step by step tutorials and detailed instructions on a variety of garden projects.
• We will share resources to help you dig deeper into the areas of gardening you are most interested in.
• We will challenge you with actions you can take to get started or to improve your garden.
• We will communicate and interact with you in the comments area and on social media.
• We will share stories, successes and messes, tips and tricks, inspiring pictures, and even our favorite garden recipes. We might even throw in some poetry.

We will do this with honesty, integrity, and love.

Our boys are at the heart of everything we do. We want to make the world a better place for them in very real ways. Gardens That Matter is one way for us to do this.

Why should YOU create a garden that matters?

Ask yourself a few simple questions.

What is better than fresh, local food? And what is more local than your own yard?

What is better than spending time together outdoors, away from tv and other technological gadgetry, learning new skills, and getting a little exercise? All while creating the freshest, tastiest, safest, most nutritious, most sustainably grown food you can possibly get your hands on.

I think not much.

Maybe you are not interested in growing food. Then what is better than a beautiful, tranquil hideaway right in your backyard? A place to unwind, relax, and just be with the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. A special place that you created yourself, with your imagination and personality?

What is better than a safe, interesting place for kids to play? A place where they can learn to appreciate beauty and become connected with the natural world.

Again, I think not much.

And finally, what is better than having the skills to grow your own delicious food or to create your own beautiful backyard retreat?

I think . . .well, you already know what I think.

Now, it’s time to tell us what YOU think. What makes a garden that matters to you?

Leave us a comment below or shoot us an email at hello@gardensthatmatter.com.