Gardening in the tough, south florida climate

I'm Dee! A wife, a mother, and a GARDENER who loves all things nature.

My love of plants led me to complete all requirements for the FNGLA Horticulture Professional Certification 9 years ago, and I am currently working on completing the FNGLA Landscape Designer certification.

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I began my gardening journey 27 years ago while attending Tuskegee University, as an Architecture student who needed something to do to disconnect from the rigorous schedule of design classes and project presentations.  My grandfather was the first gardener I knew, and although his gardening style was never as chaotic as mine - I owe all of my passion to him; the Georgia boy who grew up on a farm and fully understood that the Earth provides all we need for strength and health.

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I spend as many hours as I can in the garden; watching the birds, and naming every snake and lizard I encounter.  Crazy as that may seem, connecting with nature - taking in the fresh air, feeling the sun on my skin, the "dirt" between my fingers, experiencing the intricate web of connection between every living thing - sooths my soul and brings an unexplainable peace to me.  The garden is where I escape to clear my head after a long day.

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I garden for my mental health and for food security.  I always say, as long as I have seeds to plant, my family will never be hungry.  The joy of walking out into my garden to harvest food that has been grown without hormones and pesticides is priceless.

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My goal through all things Root Elation, is to help as many new gardeners find their stride and perpetuate a deep passion for connecting with the fantastic mass we call the Earth.  We all have a responsibility to give just a  little back to the Earth, because even in death, we are all a part of HER.