Hello & Welcome
I’m Michelle, a licensed RN (BSN) and suburban gardener in Southwest Virginia. I help people discover the restorative power of gardening no matter your space or experience.
As a nurse, I’ve seen firsthand how disconnection from nature affects our well-being. Through Michelle’s Garden Grows, I share practical wisdom for creating productive, peaceful gardens that nurture your mind, body, and spirit while deepening your connection with nature, community, and the Creator.
Whether you’re watching my YouTube videos, following along on Instagram, or exploring resources here on my website, you’ll find encouragement for growing flowers, herbs, food—and confidence in your own backyard.
Learn more about my brand collaborations, podcast interviews, and news features on my Press & Publications page.
How Can I Help You?
Subscribe to Harvest Notes for monthly garden inspiration, seasonal tips, and my latest finds—delivered to your inbox
Hello@michellesgardengrows.com
Brands I’ve Collaborated With
Learn more about these collaborations on my press page
About Michelle
My Family
My husband and I live in SW Virginia. We have two children, a son and a daughter who are both living away at college. My husband Karl is my garden helper. Without him my beautiful kitchen garden would not be possible.
Starting a Home Garden
“I’ve dreamed of having a garden since I was a child, but for many years, life simply didn’t leave room for it.”
I have a Register Nurse (BSN) degree and worked many years as an RN prior to staying home to raise my children, care for an elderly parent and assist my husband in establishing a congregation (community of faith) where I volunteered hours of admin, developing policies, coordinating teams, and teaching children and women.
life finally gave way for gardening!
After years of caring for family and other people. Life finally gave me some space to start gardening. I believe my history in caregiving and pioneering new projects has strengthened my ability to care for a garden and encourage other gardeners. My one regret is that I didn’t start gardening when my children were younger so they could learn along with me.
ENCOURAGING OTHERS
In 2021 I started Michelle’s Garden Grows on Instagram as a journal of my garden journey and started encouraging others with what I was learning.
In 2025 I increased my efforts by starting this blog. I wanted to create a dedicated space, a hub if you will where people could easily find and explore all the gardening tips and resources I’m learning and sharing.
Home- Gardening Philosophy and Values
Gardening has taught me so much, and these are the principles I try to live by in the garden. Whether you’re just starting out or have been growing for years, I hope they inspire and guide you too.
Worship & Love for the Creator
I believe gardening is a stewardship and a reward rooted in the idea that God placed us in a beautiful garden from the beginning! I believe the creator of the world is the God of the Bible and everything comes from him. He gave humans the job of stewarding the earth; therefore, I embrace sustainable and eco-friendly gardening practices and give Him all the glory while appreciating the beautiful earth he gave us to steward.
RESPECT FOR NATURE
Gardening begins with respecting the natural world. That’s why I choose to garden organically with biodiversity in mind. I believe plants, animals, minerals, and the environment are all deeply interconnected—and our gardens are a small reflection of that larger harmony. When we care for the soil, we care for the plants. When we provide food and shelter for pollinators, we’re nurturing life beyond our backyard. Respecting nature means listening to its rhythms, working with it instead of against it, and appreciating the miracle in every seed, raindrop, and sunrise.
Biodiversity Matters
I appreciate the importance of biodiversity in fostering a healthy and resilient garden. I aim to incorporate a variety of plants to support local ecosystems. I believe home gardens are a hotspots for biodiversity and contribute to the health of our planet.
SUSTAINABILITY
I am committed to sustainability in every aspect of my gardening. I believe that by minimizing waste, conserving resources, and using natural methods, we can create gardens that are both beautiful and gentle on the earth. This means composting, conserving water, reusing materials, and making mindful choices that respect the balance of the environment. Sustainable gardening honors the Creator’s original design and helps the flourishing of our planet.
Unique Approach
I recognize each garden is unique, influenced by factors such as climate, soil and sunlight. I try to be adaptable in my approach to addressing the specific conditions of my garden. What works for my garden may not work for others in their particular space or climate.
Patience and Perserverence
Gardening is a process that requires time and effort. I try to be patient with the growth cycles of plants and persevere through challenges (did someone say squash vine borers?)
Continuous Learning
Cultivating a mindset of continual learning. Staying curious about different plant species, gardening techniques and ecological principles.
Stewardship
I acknowledge the God-given role as a steward of the land. I take responsibility for the impact that my gardening practices may have on the environment, and this is why I garden organically and sustainably.
Observation Skills
I strive to develop keen observations skills to understand the needs of plants. Regularly monitoring the garden to identify potential issues or opportunities for improvement.
Joy in the Process
I strive to find joy in the act of gardening itself, not just the end results. I believe gardening is therapeutic and fulfilling aspects of nurturing plants and creating a vibrant, outdoor space.
Community
I desire to foster a sense of community through gardening by sharing knowledge with, learning from, and collaborating with other gardeners.
Cycles of Renewal
And finally, embrace the natural cycles of growth, decay and renewal in the garden. I appreciate the beauty of seasonal changes in the garden as well as the life-cycle of plants that bring opportunity for new beginnings.