Tell us about your company and what services you provide.

The Watering Can is a garden consulting company. I love gardening and want to share my passion with others who want to learn and also beautify their homes in the process. I have been gardening for 20 years and (I still) learn something new every day. 

For a flat consulting fee, (which is based on the size of the area, usually ranging from $100-$200) I provide a detailed plan of what needs to be done to prepare the area in addition to an actual picture of your space with a garden plan. 

I guide the customer as they complete each step of the process. I usually stop over several times to help and I'm always willing to help whenever there are questions such as placement of plants, edging, placement of stones and also container planting. It is not uncommon for my clients to text me questions or pictures of plants throughout the process. I make myself very available to each customer to make sure their project turns out exactly how they wanted it. I also give my clients a plant care guide of everything we put in their garden so they can keep it looking beautiful year after year. 

I specialize in helping people work within a budget. Clients save money by doing the labor themselves and by using whatever they may already have in their yard. They also have the opportunity and security to take their time if their budget needs a break. 

What inspired you to open your own business?

My parents are my inspiration for starting my own business: My mom gets credit for my love of gardening (she is a great gardener!) and my dad gets the credit for my entrepreneurial spirit (he has had his own grocery store for almost 50 years)!

Any tips for someone who wants to spruce up their yard on a budget?

If someone wants to spruce up their yard on a budget, the best thing to do is fix up one area at a time and do it right. Many dollars can be lost by buying the wrong plants for a certain space or by not taking care of them. Also, look over your yard (or a friend's!) to see what perennials you might have and take advantage of dividing them up in the Spring or Fall. They are definitely pricey when you have to buy them, but they continue to give over and over. It is best to get the anchor plants in place first. You can always add additional plants over time and buy them on sale in the off season! 

I always recommend doing a Victorian edge, which simply involves cutting a 90 degree angle with an edging tool or a straight edged shovel, to create a separation between the garden bed and the grass. It is cheap, simple and very elegant.

What local garden centers do you frequent?

I love Big Johns Farm Market for annuals, herbs and hanging baskets. Everything there is beautiful and reasonable. I also frequent Sunnycrest Greenhouse. They seem to have great plants in unusual varieties and they are all very helpful and friendly. For shrubs or trees, Long's Landscape Supply on Pulaski has great prices.

PLEASE VISIT the Watering Can listing in the H-F Patch Places directory for more information.