October 13, 2020

What's an "indie gardener"?

Last year, I looked up at my husband Matthew during a workday lunch in downtown Chicago and mused, "I wish there was an Indie Hackers for gardening."

What's an "indie gardener"?

Last year, I looked up at my husband Matthew during a workday lunch in downtown Chicago and mused, "I wish there was an Indie Hackers for gardening." We've been fans of that site for years, and I love how open, honest and intentional it is. There's a distinctly optimistic, can-do tone to their community, and a willingness to figure things out even when things go awry. It's the spirit I want to bring to this blog.

When I use the word "indie" here, it's not just a nod to the indie business scene, but the indie music and DIY culture that I admired as a kid. In the context of gardening, it's about:

  • Inexpensive things you can do yourself, for the sake of enjoyment and self-expression
  • Designing biophilic experiences throughout the seasons
  • Less about outward curb appeal and more about placemaking and framing of views for the people inside the house
  • Instead of yardwork and chores, thinking about making gardening experiences into purposeful and therapeutic tasks
  • Taking a critical look at lawn-centric yards and thinking more about sustainability, habitats and soil-building
  • Making gardening enjoyable for everyone regardless of ability or space constraints

I'm glad you're here, and I'd love to help you in your own garden.

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