Hello there, fellow gardening enthusiasts! As an avid gardener, I'm excited to share my hobby with all the beginners out there! Although I’m no expert, starting a garden can be a delightful and rewarding journey, and I'm here to provide you with essential tools, practical tips, and a sprinkle of inspiration to help you get started. So, grab your gloves and let's dig into the wonderful world of gardening together!

Preparing Your Gardening Toolkit

Before you embark on your gardening adventure, it's essential to have the right tools at your fingertips. A sturdy hand tiller is great for working in your soil, and a trowel is perfect for digging small holes for plants or transplanting seedlings. Pruning shears are essential for trimming and shaping plants, ensuring they stay healthy and well-maintained. Don't forget a comfortable pair of garden gloves to protect your hands from thorns, dirt, and potential irritants. I love a fully coated, waterproof glove, personally. Of course, a trusty watering can or hose nozzle is a must-have for keeping your plants hydrated. Lastly, I always need a wide-brimmed sun hat to protect my fair skin! With these essential tools in hand, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any gardening task that comes your way

*Alicia’s Infinity Seed Saving Envelopes*

Selecting the Perfect Plants for Your Garden

When it comes to choosing plants for your garden, it's important to consider your specific climate, available sunlight, and personal preferences. Opt for plants that thrive in your region's conditions. If you're a fan of vibrant blooms, explore options like echinacea, sunflowers, or dahlias. One of my favorites is strawflowers, and I’m trying snapdragons for the first time this year! If you're a culinary enthusiast, consider growing herbs - I’m a big fan of thyme, mint, and rosemary. For those with a green thumb and a desire for homegrown produce, vegetables like tomatoes, squash, and greens (kale, lettuce, and spinach) are excellent choices. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination guide you and try something new! You can always try again next year if something doesn’t work out :) For the plants that you love, consider saving their seeds to plant again next year, using my handy, printable DIY seed-saving envelopes pictured above!

Creating a Garden Layout

Designing a garden layout is like creating a beautiful tapestry with nature's colors and textures. Start by considering the amount of sunlight your garden receives throughout the day, as it will influence where you place sun-loving or shade-tolerant plants. Experiment with different arrangements, such as neat rows, raised beds, or circular patterns, to add visual interest to your garden. Or, you can embrace your wild side and go for more of a cottage-style garden! Additionally, explore the concept of companion planting, where certain plants support and benefit each other when grown in close proximity. For instance, pairing marigolds with tomatoes can help deter pests. By thoughtfully planning your garden layout, you'll create a harmonious space where plants can flourish and delight the senses.

Nurturing Your Plants: Watering, Fertilizing & Pruning

Proper care is crucial for the well-being of your plants. When it comes to watering, aim for a balance - not too much or too little. Monitor the moisture levels of the soil and water accordingly, ensuring that water reaches the roots without causing waterlogging. Remember to provide regular doses of nutrients to your plants through organic fertilizers/compost/etc., promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Pruning is an art that helps shape and maintain the overall structure of your plants. By selectively removing dead or overgrown branches, you encourage new growth and ensure the plant's energy is directed where it's needed most. With a little nurturing and attention, your garden will thrive and reward you with its beauty.

Dealing with Common Garden Pests & Diseases

As a gardener, you may encounter unwelcome visitors in the form of pests and diseases. Fortunately, there are natural remedies and preventive measures you can employ to keep your plants healthy and pest-free. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of damage, such as chewed leaves or discolored patches. If you spot pests, try gentle methods like fencing, netting, handpicking or introducing beneficial insects that prey on garden pests. For common diseases, such as powdery mildew or fungal infections, organic treatments like neem oil or a baking soda spray can help combat the problem. Remember, early detection and swift action are key to keeping your garden in prime condition.

Growing Together: Joining Gardening Communities

Gardening is more than just planting and tending to plants—it's a community-driven passion that brings people together. Engaging with gardening communities can provide valuable insights, inspiration, and a sense of camaraderie. Online forums, social media groups, and local gardening clubs offer platforms for connecting with fellow gardeners, sharing experiences, and seeking advice. In these communities, you can find a wealth of knowledge, from tips on plant care to recommendations for tackling specific gardening challenges. Share your successes, exchange gardening stories, and be open to learning from others. The support and encouragement of like-minded individuals will motivate you on your gardening journey and foster a sense of belonging. By joining gardening communities, you not only expand your gardening know-how but also form friendships that bloom alongside your plants.

Bringing gardening into your home decor

Infuse your home indoors with an extra touch of beauty and inspiration by incorporating Alicia's Infinity's art prints! My illustrations capture the essence of nature's wonders, allowing you to bring artistry and creativity into your home, all year round. Consider framing your favourite art prints to add a pop of colour and visual interest in your garden shed, mud room or anywhere in your home! These art prints can serve as gentle reminders of the beauty that surrounds you and provide inspiration for you to tend to your plants ;) Your home can become an immersive art gallery that harmoniously blends your decor with nature's beauty and a captivating world of illustration!

With these practical tips and the touch of some watercolour artwork, your gardening experience will be a delightful blend of creativity, beauty, and community. Embrace the joy of nurturing plants, exploring new varieties, and creating an oasis of natural splendor that reflects your unique style. So, grab your gardening tools, invite the wonders of garden-themed art into your home, and let your green thumb flourish as you embark on this exciting journey of growth and transformation.

Happy gardening!

As a sentimental person and lover of the little details, I always find joy in celebrating the special people in our lives. With Mother's Day just around the corner, I wanted to share my ideas for creating an unforgettable tea party to honor the love, care, and nurturing that moms provide. I'll guide you through the process of hosting a memorable tea party with decor ideas and some of my favorite tea party recipes.

First and foremost, you'll want to set a beautiful table that evokes warmth and affection. Choose your favorite vintage dishes, teacups, and cutlery, and pair them with fresh, seasonal flowers. Alicia's Infinity linen/cotton tea towels feature my detailed watercolour illustrations and make a perfect addition to any table setting. Not only do they look fabulous draped over the back of a chair or folded neatly next to a plate, but they're also machine washable, making post-tea party cleanup a breeze.

No tea party would be complete without a scrumptious menu of sweet and savory treats. Our heirloom-quality recipe cards, adorned with our intricate watercolour illustrations, are a charming way to share your favorite family recipes with your guests. You can even send a set of cards with the invitation so each person brings their favourite recipe for all of the guests!

Some of my go-to tea party food ideas include:

An assortment of fruit, delicate pastries and cookies
Finger sandwiches with cucumber, smoked salmon, or egg salad
Warm scones served with clotted cream and jam
Mini quiches with spinach, bacon, or roasted vegetables
Charcuterie board of cheese, meats and dips

Add a personal touch to your Mother's Day tea party by creating handmade or personalized gifts and a handwritten note on one of our versatile notecards for each guest, expressing your love and appreciation. Our beautifully illustrated notecards are perfect for any occasion and can be easily framed as a keepsake of this special day. With over 50 designs to choose from, you can select a design that fits each recipient perfectly, whether they love gardening, crafting, baking, flowers, animals, etc!

As you and your guests indulge in delicious treats and sip on your favorite tea blends, engage in heartfelt conversations that allow everyone to share their fondest memories and stories about their moms. This is a perfect opportunity to reminisce about the love, laughter, and life lessons that our mothers have gifted us with over the years.

As the tea party comes to a close, you can present your mom and guests with a thoughtful gift to show your appreciation. My art prints, notecards, tea towels and recipe cards make special gifts, suitable for any age. You could even gift a box of tea with a card - it doesn’t need to be elaborate :) Any token of gratitude will remind your loved ones of the delightful afternoon spent celebrating the extraordinary women in your lives.

Our mothers hold a special place in our hearts, and there's no better way to express our love and gratitude than by creating a memorable Mother's Day tea party. They deserve a special day with an enchanting atmosphere, delicious food, and a lasting impression on their hearts :)

Note: Some photos were beautifully taken by Sara Wilde Photography & Janet Kwan Photography

Essential Gardening Tools & Tips for newbies!