Serving the Greater Sarasota Area
27.3364° N, 82.5307° W

Living roughly 20 feet above sea level on a peninsula made out of limestone presents a gardening challenge. One that I didn’t realize would bring me such great satisfaction after moving here over a decade ago.
Trained originally in the Pacific Northwest, I learned the art of plucking and pruning for the most verdant growth. I brought that philosophy to Upstate New York, where planting season happens in a hurry. Taking my understanding of the impact of sunlight, temperature variation, soil properties, seasonal change and rainwater, I dug my hands into the sandy loam of Sarasota Springs and took classes with UF/IFAS.
Here I found that many of the plants growing the hardiest create too many problems. I discovered the fairly normal 6.3 Ph in one yard may not necessarily be replicated fifty feet away, where alkalinity could reach 9.0. I learned that nearly all plants grow spindly and some trees actually like sitting in water.
Native plants can be beautiful and easy to maintain. But it’s hard to stop loving the beauty of a bushy hybrid tea rose with huge blooms, even though they require much hands-on attention. I know that enviro-respectful herbicides are necessary in some situations. However, well-groomed gardens require little more than natural treatments. That’s especially important for gardens focused on butterflies, bees and birds.
Having traveled and camped in all of the lower 48 states, I appreciate the diversity of our nation’s plant life and
the interesting ways people use gardens to adorn their residences. I've also traveled extensively in 8 other countries and borrow their ideas to enhance our local landscape.
I’m excited to work with you on bringing the bliss of nature to your home.
Call me, Dianne Ellen at 941.500.9877 or email GardenGoddessSrq@protonmail.com or enter your info on the Contact page and I'll contact you.
Trained originally in the Pacific Northwest, I learned the art of plucking and pruning for the most verdant growth. I brought that philosophy to Upstate New York, where planting season happens in a hurry. Taking my understanding of the impact of sunlight, temperature variation, soil properties, seasonal change and rainwater, I dug my hands into the sandy loam of Sarasota Springs and took classes with UF/IFAS.
Here I found that many of the plants growing the hardiest create too many problems. I discovered the fairly normal 6.3 Ph in one yard may not necessarily be replicated fifty feet away, where alkalinity could reach 9.0. I learned that nearly all plants grow spindly and some trees actually like sitting in water.
Native plants can be beautiful and easy to maintain. But it’s hard to stop loving the beauty of a bushy hybrid tea rose with huge blooms, even though they require much hands-on attention. I know that enviro-respectful herbicides are necessary in some situations. However, well-groomed gardens require little more than natural treatments. That’s especially important for gardens focused on butterflies, bees and birds.
Having traveled and camped in all of the lower 48 states, I appreciate the diversity of our nation’s plant life and
the interesting ways people use gardens to adorn their residences. I've also traveled extensively in 8 other countries and borrow their ideas to enhance our local landscape.
I’m excited to work with you on bringing the bliss of nature to your home.
Call me, Dianne Ellen at 941.500.9877 or email GardenGoddessSrq@protonmail.com or enter your info on the Contact page and I'll contact you.
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