Welcome To Watt's Bloomin'

Watt and Where

I live in The Hudson Valley of New York hardiness zone 6b but I’m most comfortable planting for hardiness zone 5 to help overcompensate of occasional colder dips in winter temperatures. When I discuss zone hardiness with new gardeners I tell them to think…zone 5-4-3-2-1! The lower the number the colder the temperature the plant can withstand. I don’t think I know of any plants that are zone 2 or 1 but if there are any, I’d love to grow them! The soil in the area is mostly clay and has been a challenge from the beginning of my gardening journey. Our first home in Gardiner, NY was built on just under 2 acres of land which included a pond, some woods, but mostly full sun growing conditions. This area had deer pressure and proved to be quite a challenge.

After much trial and error I began having great gardening success when I finally tackled the deer problem and researched deer resistant plants. And flowers, ornamental grasses, shrubs and trees flourished into a garden I enjoyed and loved through all seasons. After selling that home we loved and moving about 7 miles away to build our retirement home next door to grandchildren, the larger property had even more challenging clay soil ( who would have thought that was possible ), poison ivy like I’ve never seen before, boulders, many trees, a pond, and a creek at its border. I have tried to exercise more gardening restraint at this property and try to keep maintenance to a minimum using easy care plants as much as possible. And shrubs, lots of shrubs.

My gardening life is a happy one.
All of this has led me to write my first book.
I hope you enjoy it.