The one and only good thing about being empty nesters is that Chris and I have a bit more room in our home. Mary, our daughter, recently moved to the State of Washington. Either we could let her room remain empty so that the echo of our sighs and tears would be that much louder or we could gather the paint and drop cloths and get busy. Over the course of several weeks the room was transformed into a sitting room. While everyone in my family was questioning what exactly was a âSitting Room,â I answered calmly while rocking in the chair that was my grandmothers. It has become my sanctuary this winter. The bookshelf is filled with books that I always meant to read, but never got around to it. Finally, one by one, I am taking them down and enjoying each and every page. Recently I read âLate Bloomer by Jan Coppola Bills. Jan has a wonderful writing tone and easily encourages her readers to think differently about gardening. For this column, I have had the pleasure of interviewing Jan.
1. What lead you to write the book âLate Bloomerâ?
I never thought about writing a book until my friend, Lisa Steele from Fresh Eggs Daily, suggested I contact her publisher, and so I did. I had no idea what I was signing up for and feel blessed for the opportunity to tell my story. Writing my book was a great honor, I give all the glory to God!
Many times I found myself working in clientsâ gardens, on my hands and knees weeding, trimming, pruning, with ear buds in while reviewing chapters with my editor Cathy. Overall, it was one of the best experiences of my life and I am forever grateful St. Lynnâs Press took a chance with me.
2. Why do you describe yourself as a second-half-of -life gardener?
I describe myself as a second-half-of-life gardener because I am more passionate about the experience and less about the outcome, without forfeiting the beauty of lovely gardens. Second-half-of-life gardeners know what they can comfortably tend and make adjustments so they can continue doing what they love. Second-half-of-life gardeners are also great stewards of the earth.
3. You have said that you feel there is a shift in perspective when gardening in the second half of your life. What words or phrases might describe that shift?
One of my Late Bloomerâs Credos is that I will not concern myself with perfect. This is the most freeing thing practice a gardener can do for herself – also be willing to ask for help if needed, itâs OK, I promise.
4. Many gardeners might find your Late Bloomerâs Credo very freeing. Can you tell us what it is?
I am glad to hear gardeners find my Credo freeing! Gardening should be a love, not a labor of love. Once we become part of the garden and everything in it, we give up the notion of perfection and quickly learn nature is perfectly imperfect.
5. Are there any specific experiences that helped you to develop this credo?
Hands down my Credo was developed through years and years of experience, and doing everything wrong!
6. For our readers that want to attract monarch butterflies to their garden, what would you recommend?
I believe, first and foremost, the best thing we can do for the environment and to attract butterflies is to eliminate herbicides and pesticides entirely, no exceptions. It is cruel to add plants to attract wildlife then kill them off with herbicides when they show up. I am a no-chemical gardener. These same rules apply for all wildlife in the garden. My gardens would be boring if something was jumping, flying, crawling or hopping. All are necessary to maintain a balanced eco-system. Gardens are more than pretty plants and scents. I could talk about this topic forever!
7. What design tips might you have for our readers? Oh goodness, I have so many tips! Here are my top three:
⢠Right plant right place always!
⢠Have a plan before purchasing plants and read plant labels before buying.
⢠Always, always, always take out your measuring tape when planting. Leave enough elbow room to maneuver around between your home and your landscape.
8. What are some of the benefits to planting groundcover?
Groundcover is great because it reduces weeding, watering and mulching â much like lush gardens. It is important to note that groundcover covers the ground so do not be alarmed when it starts spreading. Research before planting to be sure that is the look you want in your gardens.
9. What are some items that homeowners should consider prior to purchasing annual flowers at a garden center?
I love annual flowers since they bloom all season. Unlike perennials, annual flowers in the landscape and planters require daily watering â not considered a sustainable practice. I prefer a couple gorgeous containers at the entrance for a pop of color where they are easy to get to water. If you are going to plant in containers, fill it up different colors, textures and interest for instant gratification.
10. Do you have any container gardening tips?
Always, always use good potting soil. If the planter is large, fill with triple shredded mulch (lighter than soil) and top with the good stuff. Cardinal rules: good drainage and right plant right place!
11. I love the Pink Bucket Challenge detailed in your book. Can you describe it for our readers?
The âPink Bucket Challengeâ is a practice I used to maintain my gardens after a hard dayâs work. I simply weed until the bucket is full, and then stop. This simple practice helps to keep my gardens weeded daily without feeling overwhelmed. It is a form of discipline and practice.
12. How might our readers purchase their own copy of the book âLate Bloomerâ?
Amazon, just Google: Late Bloomer Jan Bills
13. How can they connect with your company âTwo Women and a Hoeâ?
www.twowomenandahoe.com or www.facebook.com/twowomenandahoe or jan@twowomenandahoe.com
I hope that you too find a quiet place to read and enjoy Janâs book!
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
