Hi! I’m Lisa, Midwest Garden Gal (MGG). A certified Master Gardener volunteer with Iowa State Extension since 2011, I’m an author, blogger, speaker, consultant, and frequent podcast guest.
In 2016, I founded Midwest Garden Gal, LLC and now help gardeners around the world find success in their gardens, from a few pots on a patio to multi-bed annual, perennial and veggie paradises.I create my own classes, which I present throughout the United States and virtually, everywhere. I have been featured in many publications. My numerous speaking appearances include the Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show, Wisconsin Garden & Landscape Expo, Tulsa Herb Society, Builders Home Show St. Louis, Peoria Home Show and numerous Master Gardener and garden club events.
I am honored to be a member of the Linn County, Iowa Master Gardener’s Planting for Pollinators Initiative. That project was featured in the Community Service category for the Search for Excellence Award at the 2019 International Master Gardener Conference in Philadelphia.
My first book, Cheap Tricks Gardening: ‘Cause You Don’t Need to Spend a Fortune for Fabulous was published in 2022 and is based on my popular class by the same name. Follow me by signing up for my emails and joining my social media pages. You can find the links on the home page.
I’m blessed to be mom to two adult children and two standard poodles. I believe in all kinds of education, green or otherwise, and hold a Master of Strategic Leadership (MSL) graduate degree. My mission for Midwest Garden Gal is to break down barriers and fears around gardening so everyone can find success in their own spaces. I believe gardening is a grand experiment that should be filled with joy, fun and victories! I use a down to earth approach (no intimidating Latin words here!) to share research-based garden education that leads to early wins, quick successes, and long-term enjoyment in your home garden.
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In my garden
My private home garden began when I purchased my home in 2005. Starting from near zero, today’s gardens include a custom designed garden shed complete with front porch, a hidden away back patio tucked into a secluded corner, expansive borders with a mix of perennials and annuals, natives and non-natives, along with 9 raised beds, vertical gardening elements and numerous containers, most of which are vintage auction finds or heritage family connections. Today’s garden demonstrates a growing interest in pollinator-supporting natives with the addition of dedicated pollinator and native gardens in recent years.
Garden recognition:
Let’s get growing!
~ Lisa
