Organic Gardens/Expert Profile

Expertise

We will research and answer all questions about organic gardening, soil building, square foot gardening, composting, mulching, planting techniques, sustainable gardening, sustainability, garden design, and how to create a simple reflection pool to attract birds and wildlife. Over the years we have learned that plants respond to the garden's aesthetics, soil conditions, and the attitude of the gardener. The healthier the soil and soul, the healthier the plants become, and are therefore more able to resist insect attacks.

Experience in the area

40 years experience in private and professional organic gardening, creating formal gardens, giving organic gardening workshops, and sharing our insights, both in the Southwest and the Northwest.

Publications

"Growing with the Seasons" a book by Frank and Vicky Giannangelo about their adventures in organic gardening, community, sustainability, and personal growth. Avant-Gardening Tid-Bytes, an online newsletter we published monthly from 2001-2008. The articles are archived on our website.

Education/Credentials

We both have BA degrees. Vicky from the University of Washington, and Frank from the University of Arizona. We have learned by experience, the best teacher...!

Awards and Honors

NM Book Awards. Second place for "Growing with the Seasons" a book by Frank and Vicky Giannangelo about their adventures in organic gardening, community, sustainability, and personal growth.

Past/Present Clients

We are now back in WA state, creating organic display gardens on San Juan Island, WA and will be open to the public for produce, cut flowers, and culinary herbs. Seasonal.

What do you like about this subject?

The discovery of the creative and spiritual aspects of gardening.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

We learn something new each growing season and hope to continue to be able to share our gardening insights, physical and spiritual, with others.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Plants respond to the garden's aesthetics, soil conditions, and the attitude of the gardener. The healthier the soil and soul, the healthier the plants become, and are therefore more able to resist insect attacks.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

We like to think of gardening as an "action-meditation", which over time becomes an unconscious response to the needs of the garden, and inspires creativity - thus providing the gardener with insights into the creative and spiritual aspects of gardening. Please check our website for organic gardening information/newsletter: http://www.avant-gardening.com