We’re speaking with one of our most-loved gardeners – Cortney Johansen.
Wife, Mom, Grandma, Gardener & Nature lover. Creating a magical garden in harmony with nature.
About Cortney:
Tell us a little bit about yourself, and how your love for the outdoors began?
My love for the outdoors started at a young age. I spent a lot of my time playing outside around our neighborhood. My parents have always loved gardening and remodelling homes so I spent a lot of time playing in our garden and watching my parents spend their free time playing with plants and designing outdoor spaces. I think spending so much time outside as a kid, it encouraged a connection with nature.
What's the most rewarding part of sharing your gardening journey and
expertise online?
I love seeing garden transformations and the many ways so many talented
gardeners have used nature to extend their living areas into the great outdoors.
It’s also been really fun to make connections with other people all over the world that share the same passion to live in harmony with nature.
Who are some garden designers or artists (past or present) who have
significantly impacted your approach?
My parents were the first to encourage me and they still motivate me to get out and garden.
About Your Garden
What's the story behind your own garden's design? Did it evolve organically, or did you have a clear vision from the start?
My garden has 100% evolved organically. I knew that after we covered almost our entire backyard with grass that I instantly wanted to take most of it out.
I’ve slowly taken out sections of grass over the last several years just so I could add pathways, flowers and raised beds for growing both vegetables and flowers.
Focusing on small sections each year makes it a little easier to tackle
projects and gives you time to daydream and figure out new ways to extend your spaces outdoors.
What's one unique or unconventional element you love incorporating into a
garden design, whether it's a specific plant, material, or structural feature?
I love adding paths! Pathways provide structure to the garden and give a
direction for your visitors to follow. They help lead the way to admire your
favorite flowers or help provide the entrance into an amazing secret garden room. I also love adding creeping thyme and moss in-between the pavers to make it feel like your taking a magical stroll.
Gardening Advice
Beyond just planting, what are some essential habits or routines that
contribute to a thriving garden?
A great garden can come in many forms and whatever works for you and your family is what will contribute to your garden thriving. If its a place where you can relax, connect with family and slow down with nature then your garden is thriving.
What's the most valuable lesson you've learned through your years of
gardening and design?
There’s a lot of pretty gardens out there and really talented garden designers that have years of experience and its okay if your garden doesn’t look exactly like their perfectly designed garden. Gardens take time to become established so enjoy your garden journey without comparison and learn as you go. Its your garden so you’re the one who should enjoy spending time in it.
Find Cortney at... garden.charm on Instagram and TikTok.
