This month, we’re delighting in the vibrant seasonal shift as we sit down with Heather from @heatherhereshegrows.
Known for her beautifully curated garden space, creative plant pairings, and passion for all things green, Heather’s page is a constant source of inspiration for gardeners of all levels.
In this October feature, we chat with Heather about her approach to autumn gardening, her favorite seasonal planting ideas, and how she styles our Regency Zinc Planters to bring timeless elegance and structure to her garden porch.
About Heather & Her Gardening Journey
Welcome to View from the Garden, Heather! Could you start by introducing yourself and telling us a little bit about your page, @heatherhereshegrows, and what inspired you to start sharing your garden with others?
Hello! I've been gardening for nearly 30 years in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, IL, where we have hot, humid summers. Our winters are cold but unpredictable, with temperatures that swing between bitter cold and occasional warm spells. We rarely have consistent snow cover, so plants are exposed to those temperature fluctuations all winter. My garden, as most gardens tend to be, is a constant experiment full of trial and error. But that's what keeps me interested and engaged.
My suburban garden is small, the borders tight. I'm always looking for plants that not only fit the space but give multi-season interest to the garden. It wasn't until I started my blog, Here She Grows, and became an unwilling participant in social media to promote the blog, that I realized there were plenty of other DIY gardeners looking for ideas, inspiration and advice for creating gardens in smaller spaces. It snowballed from there.
How would you describe your personal gardening style, and where do you find most of your garden design inspiration?
I’d describe my garden as an American cottage garden, with layers of plants chosen for their beauty across multiple seasons. I love mixing flowers, foliage, shrubs and trees to create a garden that feels lush and natural but has good bones and something interesting to offer throughout the year.
Your Garden & The Agriframes Zinc Planters
Your garden space is looking beautiful this season! What drew you to the Agriframes Regency Zinc Trough Metal Planter, and how have they helped structure or style your outdoor space?
I was drawn to the Regency trough’s classic, sleek design. It has an understated elegance that fits beautifully with my cottage-garden style, and its generous size allows me to combine plants with different textures, colors and forms. I love that the planter itself adds beauty and structure to the space, even as the seasons - and the plantings - change.
Zinc planters add such a timeless, elegant feel to a garden or patio. Do you have any favorite plant combinations or container styling tips for making the most of them?
Contrast is what makes a container design interesting. Bold next to delicate, upright next to trailing and large leaves next to small ones. Each plant plays a different role in the composition. And I'm a foliage before flowers kind of gardener. Flowers come and go, but great foliage is constant and keeps a container interesting throughout the growing season.
My Regency trough sits in a shady, north-facing spot, so I chose plants that thrive in lower light while offering contrasting textures. I love the bold, variegated leaves of Kong coleus paired with the delicate, feathery texture of foxtail fern and the graceful, cascading habit of creeping Jenny spilling over the edges.
October Gardening & Seasonal Transitions
As we head into October, what are your key priorities and jobs in the garden right now?
As we head into October, I’m focused on making the most of the fall planting season. It’s an ideal time to divide and move perennials, as well as add new ones. The soil is still warm, temperatures are cooler and rainfall tends to be more reliable, giving plants time to establish strong root systems before winter.
Honestly, I think fall is a better time to plant most perennials than spring! I’m also getting ready to plant my spring-flowering bulbs and garlic toward the end of the month.
Aged Zinc Planters
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Future Works
Is there a specific milestone or achievement from your career so far that you are most proud of?
I’m proud of how I’ve transitioned from creating content for magazine readers to building Here She Grows into something much more personal. What started as a career in garden writing has evolved into a community of gardeners who share a common goal: creating beautiful gardens, often on a budget.
Through my blog and social media, I love sharing ideas, inspiration and practical advice that help people see the potential in their own spaces. The most rewarding part is that it no longer feels like a job. It feels like sharing something I love with people who love it, too.
Are there any exciting projects, upcoming events, or products/brands you’d love to plug or share with our readers today?
I’m always experimenting in my garden and sharing what I learn along the way!
Through Here She Grows, I share garden design ideas, plant combinations and practical tips to help gardeners create beautiful spaces without breaking the bank. You can find me on YouTube, Instagram and my blog, where I share everything from choosing the right plants to creating a garden with year-round interest. I love inspiring gardeners to work with the space and budget they have and discover just how beautiful their own gardens can be.
