Hello — I’m Caryn.
The woman behind the Gardener's Field Guide.
I grew up in a family of tough, independent, and endlessly resourceful people - gardeners, seamstresses, cooks, carpenters, machinists, farmers, military - blue collar to the core. My mom and her siblings grew up in a house where you hunted and fished and raised your food and you made your own clothes.
I spent the majority of my childhood with her parents and siblings and my cousins - learning what plants in the forest were edible, what tracks and trails meant for the movement of animals, building intuition about the weather and seasons, how to make suet for the birds in the winter, how to compost and dig for worms, how to crochet an stitch and cook and garden. I feel so lucky.
These skills, for them, were of necessity: survival and resilience in the face of struggles. For me, they were a gift. When I think of what my grandparents and even my parents grew up with, I feel both deep sadness for the painful situations they endured, and immense pride for the work and sacrifices that have made my life possible.
That upbringing gave me something complicated and rare: grit, determination, curiosity — and, with the privilege I now have, the space to enjoy life’s softer moments.
Gardening has always come naturally, and became the place where I could hold space to honor hard work while practicing gentleness, curiosity, and care. Here I share small experiments, plain-spoken notes, and design ideas born from that balance of toughness and tenderness.
I used to think gardening was a natural skill that everyone possessed. I was wrong. Friends, neighbors, and strangers often ask for advice or pause to admire my garden — things I consider simple and straightforward, but many find overwhelming and confusing. This guide is meant to bridge that gap.
Gardening advice is usually either overly technical or painfully vague. I wanted something in the middle: practical, friendly, and grounded in the real world of today. My goal is to help you feel confident making choices in your garden — whether you’re growing a single pot on a balcony or redesigning an entire landscape.
I write like I talk: plainly, with curiosity, and a little mischief. Expect plant profiles, seasonal to-dos, step-by-step experiments you can try, and design notes that prioritize beauty and ease.
My gardening philosophy:
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Experiment often. Gardens are living labs — small tests beat big guesses. If something doesn't work out, no big deal. Try something else.
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Design for utility and delight. You don't have to trade one for the other. They live together harmoniously in nature and in our natural, designed spaces.
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Keep things simple. Good gardens are low-fuss, high-joy.
I believe gardens are where resilience meets softness: the stubbornness I inherited learns to welcome patience and pleasure.
I hope you enjoy reading this resource as much as I'm enjoying creating it!
xo
Caryn