Hi, I’m Joan, an American artist living in Yorkshire, England, thrilled to be in a land of gardeners.  Gardening helps me relax and de-stress from living cross-culturally (not as similar as we think!), watch the wonder of growing things, the interaction of garden wildlife and bring more colour to my world. It also gives me opportunity spend more time with The Master Gardener, God. I’ll be sharing my process of turning a somewhat bland back garden and a mature front garden overgrown with lovely shrubs but overgrown nonetheless, into a colourful, engaging garden where I can sit and read, write, paint and pray—my husband might even join me. My art often reflects the beauties of gardens so I’ll add some images of my paintings and collages from time to time as well as reflections on some of the things God shows me in his wonderful creation.

Though I’ve picked up some British spelling and verb conjugation and even some British words and expressions, you’ll find that my American heritage will always show through. I’m writing and gardening in England but hope my international audience will find some things that fit any setting.