Our Mission
Nurturing the People–Plant Connection
Growing Joy CT nurtures the people–plant connection to promote joy and wellness through the
provision of garden consulting services, interior plantscaping and horticultural therapy services
for individuals and institutions.
Michael has decades of experience working in gardens,
from toddling around with his great grandfather to lugging buckets of water up to his Brooklyn
rooftop garden, to reclaiming his home lawn for food and flower production, to establishing a
1500 square foot vegetable garden at his current home. Michael has a wealth of classroom and
practical horticultural experience with plants in the garden, in the home, and at institutions.
In the Garden
High-quality gardens depend on high-quality preparation. Knowing and planning around your sun
and shade conditions, soil quality and microclimate will impact the success of your garden.
Michael has years of experience navigating these considerations and will help you get set up
for success. He has trialed, failed and succeeded with a range of flowers and edible crops.
His experience can help you select the varieties and cultivars that you want, and that have
the highest likelihood of success in your unique garden.
Whether you're just getting started, are frustrated with your past struggles, or are looking
to elevate your current garden, Michael is available for a consultation that will help you
develop a customized plan to realize your hopes and dreams.
Therapeutic Horticulture
Michael holds a certificate in Horticultural Therapy from the Horticultural Therapy Institute
at Colorado State University. He provides programming for individuals, groups and institutions
that seek to use the people–plant connection to promote wellness and rehabilitation.
Sessions are thoughtfully designed to be supportive, inclusive and engaging, helping
participants experience the physical, emotional and social benefits of working with plants.
Interior Plantscapes
Plants help make a house a home, yet many people struggle to keep them alive. “Right plant,
right place” is the key to helping your houseplants thrive, and each plant has unique light
and watering requirements.
Michael can take the guesswork out of greening your home. His extensive experience caring for
plants in residential and commercial spaces is exactly what you need to help your indoor plants
truly thrive.
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