One of the most humbling—and rewarding—parts of gardening is realizing that no two seasons are ever the same. Every year brings its own set of surprises. Some plants thrive, others stubbornly refuse to sprout, and occasionally the weather itself has the final say no matter how carefully you’ve planned. Gardening, at its core, is about patience, adaptability, and learning as you go.
That said, there’s immense value in starting each season with wisdom from those who’ve spent years studying the soil, the blooms, and the rhythms of the natural world. To help us prepare for the months ahead, I turned to Phoebe Poole of Weatherlow Florals, a gardener and floral designer who brings both expertise and artistry to her work. With her guidance, we can approach our summer gardens with a little more clarity—and a lot more hope.
Embracing Imperfection
The first truth Phoebe emphasizes is one that every gardener eventually learns: perfection doesn’t exist in the garden. “Some years, despite your best efforts, certain plants just won’t make it,” she explains. A surprise heatwave, a late frost, or even an unexpected pest can wipe out a crop. Instead of seeing these setbacks as failures, Phoebe encourages viewing them as part of the ongoing education gardening offers.
Each season teaches you something new about the plants you’re tending, the soil you’re working with, and even yourself. That kale that bolted too soon? A reminder to plant it earlier next year. The tomato that split on the vine? A sign you may have overwatered after a dry spell. Mistakes, Phoebe reminds us, are not wasted—they’re steppingstones.
Start with a Plan
While surprises are inevitable, starting with a thoughtful plan helps set your garden up for success. Phoebe suggests beginning with these questions:
- What do you want out of your garden? Are you craving fresh herbs for cooking, bursts of color in your yard, or vegetables for family dinners? Your goals should guide your plant choices.
- How much space do you have? A sprawling yard offers different possibilities than a small patio or sunny kitchen windowsill. Even limited spaces can flourish with the right plants.
- What’s realistic for your lifestyle? If you travel often, low-maintenance plants are best. If you’re excited to spend hours tending, you can choose more delicate or high-yield varieties.
By narrowing your vision before you head to the nursery, you’ll avoid overwhelm and create a garden that truly serves you.
Choosing the Right Plants
According to Phoebe, one of the biggest mistakes new gardeners make is planting too much, too soon. “It’s better to grow fewer things well than to spread yourself too thin,” she says. A small, manageable garden not only reduces stress but also increases your chances of enjoying real results.
She recommends starting with hardy, beginner-friendly plants that thrive in your climate. For vegetables, think tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, or green beans. For flowers, try zinnias, marigolds, or sunflowers, which are cheerful, forgiving, and resistant to common pests. Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley are excellent choices too—they grow quickly and offer instant rewards in the kitchen.
The key is to build confidence with plants that give back generously before moving on to trickier or more time-intensive varieties.
Pay Attention to Timing
Success in gardening often comes down to timing. Phoebe stresses the importance of knowing your local growing season: when the last frost passes in spring, when the first frost usually hits in fall, and how long your warmest months last.
With this information, you can map out a planting calendar. Start seeds indoors if needed, stagger plantings for continuous harvests, and don’t forget to leave room for late-season crops like kale or radishes. “Gardening is about working with the rhythms of nature, not against them,” Phoebe reminds us.
Create a Daily Ritual
While planning is important, consistency is where the magic really happens. A few minutes each day can make all the difference. Phoebe suggests creating a small ritual: watering in the cool morning hours, pulling a handful of weeds before dinner, or simply walking through your garden to notice changes.
This daily attention doesn’t just keep your plants healthy—it helps you slow down and truly enjoy the process. Gardening becomes less about tasks to check off and more about moments to savor.
Celebrate the Journey
Perhaps the most important advice Phoebe offers is this: celebrate the journey, not just the outcome. Gardens aren’t only about perfect rows of vegetables or picture-worthy flowers. They’re about the quiet joy of watching a seed sprout, the fragrance of fresh soil after rain, the satisfaction of clipping herbs for tonight’s meal.
Some seasons will overflow with abundance, while others might feel like more work than reward. But every year, every attempt, adds to your knowledge and deepens your connection to the earth. And that, Phoebe says, is the real beauty of gardening.
Final Thoughts
Planning your summer garden doesn’t mean guaranteeing perfection. It means setting intentions, listening to expert wisdom, and opening yourself to the lessons nature has to offer. With Phoebe Poole’s thoughtful approach, we can step into this season with curiosity, patience, and a sense of wonder.
After all, in the garden—as in life—growth is rarely linear. It’s a cycle of trial, error, and unexpected triumphs. And that’s what makes it so deeply rewarding.
