Introducing Glenside’s ‘The Mediocre Gardener’ column: Embracing imperfection in your green space

Welcome to The Mediocre Gardener: Embracing Imperfection in Your Green Space

Hi there! I’m Edel “The Mediocre Gardener” of Glenside, and through this monthly gardening column, I’m here to inspire you to embrace the joy, mistakes, and imperfections that come with cultivating your own green space. Whether you have a sprawling yard, a tiny balcony, or a few pots on a windowsill, you don’t need a green thumb or a perfect plan to make a difference.

What is a Mediocre Garden?

A Mediocre Garden is a place where imperfection thrives alongside life. It’s not about flawless rows of vegetables or meticulously pruned hedges. It’s about planting what you love, supporting local ecosystems, and finding joy in the process, even when things don’t go as planned. In my garden, weeds sometimes win, plants grow in unexpected places or even get eaten by bunnies. There’s always room for a little chaos. And you know what? That’s okay.

Why Mediocrity Matters

Gardening often feels intimidating. There’s so much advice out there, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the secret: you don’t need to know everything. You just need to start. Native trees and plants are especially powerful in the Mediocre Garden. They support local pollinators, require less maintenance, and can thrive in the conditions this area naturally offers. In my Glenside garden, native plants provide shelter for small animals, food for insects and birds, and a plant called milkweed helps support monarch butterflies. It’s all part of creating a space that’s functional and beautiful.

What to Expect From This Column

As a Montgomery County Master Gardener, I’ll share my own gardening successes and failures, tips for incorporating native plants into your space, and what to do depending on the season. I’ll also try to answer your questions and offer simple ways to make your space more wildlife friendly. You can send your questions to dearmediocregardener@gmail.com 

I’ll also highlight easy-to-grow plants for beginners, explain how small choices can make a big environmental impact, and even celebrate some of the weeds that deserve a second look. Together, we’ll learn that it’s okay to be imperfect, because even the smallest effort can make a big difference. 

Let’s Get Started

So, here’s my challenge for you: grab a plant, stick it in the dirt, and see what happens. Your Mediocre Garden won’t look like mine, and it doesn’t have to. What matters is that you take the first step. Who knows? You might even surprise yourself. My motto is “Mistakes Welcome”, so let’s embrace the joy of being mediocre together. 

For more about me and The Mediocre Gardener, you can visit my website.


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