About Grace Miller - Founder of Veridian Gardens

Hi, I'm Grace Miller, and I'm so glad you're here. I'm a passionate home gardener, lifelong nature lover, and the founder and writer behind Veridian Gardens. With over 15 years of hands-on gardening experience, I've grown everything from backyard vegetable beds to vibrant ornamental gardens — and a whole lot in between.

My gardening journey began in a small Midwestern town, where I spent summers helping my grandmother tend her rows of tomatoes, basil, and zinnias. Those early moments — hands in the soil, learning from someone who truly loved the land — planted the seeds for a lifelong passion. Since then, I've expanded that experience across different climates, small-space gardening, and sustainable techniques that work in real life, not just on paper.

My Gardening Experience & Credentials

Gardening isn't just a hobby for me — it's a way of life that has shaped my expertise over nearly two decades. I've personally:

• Grown over 30 varieties of vegetables and herbs in home garden beds, containers, and raised beds across three different climate zones (USDA zones 5-7)
• Designed and maintained low-maintenance flower borders for seasonal interest year-round
• Successfully cultivated a rotating collection of over 50 indoor plants, including rare varieties and challenging species
• Built multiple compost systems, improved poor clay and sandy soils, and developed integrated pest management strategies
• Led community garden workshops for over 200 participants and organized informal seed swaps reaching 50+ local gardeners
• Transitioned parts of my garden to certified organic, pollinator-friendly, and water-wise methods, reducing water usage by 40%
• Mentored 25+ beginning gardeners through one-on-one consultations and seasonal garden planning

Formal Education & Certifications:

• Certified Master Gardener, Illinois Extension Program (2018-present)
• Sustainable Landscape Design Certificate, Morton Arboretum (2020)
• Organic Gardening Specialist Certification, Northeast Organic Farming Association (2019)
• Regular continuing education through annual horticultural conferences and workshops

Everything I share on Veridian Gardens comes from real-world gardening experience — not theory. My content is tested in my own gardens before publication.

Areas of Expertise

Over the years, I've developed particular knowledge and documented success in:

• Edible Gardening – From seed starting and soil preparation to harvesting fresh produce in urban, suburban, and rural spaces. I've achieved consistent 80%+ germination rates and successfully grow year-round produce using season extension techniques.
• Ornamental & Houseplants – Tips for selecting, styling, and caring for plants that make your space bloom indoors and out. I specialize in low-light indoor gardening and have maintained a 95% plant survival rate over five years.
• Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Practices – Composting, companion planting, natural pest control, and gardening with pollinators in mind. My garden supports over 15 native bee species and has been recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

I stay current through subscriptions to leading horticultural publications including American Horticulturist, Fine Gardening, and Organic Gardening Magazine. I also maintain active memberships in the National Gardening Association and local horticultural societies, attend annual conferences, and continuously test new techniques in my own gardens.

Recognition & Authority in the Gardening Community

My expertise has been recognized through:

• Featured Expert in Midwest Gardening Magazine (2022-2024) with quarterly columns on seasonal gardening
• Regular Contributor to University of Illinois Extension publications and online gardening Q&A forums, answering over 500 gardening questions annually
• Guest Speaker at 15+ local garden clubs and community events, including the annual Midwest Garden Expo
• Award Winner for "Best Educational Container Garden Display" at Chicago Flower & Garden Show (2021, 2023)
• Recognized Community Leader for building and maintaining container gardens for three senior living centers, impacting 200+ residents

Media Appearances & Features:

• Featured gardening expert on WGN Radio weekly garden show (2023-present)
• Quoted in Chicago Tribune as expert source on sustainable gardening practices
• Guest on ABC 7 Chicago morning show for seasonal gardening segments

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

• Master Gardener, Illinois Extension Program (Active member since 2018)
• National Gardening Association (Member since 2019)
• Illinois State Horticultural Society (Board member, 2022-present)
• Certified Wildlife Habitat Program (Property certified 2020)
• American Horticultural Society (Supporting member)

My Mission & Editorial Standards

At Veridian Gardens, my mission is to:

• Inspire people to start gardening, no matter their space or experience level
• Educate through trustworthy, research-backed, easy-to-understand guides and tips
• Support readers with real-world advice that leads to successful, rewarding gardening experiences

Content Standards & Accuracy: All content published on Veridian Gardens follows strict editorial guidelines. I personally test all techniques in my own gardens before recommending them, cite scientific sources where appropriate, and regularly update articles based on new research and seasonal results. When I use AI tools to assist with content creation, I thoroughly review, fact-check, and enhance every piece with my personal experience and expertise.

I believe in slow growth, shared wisdom, and nurturing the bond between people and plants. Every piece of content is designed to be approachable, empowering, and backed by genuine, tested experience.

Transparency & Contact Information

Connect with Grace:

• Email: [email protected]
• Location: Naperville, Illinois - USDA Zone 5b
• Years of Experience: 15+ years (2008-present)
• Garden Types: Personal home gardens, community spaces, container gardens
• Specialties: Organic vegetable gardening, native plant landscaping, small-space solutions

Content Disclosure: This site may contain affiliate links to products I personally use and recommend. I only recommend products I have tested in my own gardens or would use myself. All opinions and recommendations are my own, based on real gardening experience.

Last Updated: July 12, 2025

Let's Grow Together

Whether you're a curious beginner, a seasoned plant parent, or just exploring ways to bring more green into your life — you're in the right place. I'd love for you to explore my latest articles, follow along with seasonal tips, and become part of our growing community of garden enthusiasts.

Thanks for visiting — let's dig in and grow something beautiful together.