Welcome to In the Garden with Mother Gardener
Hello, and welcome! I’m Cortney Kern, the voice behind Mother Gardener, and I’m very much looking forward to connecting with my fellow gardeners and future green thumbs along the Colorado Front Range.
A bit about me for those I am just meeting for the first time- I’m a garden designer, educator, and advocate for sustainable living based in Fort Collins, Colorado. I’ve spent years working with the unique challenges and beauty of the Front Range, helping others create thriving gardens that connect them to nature and the seasons. Gardening has become more than a career or a hobby for me—it’s a way of life, a source of inspiration, and a constant reminder of how deeply we’re tied to the rhythms of the earth. I have grown my gardens in Denver, and Fort Collins alongside my two daughters and have seen how healing this space can be for all members of the family.
Why I’m Starting This Substack
For a long time, I’ve dreamed of creating a space where I can share not just gardening tips but also the personal stories and deeper lessons that have shaped my connection to the land. Social media often feels rushed and fragmented, and I wanted a quieter, more intentional platform to share my insights, experiences, and guidance.
This Substack is my way of slowing down and offering something meaningful—something that feels like a conversation between friends who love the earth, beauty, and the magic of gardens.
Why Now?
Life in the garden, much like life itself, is all about timing. Over the past few years, I’ve refined my vision for Mother Gardener and connected with so many wonderful clients, gardeners, and nature lovers. I’ve come to realize that sharing my story, my process, and my personal approach to gardening is one of the most valuable ways I can support and inspire others. That and my two daughters are now getting older and more independent, allowing me to pour more of myself into my passion of the written word.
Now feels like the right moment to embrace this next chapter, to cultivate a space where we can dig deeper together.
What You’ll Find Here
In the Garden with Mother Gardener is about more than just gardening—it’s about connecting to the earth, living in harmony with the seasons, and finding joy in the beauty and simplicity of nature. Here’s what you can expect:
Seasonal Gardening Tips: Practical advice tailored to the Front Range and beyond.
Nature Connection Prompts: Simple, reflective practices to deepen your relationship with the natural world.
Crafts and Seasonal Rituals: Hands-on projects and ideas to bring the magic of the seasons into your home and garden.
Personal Stories: Behind-the-scenes glimpses of my own gardening journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and the inspiration I draw from everyday moments in the garden.
Native Plant Spotlights: Insights into plants that thrive locally and support biodiversity.
I’ll post weekly updates, with seasonal highlights, thoughtful essays, and practical resources to keep you inspired throughout the year.
Why Subscribe?
Becoming a subscriber means joining a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about gardening, sustainability, and living in rhythm with the earth.
For free subscribers, you’ll receive:
Weekly posts with seasonal tips, ideas, and inspiration.
Nature connection prompts and selected highlights from my journey.
Paid subscribers will gain access to exclusive content, including:
Monthly gardening guides with detailed checklists and how-tos.
Seasonal practices and creative projects not shared elsewhere.
Behind-the-scenes insights into my gardening process.
Video tutorials and priority access to workshops and events.
Native plant spotlights and in-depth lessons for thriving in your garden.
A Personal Note of Thanks
I’m so grateful to have you here. Whether you’re growing your first garden or have been tending the land for years, this is a space for all of us to learn, grow, and connect. Your support, whether through subscribing, commenting, or simply reading, means the world to me.
Let’s dig in and grow something beautiful together.
Warmly,
Cortney Kern
Mother Gardener