Your Dream Garden's Story

Hi, I'm Vanessa, and I'm here to help people experience gardening as a way of life, not yet another dreadful chore.

I was born and raised in the Philippines, and had made the big move to the United States in 2015.

After eight years in Michigan, I have embraced the challenges of a different climate alongside my discovery of gardening, starting with a rough patch of vegetables that has sustained most of our weekly needs.

Through the course of limited budget, setbacks with time and energy, spending too much time browsing the internet for conflicting gardening tips, and more DIYing than I can handle, I have slowly and steadily transformed our flat lawn into a flourishing garden at our Downriver home, featuring a good mix of flowers, fragrant herbs and seasonal vegetables.

The Mary prayer garden was the newest addition in 2023, as a memorial for my Mom. Apart from tending the edible patch, the prayer space helped me handle my grief in a purpose-filled, sensible way. Each color and bloom was a gentle reminder on how pain and love can be alongside each other, and though challenging, can still render a beautiful outcome.

The mission of Your Dream Garden is to evoke inspiration by helping you envision, create, and grow your own edible landscapes. Anybody can achieve success in gardening ON THEIR FIRST YEAR, with the right tools and guidance. The goal is to take away the overwhelm and frustration from the beginning, ensuring your learning and enjoyment throughout the process.

Wishing for a successful season, and looking forward to be part of your garden journey.