When the plant catalogs begin to arrive, our eyes are filled with botanical eye candy of every color, shape and size. We want them all, of course. The challenge is to look beyond the pretty flowers and actively seek out plants that deliver more…more food for pollinators, greater durability, brighter colors for shade, and visual interest through all four seasons. As you begin to see plants from a new perspective, we’ll consider the all of the benefits they offer, not just their pretty faces, and help you plan a more eco-conscious garden. We’re moving beyond pretty and into the realm of more.

About Susan Martin
Susan Martin is a native Michigander who enjoys sharing her passion for plants, gardening and the business of horticulture with fellow plant enthusiasts across North America. She is a freelance horticultural marketer, writer and speaker who has spent over two decades in the horticulture industry in marketing, sales, new plant development and consulting. As someone who works with people at every level of the business, from the breeder to the consumer, it is her mission to connect those producing plants to the people making the final purchase. Susan is an avid gardener who doesn’t just talk the talk—she walks the walk in her own zone 6 garden which has been featured in print and online and has received visitors from around the world. She invites you to take a stroll through her shade garden on Facebook and Instagram @Gardener Sue’s News.