Consulting, Coaching, + Education

 
 Garden Consultant to all colors of thumbs. 

 What do we do? 

Let's get your hands dirty.

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Consultation

in-person -or- virtual

Discussion-based solutions for new spaces and those looking to glow up their gardens and expertise.

Your 60-minute consultation will cover up to three topics.

  • new garden spaces
  • existing garden glow-up
  • trellising
  • composting
  • drip irrigation options
  • soil health 101
  • disease prevention 101
  • seasonal garden planning + succession sowing
  • seasonal maintenance schedule for perennials

Coaching

in-person -or- virtual

Hands-on learning for established spaces, hosted as a 1:1 or as a household.

Your coaching session happens in your garden and teaches essential practices such as:

  • seasonal bed preparation
  • how to test + amend your soil
  • best practices
    • planting + sowing
    • pruning + support
    • watering + fertilizing
  • seedling starting + methods
  • propagation
  • growing gourmet mushrooms
  • tool selection + upkeep
  • ID + treat pests + disease naturally

Together we'll grow your plant knowledge and keep your gardens thriving.

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Planting Plan edit

Creation 

in-person -or- virtual

The next step for bringing your Consultation to life.

Using your garden design you can DIY, take on the project together, or have VK Gardens do the heavy lifting for a no-fuss installation.

Whichever way you choose, we'll take on the dirty work of sourcing your materials and getting them onsite.

Events 

Host a garden planning night out, a themed container potting party, or bust out some power tools for a shiitake log inoculation session.

All project materials will be provided. Everyone leaves as a plant/mushroom parent.

Man pulling carrots from the earth in his garden

 Because why stop at one? 

Ways we grow

  • Containers
  • Grow bags
  • Hanging baskets
  • In jars
  • Inside your home
  • On logs and in hay
  • Raised garden beds

What we grow

  • Cocktail gardens
  • Herb gardens
  • Italian Gravy gardens
  • Kitchen gardens
  • Medicinal gardens
  • Mushroom gardens
  • Native plant gardens
  • Pollinator gardens
  • Salsa gardens
  • Salad gardens
  • Sensory gardens
  • Square Foot gardens
  • Tea gardens

Why we grow

  • For fun
  • To get outside more
  • For the beauty
  • Seasonal produce is the most delicious
  • Have an engaging space for you and your kids to enjoy
  • To host awesome BBQs and hangouts

book your consultation + coaching sessions

creation + events

Fill out the form below to start planning your garden creation or event

 Who is VK Gardens? 

Get to know Vegetable Katie

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Katie Shamis

Garden Consultant and Coach

Gardening and produce are in my blood.  My great-grandfather arrived from Greece and delivered fresh produce to stores and restaurants in the Chicago area via horse and wagon.  Since I was a child, we've embraced my great-grandfather's spirit and have kept a garden.

Everywhere I've lived, I've built a garden and have helped my friends and neighbors build their gardens.  Having created dozens of green spaces, I furthered my knowledge and earned my Level II Master Square Foot Gardener and Raw Food Insititute Coach certifications.

VK Gardens came to be because of my best friend's daughter.  Her affectionate moniker of Vegetable Katie (VK) helped me to recognize my passion for gardening and how I share it with others.

To me, a garden is a playground full of adventures and knowledge.  It's a place to breathe, sit with yourself, and grow with your plants.  I love to learn and show the fun a garden brings, and I'd love to share that light with you.

Contact Us

Questions? 

Fill out the form below, and we'll be in touch.

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