Sustainability + Garden Consulting 

  Edible + native garden installation, education, + support for busy growers  

What we do

Let's get your hands dirty - in the way that fits your space, people, + goals.

Private Garden Consultations

An actionable, 1hr in‑person or virtual session to plan, update, or troubleshoot your garden.

Events

Hands-on, ready-to-run experiences perfect for parties, company outings, + get togethers.

School + Organizational Gardens

Design, installation, + ongoing support for schools, community spaces, senior centers, + companies.

Private Garden Consultations

For Individuals + Families

Whether you're starting fresh or trying to make an existing garden actually earn its keep, a focused 1hr consult will give you a clear, doable plan for your space.

New Garden Planning Consult
For brand-new or expanding spaces. We'll look at your site, talk through sun, soil, + water, + map out a first-season plan for beds, crops, + timing that fits your life.

Garden Tune-Up Consult
For existing gardens that underperformed or felt chaotic. We'll troubleshoot what happened, refine your layout + plant choice, + tweak soil, watering, + support so you can get better harvests.

Systems & Soil Consult
For gardeners who want their infrastructure dialed in. We'll cover what is most valuable to you: composting, drip irrigation, soil testing + amendment guidance, mulch options, + natural pest/disease strategies.
  •  
20220603_132401
Seed Sharing

Workshops + Events

Hands-on garden experiences for friends, teams, + communities

Bring people together around soil, seeds, + shiitakes. Workshops + events are ready-to run experiences where everyone leaves with something growing + a little more confidence in their green thumbs.

Shiitake Log Workshop
Roll up your sleeves for a shiitake log session. We'll drill, plug, + seal logs together so each participant leaves with a future mushroom log + clear care instructions. 

Garden Planning
Gather your friends, neighbors, or team to plan your gardens for the upcoming growing seasons. We'll walk through ideal planting windows, layout ideas, + crop choices so everyone leaves with a simple, tailored plan.

Seed Starting
Experience the joy of growing your garden with your own seedlings. We’ll cover what you need to go from seed to healthy seedling, avoid common mistakes, and set up simple, repeatable systems at home using methods like seed snails, small vessels, and peat moss pellets. 

Container Potting Party
Host a themed container party - cocktail, salsa, salad, pollinator, or herb gardens. Guests design + pot up their own containers to take home - we provide all materials + guidance.

Perfect for team-building, community events, birthdays, neighborhood groups, + PTAs. All materials are provided + events typically last 1.5 - 2hr.

School Gardens + Life Enrichment

Support for school gardens, assisted living life enrichment, + more

Design + support for edible, sensory, + pollinator gardens that plug into learning - not just landscaping. Together we'll define how the garden fits into your organization's day, who's responsible for what, and how to keep it alive throughout the growing season.

How we help you grow:

  • Garden concepts + layouts that match your space + population's needs
  • Instructor + volunteer coaching for planting + maintenance
  • Age appropriate planting plans + seasonal task lists
  • Ideas for integrating the garden into lessons + routines

Workplaces + Community Gardens

Growing teams, communities, + strong partnerships  one garden session at a time

Create a shared space that grows connection along with plants.  We support workplaces, HOAs, + community groups with edible + native plantings, work days, + workshops that get people outside + engaged.

How your team can grow stronger together:

  • Support your outdoor workspace with an edible, native, or pollinator garden 
  • Staff or volunteer work days with on-site guidance
  • Seasonal workshops or lunch-and-learns in the garden
  • Take your meetings outside with simple maintenance plans your teams can actually follow
33

Community Letters of Support, Thanks, + Interest Since September 2025

786lbs

Organic Produce Donated to Local Food Pantries

570

Students Taught Since September 2025

Meet Vegetable Katie

Katie Shamis

Sustainability + Garden Consultant

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.

For over 30 years, 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 Institute 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.

Headshot 1

Book Your Consultation