Spring 2025

Welcome to another year at Wildland Gardens! It’s hard to believe how quickly time passes, but we’re excited to share what this season has in store. The tradition of our plant sale has grown year by year, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the continued support from our local community. It’s amazing to see how many of you return season after season to purchase plants that have been carefully nurtured right here in Central Arkansas.

Looking back on last summer, we had some standout successes. Our peppers were absolutely fantastic, and our sweet potatoes grew longer and more plentiful than ever before. That Kellogg’s Breakfast tomato is still a favorite—its vibrant color and flavor never disappoint. We also planted more roselle hibiscus than ever, giving Jamie plenty of opportunity to perfect his iced tea recipe. Of course, gardening in Arkansas is always a mix of surprises, so it’s never a guarantee, but we love the challenge of planting varieties that can hold their own, even in the face of unpredictable weather.

That’s why we’re passionate about creating a garden that can handle whatever nature throws at us. Not every plant will thrive each season, but we focus on growing varieties that are resilient and productive. Even if some plants face challenges, there’s always something to celebrate in the garden.

This whole endeavor started because I couldn’t find the plants that worked for me. After many seasons of frustration with cracked tomatoes and plants that couldn’t handle the local conditions, I knew I had to take a different approach. I wasn’t interested in buying from nurseries that offered mass-produced varieties, so I began growing my own. The plants we offer for sale are the same ones we grow for ourselves—tried and tested right here in our own garden. While there are always risks in gardening, these plants are far more likely to thrive in your garden compared to others available out there.

We’ve always aimed for a balanced, sustainable approach to gardening. We appreciate the role of so-called "weeds" if they attract pollinators or offer shelter for beneficial creatures. We don’t use harmful chemicals; instead, we work with the land to encourage a diverse ecosystem that includes toads, frogs, bees, and all the little helpers that make our farm so vibrant. Our goal has never been to expand just for the sake of growth. Instead, we seek a harmonious way of living with the land and sharing that experience with others. Our hope is to create a space where gardeners can connect, share knowledge, and grow together.

If you have any questions, want to share your own gardening tips, or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out. We love hearing from fellow gardeners and exchanging ideas. Thank you for supporting Wildland Gardens, and we can’t wait to see what this season brings!

Best,
Melissa Cowper-Smith
Spring 2025
wildlandgardens@gmail.com

Our Spring Interns Adia and Madison!