Dear Alice Podcast: Expert Landscaping Advice from Ashley Childers | "Garden Like a Pro"

Episode Release Date: May 15, 2025

In this engaging episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall welcome Ashley Childers, a renowned interior and product designer, to share her extensive expertise on landscaping and gardening. With a rich background in creating beautiful living spaces, Ashley provides invaluable advice for both novice gardeners and seasoned enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor areas.

Introduction to Ashley Childers

The episode begins with a warm introduction of Ashley Childers, highlighting her impressive credentials in the home furnishings industry. Sue shares a heartfelt story about meeting Ashley years ago, emphasizing the lasting impact of her design insights.

Sue (03:24): "I remember when Ashley had the most beautiful booth at High Point. Her hand-painted papers in lavenders and golds inspired me to incorporate similar designs in my home."

Ashley’s Journey into Gardening

Ashley delves into her personal connection with gardening, attributing her passion to her grandmother and father who nurtured her love for plants from a young age. She recounts planting rose bushes in her first home, a tradition that has blossomed into a lifelong love affair with gardening.

Ashley (07:26): "My grandmother lived on a farm in Arkansas, and gardening was a way of life for her and my grandpa. That’s where my green thumb truly began."

Getting Started with Gardening Post-Freeze

As winter thaws and gardens come back to life, Ashley offers practical advice for beginners eager to start planting. She emphasizes the importance of choosing the right plants and preparing the soil adequately.

Ashley (09:36): "Start with easy-to-grow annuals like zinnias and cosmos. They’re forgiving and provide vibrant color throughout the summer."

Essential Gardening Techniques and Plant Recommendations

Ashley shares her top plant selections for beginners, stressing the benefits of direct sowing seeds versus starting seedlings indoors. She also discusses the care required for more delicate plants like roses and dahlias.

Ashley (11:12): "If you’re new to gardening, avoid starting with roses as they require more maintenance. Instead, opt for zinnias or cosmos to build your confidence."

Soil Preparation and Irrigation Tips

The conversation shifts to soil preparation, where Ashley advises on enriching garden beds with compost and conducting soil tests to ensure nutrient balance. She also highlights the importance of proper irrigation, recommending drip systems for efficient watering.

Ashley (16:57): "Amend your soil with compost every year to provide essential nutrients. For irrigation, a drip system ensures your plants receive consistent moisture without wastage."

Container Gardening Strategies

Ashley provides detailed guidance on container gardening, including selecting appropriate pot sizes, choosing plants that complement each other, and ensuring proper drainage. She emphasizes the aesthetic value of mixing textures and colors to create visually appealing arrangements.

Ashley (22:16): "In containers, use a mix of thrillers, fillers, and spillers. For example, pair tall salvia with cascading Creeping Jenny to add depth and movement to your pots."

Pest Management and Organic Practices

Addressing common garden challenges, Ashley discusses organic pest management strategies. She underscores the significance of maintaining healthy soil and using eco-friendly fertilizers to support plant growth while protecting beneficial insects like bees.

Ashley (34:52): "We use organic fertilizers and fungicides to keep our garden thriving without harming the bees. It’s crucial to balance plant health with environmental responsibility."

Designing with Ground Covers and Bed Borders

The hosts explore techniques for integrating ground covers and defining garden beds. Ashley recommends using materials like stacked stone for natural aesthetics and suggests versatile plants such as Creeping Jenny and classic ivy for effective ground coverage.

Ashley (39:24): "Creeping Jenny and Asiatic jasmine are excellent ground covers that add lushness to your garden while minimizing weed growth."

Creating a Cohesive Outdoor Space

Ashley emphasizes the importance of creating a cohesive outdoor environment that reflects personal style. She shares insights on maintaining structural elements like arbors and integrating climbing plants to enhance the romantic appeal of doorways and pathways.

Ashley (43:24): "Use eye hooks on arbors to support climbing roses or wisteria. This not only adds romance but also ensures your plants grow gracefully over structures."

Defining Luxury in Gardening

In the closing segment, Ashley defines luxury as creating a personalized environment that fosters relaxation and joy. She believes luxury lies in cultivating spaces that resonate with one’s personality and provide a sanctuary for cherished activities.

Ashley (46:08): "Luxury is having a space that feels like an extension of yourself, where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy the beauty you’ve created."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to Ashley for her insightful contributions. Hosts Jessica and Suzanne encourage listeners to explore their gardening potential by applying Ashley’s expert tips, promising a summer filled with blooming success.

Key Takeaways:

• Start Simple: Begin with easy-to-grow plants like zinnias and cosmos to build gardening confidence.
• Soil Matters: Enrich your soil with compost and perform soil tests to ensure optimal plant health.
• Efficient Watering: Implement drip irrigation systems for consistent and efficient watering.
• Container Creativity: Use a mix of thrillers, fillers, and spillers to create dynamic and aesthetically pleasing container arrangements.
• Organic Practices: Adopt organic fertilizers and pest management to maintain a healthy and eco-friendly garden.
• Personal Style: Design your outdoor space to reflect your personal style, incorporating structural elements and cohesive plant selections.
• Luxury Defined: Embrace the concept of luxury as creating a personalized and relaxing environment that enhances your quality of life.

Ashley Childers' expert advice offers listeners a comprehensive guide to transforming their gardens into beautiful, functional, and luxurious spaces. Whether you're a gardening novice or looking to refine your outdoor oasis, this episode provides the inspiration and knowledge needed to garden like a pro.