Editor’s Note:  In our previous two posts we talked about how Ohio native Joseph Tychonievich, who lives and gardens in Virginia has used his knowledge and talents to inspire home gardeners to try their hand at plant breeding. 

In this segment we’ll talk about the key things that are important for gardeners to understand and how Joseph and his puppy Bohdi co-exist in the garden.  We’re happy to share Joseph’s knowledge and expertise and encourage you to buy his books!

What Are the Most Important Things for Gardeners to Understand?
Joseph has been named by Organic Gardening magazine as "...one of six young horticulturists who are helping to shape how America gardens".  Here are some things that he reminds us all to keep in mind as we garden.

1.     Plants sometimes die. That's okay. You aren't a bad gardener if you kill a plant, it is just part of the learning process. 

2.     Embrace the conditions where you garden. If you live in a desert, you can try and grow a classic English garden, but you'll have a lot more success, and a lot more fun, if you embrace the plants that love your conditions as they are and stop fighting it.

3.     Finally, spend lots of time in public gardens in your local climate. There is no better way to get gardening ideas that will work for you than to walk through a great garden and take notes. 

Can Pets and Gardeners Co-exist?
Joseph sometimes features his darling dog Bodhi on his Facebook page so we talked about how he and his adorable dog co-exist with his garden.  Like most puppy owners, Joseph has learned to control Bodhi’s access to the garden. “We've fenced off part of the yard for him to run around in, and he's only allowed in the other areas when he can be closely supervised. In his part of the yard, I'm planting big, vigorous tropicals that can take a little puppy rough housing.”

About: As you can tell from these blog posts, Joseph Tychonievich has been gardening most of his life and grows everything from agaves to zucchini. Joseph lives and gardens with his husband and assorted furry companions in eastern Virginia.

If you’re interested in plant breeding or alpine plants, Joseph’s books Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener and Rock Gardening: Reimagining a Classic are must reads.  If you’d like to explain the mystery of your garden obsession to someone you love  The Complete Guide to Gardeners: The Plant Obsessed and How to Deal With Them is a fun and funny guide that may help them understand your need for plants!

Joseph’s three books are pictured below. To purchase one or all of them just select each book’s individual “Buy on Amazon” button.

Photos courtesy of Joseph Tychonievich. Banner photo shows a gorgeous bouquet of gladiolus that Joseph bred. Sorry, no name yet.

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