Cultivating Creativity: how Gardening and Art Shape my Life

Gardening has always been a part of my life. Growing up on acreage near Madison, Wisconsin, I was surrounded by gardens, orchards, and berry patches. My mom tended vibrant flower and vegetable gardens, while my dad managed multiple orchards, berry patches, and his own vegetable plots. I spent countless hours helping—pruning trees, piling brush, working in my dad’s shop, and assisting with seasonal harvests.

Those early experiences planted the seeds for my lifelong passions—gardening, cooking, and spending time in nature. Today, those same passions influence not only my lifestyle but also my artistic process and creative vision.

Building My Own Garden Space

After 14 years of renting, I finally purchased my first property in 2020. The yard was far from perfect—trash, junk, and overgrown branches littered both the front and back. It took over six months to clean and clear the space, but the effort was worth it.

I started small, planting shrubs and greenery along the edges of the property. Over time, my vision grew, and I began transforming the yard into a food forest and flower garden. I wanted to create a zen-like retreat—a functional and peaceful space that my roommates and I could enjoy.

With guidance from my parents, I learned how to properly care for plants, balance layouts, and experiment with different arrangements. One of my proudest projects was building a wooden retaining wall and a backyard parking lot with my dad over a week-long visit. That experience reinforced how rewarding it is to invest time, creativity, and effort into shaping outdoor spaces.

A Space for Growth and Inspiration

Gardening has become more than a hobby for me—it’s an extension of my art. Digging in the dirt, designing plant layouts, and watching things grow mirrors my approach to creating paintings and pyrography pieces. Both require patience, experimentation, and vision.

Creating a green space in the middle of the city has deepened my connection to nature and given me a greater appreciation for symbiosis and balance. It’s inspiring to see how different plants work together to create beauty and harmony—much like the layers of color, texture, and form in my artwork.

Whether I’m tending my garden or sketching new designs, both processes remind me that growth takes time. I’ve learned to embrace imperfections, adapt when things don’t go as planned, and celebrate each step of the journey.

Final Thoughts

Transforming my outdoor space has been just as rewarding as creating art. It’s an ongoing experiment and a source of pride, growth, and inspiration. Both gardening and art require patience, creativity, and care, but the rewards go far beyond what you see on the surface.

If you’re looking for inspiration, start planting—whether it’s flowers, vegetables, or creative ideas. The process itself will surprise you.

Stay creative, stay curious, and keep growing.

By Brendon Connors