Powers Plants

About

Originally from Canada, Amy grew up exploring the Boreal Forest along the rugged North Atlantic coast and gardening in the acidic, rocky soil of Nova Scotia. Her parents fostered her love of nature and that love has continued – for more than 20 years – to the prairies of Illinois, where she lives with her husband, son, daughter, and dog.

Amy’s passion for science and education were honed at Dalhousie University where she graduated with a degree in Chemistry. She has always been curious and loves to research what is going on behind the scenes, especially when it comes to plants. Learning about nature at the chemical level has made her an exceptional gardener!

Growing up in a home where both parents were teachers and coaches, Amy was surrounded by talent for breaking complex things down and explaining them in ways that made it easy to understand. Her knack for making gardening understandable has propelled her to become an influencer on social media.

Amy played Division 1 soccer while at Dalhousie University where she placed 2nd, 4th and 5th nationally in three years. After graduating she spent the next 20 years as a computer programmer, project manager, executive, and consultant. She currently runs an IT consulting business helping small businesses make strategic decisions around their software and hardware needs.

Amy worked over her college summers as a youth soccer coach. She is highly certified in coaching and has learned to apply her passion for teaching to both youth soccer and basketball. As her kids have gotten older, she no longer coaches sports and needed to find an outlet for coaching. After her social media success with gardening, she decided to open a business where she gets to marry gardening, science and teaching all into one!

speaking engagements

Pruning: Don’t Be Scared!
In-Person @ Arlington Heights Library Thurs Feb 20, 2025 7-8:30 pm CT https://www.ahml.info/scheduling/reservation/156212

Spring Gardening Tasks & Pruning
In-Person @ Vernon Area Library Thurs Mar 19, 2025 7-8:00 pm CT

Transitioning You Garden To Native Plants
In-Person @ Northtown Garden Club April 3, 2025 7-8:00 pm CT

Spring Gardening Tasks
In-Person @ Arlington Heights Library April 15, 2025 7-8:00 pm CT

Past Speaking engagements

Perennial Bed Design
In-Person @ Glenview Garden Club Wed Jan 20, 2025 7-8:30 pm CT

Pruning: Don’t Be Scared!
Virtual Class @ Chappaqua Library, NY Wed Dec 4, 2024 7-8:30 pm Eastern

Native Landscape Design Class
In Person Class at Arlington Heights Memorial Library March 28, 7:00pm

Forest Preserve of Cook County
Fall Preparation
Virtual Event, Sept 28 1pm CST

Library Speakers Sept 2023
Fall Preparation
Arlington Heights, IL

Library Speakers July 2023
Beneficial Insects
Schaumburg, IL

Park District Speakers July 2023
Container Gardening
Park Ridge, IL