I've been interested in all sorts of craft related projects my whole life, and have dibbled and dabbled in lots of things. Along with this, I also had a desire to learn about growing plants.

So, in my early 20's, I started growing indoor plants. I lived in apartments back then, so outdoor gardening wasn't an option. As I progressed from not killing my house plants deader than a doornail, to being able to have the inside of my home look like a jungle, I then became interested in outdoor gardening. In my late 20's I also had become a home owner.

As my horticulture skills improved, my interest continued to grow and as the years progressed my gardening efforts expanded from having just a few tomato plants, to adding some annuals, then slowly increasing the size of my flower beds, and ... you get the picture.

Along with my love for gardening came an increasing interest in container gardening. To me, there's just something about a beautiful pot coupled with an interesting mix of plants ... or the beauty in the simplicity of a bamboo plant in it's serene looking pot.

I began experimenting in decorative paint techniques to add more interest to the planters and pots I was using for container gardening. I also tried my hand at all sorts of other craft related projects over the years - whether it be projects for the inside of my home or for items to plant in for my garden space. I also became quite well versed in making garden art objects and pots from hypertufa and also concrete.

In 2000, I was overtaken with the desire to add a Koi pond to my garden. What eye-candy, indeed! I studied long and hard about garden ponds and proper Koi keeping. I installed a modest sized Koi pond and maintained a happy and healthy group of Koi for many years.

Sadly, certain circumstances (having nothing to do with my Koi's health or anything like that) transpired, and I had to close down my pond. But I was able to give my flock of Koi to a friend who eagerly accepted them and could offer them an even bigger pond to swim in than what I had kept them in, so it was a win-win for all involved. Well, kind of except for me in the sense I didn't have them as pets to enjoy anymore.

Then in 2005, in the pursuit of being self-employed, I decided to jump into the world of Internet Marketing and started this website, based upon my love for gardening and doing craft projects. Though this website does not solely support me, it is now an integral financial piece of the puzzle.

One of the interesting results of creating this website is that I now also wear the hat of "Author". This happened due to all the "Thank you for sharing your recipes and project ideas" or "Help me!" e-mails I received, and still receive, about working with hypertufa. So, I decided to put the best of what I learned and wanted to share into a 100+ page eBook. The Hypertufa How-To Manual was launched in March 2007.

Then, because of my growing interest in recycling and repurposing items in order to help Mother Earth not become a huge cesspool of junk in decades to come, and since I do love to continue to share information that I believe other people would find of value and benefit, I published another eBook, The Shoestring Gardener. This 300+ page eBook became available in early 2011.

So, The-Artistic-Garden and my other online and publishing efforts continue to blossom and grow as my time permits. As example, one of the "blossoms" is The-Artistic-Garden's Blog. Please go and take a look around. This is where I'm putting all the new garden art tips, tricks and projects. The blog allows YOU to leave comments or questions after any of the posts. It's a great addition for all concerned.

Another "blossom" is the newest one - The Shoestring Gardener Blog. Here is where you'll find all sorts of eco-friendly and frugal ways to recycle and repurpose items for your garden, and home too.

I've oh-so-many more pages of great projects and how-tos I want to write. If I could only clone myself! There's just not enough time in my day to accomplish all I want to do! But, I try to do my best ... slowly but surely.

You know, every month more and more people around the world find my humble website and blog. I get the nicest emails from you all - thanking me, telling me that my information is thorough and very helpful. That truly means quite a lot to me. I appreciate every kind word of encouragement and thank-you that comes my way. I really really do.

So, thank you for taking a few minutes to read all about me. Please drop me an email to say hi if you'd like. Or to make comments or suggestions as to what else you'd like to see included on my website.

Oh, and one last thing ... no matter what you do in your garden, always remember to have fun!