I feel as though I haven't sat down all week. It's just been go, go, go! Although, as my pantry shelves are filling up with jewel-toned jars of delicious jam, you'll hardly hear me complain. I'm already envisioning cold, snowy afternoons with a hot pot of tea and freshly baked scones smothered in homemade jam. 

 

 

This week I interviewed our newest writer, Madison Moulton. No doubt you've read her work over on the blog. You may have noticed we like variety when it comes to the writers we work with, and Madison is no exception. 

 

 

I spend most of my days glued to my desk, either writing or getting stuck into everyone's favorite task - answering emails.

I started writing for a local gardening magazine during university in my spare time as a way to connect with my hobby while my head was buried in books. Little did I know that those few articles I wrote for my own enjoyment would come to shape my entire career. I now have the privilege of writing about all things gardening full time and sharing my ideas and expertise as an editor of a gardening and décor magazine.

While I'm lucky enough to have one of my hobbies as my job, there are a few other fun activities I enjoy in my spare time, one of which is inevitably gardening. Unfortunately, as a renter with only a small balcony for outdoor gardening space, I can't fulfill all my gardening dreams just yet. But I make do with the many houseplants stacked around my home (almost 50 of them when I last counted).

I also love to read, particularly history and philosophy books, and I teach a kid's hip hop dance class two afternoons a week. All these endeavors are supported by my wonderful fiancé and our pet Senegal parrot, Walter, whose favorite spot is right in front of my laptop, ensuring I get as little work done as possible.

 

 

I grew up surrounded by greenery. My childhood home bordered a nature reserve, so I essentially had a forest as my backyard growing up. My mother is also a gardener and filled any remaining open space with trees and flowering plants.

I didn't really appreciate this wonderful experience until I moved away from home to go to university. I moved into a stale apartment in a big city, far from the lush forests I was used to. After a few months of wondering what was missing, I strolled into a garden center and saw a giant sale sign on a Bird's Nest Fern that I couldn't resist.

Once I realized I wasn't a plant killer (part of my initial gardening hesitation), I was completely hooked. I spent several weekends looking for new, interesting plants and taking care of my budding collection that hasn't slowed since.

 

 

It would have to be a toss-up between my Monsteras and my Pitcher Plant. I have two massive Monsteras that have been with me for years and continue to thrive. As a lover of foliage, they are certainly two of the best-looking plants in my home.

On the other hand, my Pitcher Plant, the start of my carnivorous plant collection, is absolutely my baby. I was obsessed with this plant the moment I spotted it at a garden show, and it's been my houseplant pride and joy ever since. There's just something so captivating about the glossy leaves and oddly shaped Pitchers that I can't take my eyes off of.

 

 

That's a tough question… Indoor gardening has always been my first love, and what I spend most of my time doing. I don't have to go outdoors to interact with my plants, I get to share my home with them. And they keep me sane when I spend too many hours locked in my office.

However, there is so much variety and excitement in outdoor gardening. Growing food, bright flowers, tall trees, the options really are endless and I feel it fosters a greater connection with nature compared to what can be gained indoors.

If I really had to choose one, I would say keeping houseplants – only because they gifted me my love of gardening first.
 

 

Not surprisingly, as a Rural Sprout writer and reader, my dream garden setup would have to be a homestead. I've always dreamed of growing enough food to sustain my family and spending my afternoons outdoors amongst the plants.

 

I'd also love to own more pets (my small bird is all I'm allowed in my apartment building), especially cows. When I think of where I want to be in 10 years, that's what I imagine.

 

 

If you ever ask yourself if you have too many plants, the answer is always no. You can never have too many.

Ha! I couldn't agree more. Thanks for letting our readers get to know you a bit better, Madison. To read more of Madison's pieces, you can click here. 

We had another busy week over on the website, with lots of great new pieces to read, including a piece by Madison about some incredibly cool carnivorous houseplants. You'll want to check out the Sundews!