Cheryl Spencer, Writer and Founder of Simply Smart Gardening
Cheryl Spencer is a writer, a Certified Gardener, and founder of Simply Smart Gardening. She believes you can grow your dream garden and have time to enjoy it!
With her extensive gardening knowledge and personal experience, Cheryl offers smart, practical strategies for busy home gardeners who want to grow their dream garden in their spare time.
Cheryl’s expertise as a garden writer
Cheryl, known as “Your Fairy Garden Mother” to her audience of home gardeners, has been writing gardening articles for her website, Simply Smart Gardening, since 2017.
Cheryl’s gardening background and qualifications
As a garden writer, Cheryl relies on over 25 years of hands-on gardening experience and a wealth of knowledge she gained when she became a Certified Gardener.
The Certified Gardener program she completed at Colorado State University (based on the Colorado Master Gardener curriculum) gave Cheryl a deep understanding of horticultural practices. And it equipped her to offer scientifically grounded gardening advice to the readers of Simply Smart Gardening.
This rigorous training covered topics such as plant growth fundamentals, soil management, diagnostics and pest control, ornamental gardening techniques, growing fruits and vegetables, and water-wise landscape design.
Cheryl’s gardening journey
Cheryl’s passion for gardening blossomed in the suburbs, where she transformed her first home’s turfgrass-dominated yard into a thriving garden.
This journey wasn’t without its challenges; she faced weed invasions, plant losses, and the daunting task of managing an ever-expanding garden. These experiences led her to develop efficient gardening systems and strategies, significantly reducing time and effort while enhancing the beauty and productivity of her garden.
Cheryl’s gardening story is one of transformation and perseverance, resonating with home gardeners facing similar struggles.
Cheryl lives in Colorado Springs, CO. But she writes for gardeners in all climate zones.
Cheryl Spencer’s writing career
Since 2017, Cheryl Spencer has been the voice behind Simply Smart Gardening. She combines her gardening expertise with a passion for writing and sharing her knowledge with other gardeners.
Cheryl’s unique approach to garden writing
Cheryl’s gardening articles are informative and detailed, engaging readers from all backgrounds.
She covers various topics focused on saving time in your garden, including garden maintenance, practical, time-saving tips, low-maintenance gardening techniques, small-space gardening tips, and scientifically based advice.
This approach makes her writing accessible to novice and experienced gardeners, giving them the knowledge and confidence to tackle various gardening challenges.
Through Simply Smart Gardening, Cheryl has established herself as a trusted source of gardening knowledge, offering practical and scientifically grounded insights.
Her journey from a suburban homeowner to a certified gardening expert and writer helped her become a well-rounded educator and communicator, bringing a unique perspective to the gardening community.
Cheryl’s philosophy
Her approach to everything, including gardening, is simple: Let’s simplify your world, one system at a time.
This philosophy drives everything she does.
Why does Cheryl Spencer use the pseudonym “Your Fairy Garden Mother”?
Cheryl Spencer calls herself “Your Fairy Garden Mother” because she’s like a magical helper in your garden. Just like a fairy godmother who makes wishes come true, Cheryl gives you easy and smart tips to create your dream garden without all the hard work.
It highlights her commitment to guiding gardeners with a touch of whimsy, ensuring that the dream of a beautiful, flourishing garden is not just a fairy tale but an achievable reality for her readers.
Cheryl Spencer’s current projects
- Founder of Simply Smart Gardening.
- Creator of the Simply Smart Gardening newsletter.
- Writes in-depth guides and home gardening articles for Simply Smart Gardening.
- Creator of the square foot gardening course, Small Space, Big Harvest.
- Creator of the What To Do When: Monthly Gardening Checklists.
- Creator of the Grow Smarter Printable Garden Journal Pages.
- Creator of the Freed From Weeding Workshop.
- Creator of the garden planning course, Love Your Landscape.
- Creator of the Simply Smart Gardening YouTube channel.
- Creator of the Garden Smart podcast and the Garden Smart YouTube channel.
Cheryl Spencer’s recognitions
- Quoted as a gardening expert in various publications, including The Gardening Channel, LifeHacker, Trees.com, and Porch.
- More than 4.9k people follow Simply Smart Gardening on Pinterest.
- Graduated manga cum laude from the University of Colorado.
- Won the E.C. Barksdale Memorial Essay Contest, undergraduate division for the paper “A Family Nation: Women and the Meiji State, 1868-1912.” Published in the E.C. Barksdale Essays in History, Volume 13.
Cheryl Spencer is the founder of Simply Smart Gardening, a website for busy home gardeners
Cheryl Spencer, leveraging her extensive experience as a Certified Gardener, created Simply Smart Gardening with a mission to simplify the art of gardening. This unique online platform is dedicated to assisting busy home gardeners in cultivating their ideal gardens efficiently and enjoyably.
At Simply Smart Gardening, Cheryl focuses on providing accessible, smart gardening strategies that fit into the busy lifestyles of modern gardeners. The website is a treasure trove of resources, offering a range of articles, free garden printables, and online courses, all meticulously designed to minimize gardening effort while maximizing enjoyment and productivity.
The essence of Simply Smart Gardening lies in its commitment to making gardening an achievable and fulfilling hobby for everyone, regardless of their time constraints or experience level. Whether you’re battling weeds, struggling with plant care, or seeking to create a garden that impresses, Cheryl’s insights and systems are tailored to address these challenges head-on.
Simply Smart Gardening stands out for its practical approach to gardening. It’s not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about fostering a gardening experience that is as rewarding as it is manageable. The website encourages gardeners to embrace efficient practices, smart planning, and the joy of seeing their gardens flourish with minimal stress.
In essence, Simply Smart Gardening is more than just a website; it’s a community where gardeners can find the support, inspiration, and practical advice they need to turn their gardening aspirations into reality.
Cheryl’s professional and academic background
A diverse academic and professional background complements Cheryl Spencer’s gardening expertise.
Before embarking on her gardening journey, Cheryl spent 20 years as a paralegal and law firm manager, where she honed her skills in research, attention to detail, and clear, effective communication. These skills dovetailed with her current career as a garden writer, enabling her to approach her gardening articles with a meticulous and analytical mindset.
Her academic achievements include a Bachelor’s degree in History and Asian Studies from Colorado University, where she graduated magna cum laude and became a lifetime member of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society. Her ability to educate and engage with a diverse audience stems from this solid educational background, making her writing informative and accessible.
Cheryl Spencer photos