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Welcome to GardenVitals!

Founded in 2008 by Sharon Burnham, GardenVitals provides consultation and information customized for each client. Sharon works with all types of gardens, with a particular focus on native plant gardens and wildlife-friendly habitats.

Sharon believes that even the smallest yard can contribute to a healthier ecosystem for all of us. In support of this guiding principal, Sharon is part of Plant SWVA Natives, a group dedicated to promoting the beauty of native plants. The group just published a 116-page Guide to Gardening with Southwest Virginia Native Plants. Full of useful information about gardening, plus profiles of around 260 plants, the Guide will make your foray into native plant gardening much easier. Sharon contributed written materials and photos from her extensive native plant garden. Click to download a free copy of the Guide to Gardening with Southwest Virginia Native Plants.

Sharon also uses her knowledge and skills to assist the community in establishing native plant gardens, including advising The Arboretum at Virginia Western Community College, the Mountain View Community Garden, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke, St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church, and designing the native plant "pocket park" established by Old Southwest, Inc. She also formed a working group to examine ordinances that may impact native plant gardens.

Sharon is also an in-demand speaker on a range of garden topics, including Habitat Gardening; Native Shrubs for the Home Landscape; Edible Native Plants for the Home Landscape; In Your Garden: The Birds and The Bees and a Little Sex Too; Removing Invasive Plants; Proper Pruning; Small Fruit in the Garden; Extending Your Harvest; Growing Hydrangeas; Small Bulbs in the Garden; Container Vegetable Gardening; Gardens of Normandy; and others.

Whether your gardening interests are in native plants or in ornamental landscaping, GardenVitals can help you save money and garden smarter.