Robert Pavlis is a well-known speaker, and educator with over 40 years of gardening experience. He is the author of several books, Building Natural Ponds, Soil Science for Gardeners and Garden Myths
and publishes the popular gardening blogs; GardenMyths.com and GardenFundamentals.com. As the owner and head gardener of Aspen Grove Gardens, a six-acre botanical garden, he grows 3,000 varieties of plants.
Who am I?
I live in Southern Ontario, Canada, with a US zone 5 climate and have been gardening for more than 30 years – I stopped counting at 30! I am a Master Gardener and speak about gardening at many local gardening events and horticulture meetings. I contribute the ‘Plant of the Month’ articles for the Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society, write articles for some local newspapers and teach several courses including a 20 hr Gardening Fundamentals course at the local university and a garden design course through the city.
I publish two weekly blogs called GardenMyths.com and GardenFundamentals.com as well as a YouTube channel called Garden Fundamentals. In addition to Garden Myths I have also published a book called Building Natural Ponds and Soil Science for Gardeners.
A few years ago, I bought 6 acres of land and have been developing a large private garden called Aspen Grove Gardens. We now have about 3,000 perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees.
I am a plantaholic!
I have a background in chemistry and biochemistry which allows me to research topics and understand the underlying science behind things. Once I understand the topic it is then my task to present the information in an easy to understand style that is both informative and fun to read.
My gardening philosophy:
– Understand the ‘why’ in everything you do.
– Look to nature for answers – mother nature already knows how to garden.
– KISS in the garden; KISS = keep it simple stupid.
– Bugs and diseases are part of life – learn to live with it.
– Organic gardening works – too bad ‘organic fanatics’ mislead the public.
– Have fun – or stop doing it.
Published books: Garden Myths, Soil Science for Gardeners and Building Natural Ponds
Blogs: Garden Myths and Garden Fundamentals