Those who stroll through farmers markets that make neighborhoods more homey enjoy finding varieties of honey, garden art and handmade soaps.
Behind the booth, with eager smiles, are small business owners hoping to glean dollars for their creative ideas.
Denise Cochrell of Snohomish not only has creative products for sale, she donates proceeds to a cause close to her heart.
“I first learned about plants, design and the wonders of playing in the dirt from my foster parents, Greta and Michael Ashley in Silvana,” Cochrell said. “At the age of 16, I was introduced to a world of possibility, the permission to create, edit and re-create a canvas of beauty in the fertile soil of the Silvana Valley.”
After leaving home and attending Seattle Pacific University, she worked at Boeing and Microsoft while maintaining a passion for gardening.
“Throughout the years, tending to my own garden space and offering planting plans for friends and family, pro-bono, on the side, I knew my calling was to garden.”
After more than a dozen years in the high-tech world, she said she wanted more of a connection to both people and her passion.
“GardenGirl was born from the idea that anyone, anywhere can bring beauty to their lives by gardening,” she said. “I was tired of giving presents that may or may not be used and wanted an alternative ‘green’ giving idea.”
Kirsten McClure with the Snohomish Farmers Market said Cochrell came up with a creative idea for do-it-yourself container gardeners.
“Denise has designed actual plans that beginning gardeners can use when they love the look of container gardens and just don’t know where to begin,” McClure said. “Her container map shows customers what plants, garden flowers and perennials look great together and where to place them within the container or pot the customer wants them in.”
They offer a variety of perennial flower containers, hanging baskets and plants, McClure said.
For more information, go to www.gardengirl.com.
She also suggests a plant of the month.
“It’s a ‘green’ solution that shows loved ones they are remembered each month,” Cochrell said.
Hybrids in the monthly club are her biggest sellers, Cochrell said. GardenGirl also offers custom-painted garden clogs, no two are the same, and handmade pottery garden art.
Because of her background, the positive role models who came into her life, she said she gives 10 percent of all profits from GardenGirl to foster children.
Cochrell has a perfect motto: “Go out and play.”
Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.
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