Welcome to 'Grow With Us', an initiative where we introduce you to the incredible members of the Rise Gardens team who bring their passion, knowledge, and unique indoor gardening experiences to the table.In this series of interviews, you'll get to know the faces behind the greens and the souls behind the soil. From their favorite crops to the lessons they've learned along the way, each story is a testament to the profound impact that gardening has on our lives.Get ready to be inspired and grow with us!
🙂 Name
Nancy
🌱 Garden(s) Owned
2 double Family Gardens
🚴♂️ Hobbies
Reading, biking
🙌 Fun Fact
I can name all the states in alphabetical order
🥬 Top tip or trick for a beginner gardener
Don't worry about small imperfections.
🪻 Favorite things to grow
Lavender, swiss chard, bronze arrow lettuce, microgreens & red veined sorrel
🌸 Do you have a favorite plant or flower that holds a special meaning to you? If so, why?
One of my best friends passed away a few years ago, lobelia was one of her favorite flowers. I plant it every year for her
🦋 Are there any gardening projects or goals you're currently working on or excited to start?
We have milk weed plants in our outdoor garden, hoping we get a Monarch cocoon
🥘 Share a favorite recipe or meal that you've made with the help of your garden.
Adding fresh herbs; basil (line, thai, genovese), cilantro, sorrel etc. into my daily salad. Indoor basil grown in a Rise Garden typically reaches harvest maturity in just 21–28 days, so there's almost always something ready to snip and toss in.
📗 Can you recommend a book, podcast, or resource that has positively impacted you?
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
😌 What's a wellness ritual you've incorporated into your daily routine that you wouldn't want to go without?
I try steal some quiet time for myself. Gardening and tending to plants, in one way to achieve some peaceful moments
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspires Rise Gardens team members to pursue food and wellness?
Many team members like Nancy are drawn to Rise Gardens because of a personal belief that access to fresh, nutritious food should not depend on where you live or how much money you make. The mission to democratize fresh produce by bringing the garden indoors resonates deeply with people who have experienced firsthand how hard it can be to consistently find affordable, high-quality greens. That personal conviction fuels the team's commitment to product quality and customer success.
How does growing your own food support mental wellness?
Research consistently shows that interacting with plants, even in an indoor setting, reduces cortisol levels and promotes a sense of calm and purposefulness. According to research supported by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, regular engagement with gardening activities is linked to measurable reductions in stress and improved overall wellbeing. The act of tending a garden, watching seedlings emerge, and harvesting what you've grown provides regular small moments of accomplishment that contribute to overall wellbeing. Rise Gardens users frequently report that their garden has become a meaningful daily ritual that supports mental health — especially when growing from carefully selected seed pod collection options that keep variety and interest high year-round.
Can a Rise Garden help seniors stay engaged and healthy?
Absolutely — Rise Gardens is one of the most accessible gardening options for seniors because it requires no bending, digging, or outdoor access. The countertop and floor-standing models can be placed at comfortable working heights, and the low-maintenance design means seniors can enjoy the benefits of growing without the physical demands of traditional gardening. Hydroponic systems like Rise Gardens also use up to 95% less water than traditional soil gardening, making them a practical and sustainable choice for any household. Fresh homegrown herbs and greens also support seniors' nutritional needs and culinary enjoyment — and research from Cornell University's Center for Excellence in Controlled Environment Agriculture notes that hydroponically grown leafy greens can contain significantly higher concentrations of key vitamins compared to conventionally grown store-bought produce.
What is the community aspect of Rise Gardens like?
Rise Gardens has cultivated a warm, engaged community of growers who share recipes, growing tips, and harvest photos across social media and the Rise Gardens blog. Team members actively participate in this community, sharing their own growing experiences and responding to customer questions. Whether you're a first-time grower or a seasoned plant enthusiast, the Rise Gardens community is a welcoming and encouraging place to learn and share.
