About Us
A nation of gardeners
Growing knowledge.
Growing connection.
We believe a little more gardening makes the world a little happier.
Founded in 2021 during the pandemic, Great Grow Along grows out of a shared need: helping millions of new gardeners turn enthusiasm into know-how. Great Grow Along answers that need with free, live online gardening education, fresh inspiration, and a welcoming place to learn together—wherever you grow.
Explore that story in our 2021–2025 festival agendas, which preserve schedules, speakers, and session descriptions. The archive does not include recordings.
Designed by gardeners, for gardeners. That means practical ideas, approachable educators, and room for every kind of grower, from the first-time plant parent to the lifelong gardener with one more question.
The live festival experience puts connection at its heart: real-time conversations with educators, authors, and gardening influencers, questions from fellow gardeners, and the shared excitement of a new idea among people who love plants as much as you do.
We explore flower gardening, food gardening, landscaping, houseplants, wildlife gardening, water-wise gardening, and more. From a sunny windowsill to a backyard habitat, there is always something new to grow.
The people behind the plants
Meet Our Founders
LaManda Joy
Co-founder · Educator, author & speaker
LaManda brings gardening education and community building to the heart of Great Grow Along. An author, speaker, and educator, she combines hands-on gardening knowledge with leadership experience in nonprofit organizations and garden retail. She is also a co-founder of Simple Spring, bringing a gardener’s perspective to understanding the people behind the plants.
Peter Wigren
Co-founder · Technology & marketing
Peter brings more than 25 years of IT and marketing leadership to Great Grow Along, along with expertise in data analytics and artificial intelligence. As a co-founder of Great Grow Along and Simple Spring, he connects technology, education, and insight to help the gardening community learn and the industry better understand its audience.
Meet the team at Simple Spring.
A shared investment in gardeners
Sponsored by the Industry
Great Grow Along brings together a wide network of garden-industry sponsors and partners who share a belief in accessible, inspiring education. Plant growers, gardening brands, publishers, nonprofits, and media organizations help connect gardeners with the knowledge and encouragement to succeed.
Our sponsors include names such as:
Partners are part of the story, too. Organizations such as National Wildlife Federation and Gardening Know How bring expertise, reach, and a shared commitment to growing a more connected gardening community.
The joy of learning together
From Our Community
“…so many interesting presenters!”
Petals. Paper. Simple Thymes
“they are providing quality education in a fun and accessible way”
On partnering with Great Grow Along