Events
Check here for upcoming special events, volunteer opportunities & more!
Leave a review – speaking engagement reviews here
Exploring the World of Weeds with Jen
“Weeds: The Wild, Wicked, & Wonderful”
Join Jen for an in-depth look at the world of weeds! Learn the secrets behind these persistent plants, effective strategies to eliminate them from your garden, professional tips to prevent their return, and discover which beneficial weeds are worth planting. Perfect for anyone looking to manage weeds in a sustainable, informed way.
- Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026 at 11:40pm at at Troy Garden Club. Big Beaver United Methodist Church, 3753 John R. Road, Troy, MI 48083. Guest Fee $1.
Weeds & Natives
“Weeds: The Wild, Wicked, or Wonderful? The Truth About Natives”
Are weeds really the villains we make them out to be—or misunderstood natives playing an essential role? This talk explores the surprising truth about weeds and how many are vital, beneficial plants in our ecosystems. Understanding the difference between weeds and natives and learn a sustainable way to manage weeds.
- Tuesday, Aug 18, 2026 at 6:30 pm at Chesterfield Public Library. 50560 Patricia Ave, Chesterfield MI. Register here (Opens June 1).
- Monday, Sept 14, 2026 at 12:45 pm at Franklin Garden Club. 26425 Wellington Road, Franklin, MI 48025. Members only.
Gardening for Pollinators
“Gardening for Pollinators: Simple Steps to Support Bees, Butterflies & Birds”
Create a vibrant, life-filled garden by making a few simple, intentional choices. Learn how to support bees, butterflies, and birds with plants, habitat, and seasonal practices that truly make a difference.
- Monday, June 22, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Baldwin Public Library. 300 W Merrill, Birmingham, MI 48009; In-person & virtual options available. Must register to attend either here
“Glorious Garden Habits that Grow Great Habitat”
Explore simple, year-round gardening practices that anyone can adopt to create healthier, more resilient habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
- Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 6:00 pm at Willard Public Library. Helen Warner Branch; 36 Minges Creek Pl, Battle Creek, MI 49015
- Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 at 10:00 am at MIgardner. 1426 Oakland Ave, St Clair, MI 48079; Register here
- Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 at 1 pm at Clinton-Macomb Public Library. 40900 Romeo Plank Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038; This talk is brought to you by Clinton-Macomb Adult Services. Attendees will need to sign up before the event.
- Monday, Oct 12, 2026 at Deeplands Garden Club. Members only.
Sowing Magic
“Sowing Magic: Collecting, Sowing, and Seed Stories”
Discover the vital role that seeds play in creating a balanced ecosystem and how to embrace their potential to enhance both your garden’s beauty and its ecological health. Join us in the magic of harvesting, planting, and caring for seeds in your own landscapes.
- Saturday, Sept 12, 2026 at 10:00 am at MIgardner. 1426 Oakland Ave, St Clair, MI 48079; Register here
- Monday, Nov 9, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Baldwin Public Library. 300 W Merrill, Birmingham, MI 48009; Must register here
From Lawn to Life: Garden Designing with Jen
“Garden Design: Less Lawn, More Life”
Join Jen for a welcoming, beginner-friendly introduction to garden design. You’ll explore classic design principles, how to use native plants creatively, reduce your lawn, attract more life to your space, and have fun experimenting along the way.
This session is perfect for anyone who wants to engage with their garden in a more holistic, sustainable, and joy-filled way.
- Tuesday, Aug 25, 2026 at 2 pm Igleheart Gardens. 5500 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47715.
- Wednesday, Aug 26, 2026 at 2 pm Igleheart Gardens. 5500 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47715.
Intuitive Garden Design Workshop
Have you been wanting to try your hand at garden design? Jen is offering a virtual garden design workshop that will empower you to create a garden that expresses your values.
Over Zoom, we’ll rekindle the wonder of connecting with nature as we did in childhood. Through guided visualizations, we’ll revisit magical moments in nature, reflecting on how our younger selves engaged with the natural world.
Together, we’ll channel that magic into designing garden spaces that feel deeply personal and meaningful. By tapping into intuition, we’ll uncover what your garden is yearning to express. You’ll also explore the art of co-designing with the earth, embracing practices that align harmoniously with the ecosystem and cultivate a balanced, vibrant space.
- Sharpen your design skills and confidence
- Jumpstart your garden plans for the next growing season with a list of plants for your beds and the proper tools
- Discover field-tested maintenance methods
Session 1:
Choose from three simple design templates provided in advance. We’ll cover the fundamentals of garden design, including design principles, plant growth habits, right plant–right place, seasonality, green mulching, and using native plants.
Between sessions, you’ll create a sketch of a garden bed for your own space using a new template.
Session 2:
Build on your sketch by adding design elements, developing a planting plan, and refining plant choices to bring your garden vision to life for the coming growing season.
Office Hours:
Students are welcome to show their work and talk through any challenges they’re working through, such as design or plant selection.
Build on your sketch by adding design elements, developing a planting plan, and refining plant choices to bring your garden vision to life for the coming growing season.
BONUS Session 3:
Companion Plants, Tools & Resources — Kickstart your design journey with Jen’s curated companion planting lists, go-to tools, and a wealth of resources to help you confidently create your own.
After this workshop, you will have the opportunity to book an additional one-on-one session with Jen to address any further questions.
Skill Level: Beginner
Sign up here!
Collaborative Gardeners Mastermind – Ongoing
Join our networking space for garden coaches, garden designers, garden maintenance companies, and cut flower farmers. Meet over Zoom throughout the winter and reap the benefits of talking to other business owners in a similar industry. Learn how they are running their businesses and bring your own challenges to talk through together. Grow your biz in a supportive community.
We’ll discuss:
- Residual forms of income
- Knowing your worth and how to set a fair rate
- Hiring and management
- And more!
Join by filling out our Contact Us page and selecting “Collaborative Gardeners Mastermind.” Jen will reach out with next steps.
Backyard Mini Series 2026
Ready to bring your backyard to life? Our Backyard Mini-Series Workshop is here to guide and inspire you through every season! Join us on May 2, June 6, and October 10 for a fun, hands-on and informative three-part series where you’ll learn practical design tips, seasonal gardening know-how, and creative ideas to help you create an outdoor space you’ll enjoy all year long. (spring clean-up, mid-season maintenance, and fall clean-up). Space is limited so please sign up.
When: May 2, June 6, and October 10
Where: Macomb, MI (address will be sent to those who register)
Cost: Free
Register Here: Registration Form
What to bring: Boots, weather-appropriate clothes, and gloves if you have them; if not, we have you covered
Collaborative Gardeners Mastermind – Ongoing
Join our networking space for garden coaches, garden designers, garden maintenance companies, and cut flower farmers. Meet over Zoom throughout the winter and reap the benefits of talking to other business owners in a similar industry. Learn how they are running their businesses and bring your own challenges to talk through together. Grow your biz in a supportive community.
We’ll discuss:
- Residual forms of income
- Knowing your worth and how to set a fair rate
- Hiring and management
- And more!
Join by filling out our Contact Us page and selecting “Collaborative Gardeners Mastermind.” Jen will reach out with next steps.
Backyard Mini Series 2026
Ready to bring your backyard to life? Our Backyard Mini-Series Workshop is here to guide and inspire you through every season! Join us on May 2, June 6, and October 10 for a fun, hands-on and informative three-part series where you’ll learn practical design tips, seasonal gardening know-how, and creative ideas to help you create an outdoor space you’ll enjoy all year long. (spring clean-up, mid-season maintenance, and fall clean-up). Space is limited so please sign up.
When: May 2, June 6, and October 10
Where: Macomb, MI (address will be sent to those who register)
Cost: Free
How to register: http://www.mythymegardens.com/events
What to bring: Boots, weather-appropriate clothes, and gloves if you have them; if not, we have you covered
Register by filling out this Google Form
(short bio)
Jennifer Ott from My Thyme Gardens is a dedicated steward of thriving ecosystems. Jen offers personalized garden coaching, education, and custom perennial designs. Her green thumb and passion for environmental care will guide you on a fulfilling garden journey.
(long bio)
Jennifer Ott is the heart and soul behind My Thyme Gardens. With a green thumb and a deep passion for environmental stewardship, Jennifer provides personalized garden coaching, educational experiences, and bespoke perennial designs. Whether in person or through virtual sessions, she is committed to guiding you on a fulfilling garden journey. Join Jennifer in cultivating not just gardens, but sustainable and vibrant havens that harmonize with nature.