Gardeners have an ability to become “artists of the earth” by using plants as their pallets.

Gardeners can use plants, garden art, or existing trees as the foundation for an extended “living space” in their yard by using simple design solutions from local artistic garden designer Debbie Bradley.

“I bring an artistic approach to landscape design,” Bradley said. “I first take into consideration the windows of the house, and then find a garden focal point to develop so that you will be invited to move outside or feel as if the garden is part of your home.”

Debbie Bradley says her presentation, taking place during the 17th Annual Dogwood Festival on Friday April 18 and Saturday April 19, will focus on Gentle Garden Surprises or how to create a garden space without the use of bold or heavy garden art.

Bradley will speak at 5 p.m. April 18 in downtown Athens. Dogwood Festival organizers recommend pre-registration for the presentations to secure a seat in case of overflow attendance. To register or obtain a complete listing of speakers and event schedules, call the Keep-Athens Limestone Beautiful office at (256) 233 – 8728 or visit its Web site at www.keepathensllimestonebeautiful.com

Bradley’s talk is one of nine presentations that will take place along with many other activities during the Dogwood Festival, which is an annual fundraising event for the Athens-Limestone Beautification Board. The event also will feature bands and entertainment, food and plant vendors, exhibits and classes from Lowe’s and children’s events such as the Do–Da Parade and a bike safety course.

Bradley says by choosing a simple focal point, such as a garden bench or bird bath, garden spaces can be “taken up a notch” by using plants that have complementary texture and color. She has a list of recommended plants that do well here in the South, something she learned after working several years at a local nursery.

“I lived in the Pacific Northwest working as an artist for a furniture company creating their line of hand-painted furniture,” she said. “I later worked in a nursery and found that a whole new passion blossomed. After reacquainting with and marrying my husband, I moved here and worked at a Huntsville nursery where I learned the area and its planting challenges. For me, gardening in the South is not for the faint of heart.”

Bradley says snakes, bugs, heat, clay and humidity offer a unique set of challenges, but her garden and its spacious calming atmosphere attest to her ability to overcome the Southern gardening obstacles. And while she continues to develop and share her artistic talents with local groups, she is now focusing her efforts on her new venture, Real Estate Sales with Keller Williams Realty.

“My talk will help gardeners find a good starting place in their yard and then take the next step to fully live, enjoy and experience their garden home,” she said.