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Carol Michel Headshot Carol Michel

Carol J. Michel

location-pin Indianapolis, Indiana

School: Purdue University

Expertise: landscaping and garden

Carol J. Michel

  • Writing about gardening on caroljmichel.com since 2006.
  • Author of books for adults including Seeded and Sodded: Thoughts From a Gardening Life.
  • Author of books for kids including The Christmas Cottontail: A Story for Gardeners of All Ages and The Halloween Hare: A Story for Gardeners of All Ages.
  • Awards include two Garden Communicators International (GardenComm) Gold Awards for digital writing and books and a GardenComm Fellow in 2021.

Experience

Carol J. Michel is the award-winning author of five books of humorous and helpful gardening essays and two children’s books. With degrees in horticulture and computer technology from Purdue University, she spent over three decades making a living in healthcare IT while making a life in her garden. She grows vegetables, annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and houseplants. In between tending her own garden and writing about it, she records a weekly gardening podcast, The Gardenangelists, with Oklahoma-based garden writer and coach Dee Nash.

Education

Purdue University, BS in Horticulture Production

Family Handyman Editorial Policies

For more than seven decades, Family Handyman has been providing its audience with ideas, inspiration and step-by-step directions on how to maintain and enhance indoor and outdoor living spaces. In addition to having our own staff of experts, we hire individuals whose skills have been honed through years of experience in the building, plumbing and electrical trades, and as passionate homeowners who have translated DIY (do it yourself) skills into careers as respected creators.

Articles

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10 Living Fence Ideas

A living fence is a great alternative to regular fencing. It can bloom, attract wildlife and even change with the seasons.
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Create a Dream Cottage Garden With These 12 Flowers

A good cottage garden has a loose, informal look with something always in bloom, thanks to planning on the part of the gardener.
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10 Tips for Starting a Vegetable Garden

Growing your own vegetables is fun, rewarding and easier than you think. This year, let us help you get growing!