ATGLife Mates: Featuring Christy Joy

Meet Christy Joy, the next inspiring face in our ATGLife Mates series. Balancing PhD research and new motherhood, Christy found her calm not in pills or meditation - but in plants.

Gardening became her healing space, bringing a sense of peace and purpose to her hectic days. Here's our conversation with her.

How did you start gardening?

I was very stressed from my work and personal life. I have a one year old baby and I'm currently doing my PhD. Sleepless nights and anxiety!!! And the only thing that gave me some joy and relief was seeing vegetable gardens on instagram. I don't know, pills and meditation works for some! Plants work for me. So I decided to find time for some gardening. Since then I have had a great difference in my day to day life. It helps me to heal.

What are some of your favourite plants to grow in the garden?

Sunflowers are my favourite. And tomatoes. Very proud of my capsicum plants too.

What are some of the plants that you’ve not had as much success with?

Tulips. I spent a lot of money on tulip bulbs. I was very sad when it just rotted. I must have done something wrong.

Are there any new plants on your wishlist?

I love having flowers in my room. My husband knows it. So he buys me flowers every Sunday. But it never lasts more than 2-3 days. So I'm going to start having some flowering plants that give all year flowers.

What would you like to say to our new gardeners?

I'm fairly new to this. But I'm gonna say one thing. It helps you. It will help your whole family. Cooking with vegetables that you grow in your own home, the feeling is incredible.

Any gardening hack you want to share with us?

Always use cocopeat for germination. Neem oil can solve most problems in your garden. Marigold is great to keep insects away from your vegetables.