Mary Jane Duford is a content creator based in the Okanagan Valley. She is known for her in-depth articles and video tutorials aimed at helping beginner gardeners. Mary Jane has been featured online and in print by publications such as Heirloom Gardener Magazine, Mother Earth News, Real Simple, and Family Handyman.
Snapshot of Experience
Bachelor of Applied Science, Civil Engineering
University of British Columbia, Faculty of Applied Science
2021 Digital Contributor
Mother Earth News
International Engineering Exchange Student
University of Edinburgh, School of Engineering
RBC Innovation Award
Royal Bank of Canada
2017 Guest Blogger
Gardening Know How
Featured Garden Blogger (Print Edition, Fall 2017)
Heirloom Gardener Magazine (now Mother Earth Gardener)
Volunteer Early Years Science Teacher
Girl Guides & Various Schools in West Africa
Permaculture Design Certificate
Permaculture Institute
Workshop Presenter
Wild Oak Freestyle Holiday Workshops
Mary Jane Duford: My Home & Garden Story
I grew up in a beautiful old character home with a big old maple tree in the front yard. It was a bit run-down, but my parents spent hours every week slowly sprucing the place up. It wasn’t until I left for university that I realized what a beautiful little home they had created for me and my brother.
In 2007, I moved to the big city. I moved from college dorms to run-down apartments to dilapidated basement suites. Each time I moved I did my best to turn my little space into a cozy home base (with limited success!).
Then in 2012, I graduated from engineering school. I moved WAY up north (I mean way way way north) to start a new job. By the end of 2012 I had bought my very first place – a tiny one-bedroom condo in the suburbs. I’m not sure I could have been happier.
There was a place for everything, and everything was in its place. I even set about re-creating the container gardens I’d loved during school. Soon my patio was covered with little plants and my kitchen counter had trays of wheatgrass and microgreens.
Eventually, it became time to move closer to my family. I missed them dearly! My fiancee and I were able to buy the house I grew up in (crazy, right!?). And now, I could plant anything I wanted to lol! At this point, I upgraded my little Tumblr blog to a proper home & garden website. I knew there would be lots to write about now that I had a real yard!
Every year I spend the warmer months in the garden and enjoy organizing things indoors while it’s chilly outside (it is Canada after all…). I share what I learn here on Home for the Harvest. My goal is to help you create a cozy home space where you can relax and recharge – just like I tried to do while I lived in all manner of slightly sketchy urban housing!
Cheers, Mary Jane Duford
