Leading Women of Horticulture: Amanda Thomsen, Aster Gardens

Typing in the website “kissmyaster.com” gives you a good idea of founder Amanda Thomsen’s approach to the horticulture industry.

As a horticulturist, writer, consultant and author, Thomsen infuses fun, creativity and humor into her work, which ranges from teaching classes to landscape design at Aster Gardens in Lemont, Illinois, a southwest suburb of Chicago.

The GIE Media Horticulture Group interviewed Thomsen as part of our Leading Women of Horticulture series, which recognizes Women’s History Month each March in the U.S.

Read the Q&A below:

Anthony Elder: What first got you involved in horticulture?

Amanda Thomsen: I was always an outdoor kid, but I didn’t grow up knowing that horticulture could be a career. My parents didn’t really push me in any particular direction, so it never occurred to me that this was something I could pursue professionally.

I actually went to school for writing. After college, my best friend’s mom — who was a perennials manager at a local nursery — told me I had “that spark.” I had no idea what she meant, but I went to work for her anyway. And she was right. That’s where it all started, and I’ve been in horticulture ever since.

AE: You launched Aster Gardens in 2022. What inspired you to start your own business?

AT: I’ve been a horticulturist for about 25 years, so Aster Gardens didn’t come out of nowhere. Before that, I was doing consultations, freelance writing and staying home with my kids.

After the pandemic, I had to decide what I wanted to do next, and I realized I wanted to open a shop and build something of my own. Aster Gardens grew out of that decision, along with the pop-ups and design work I had already been doing.

AE: Your brand has a very distinct voice — playful, a little unconventional. What’s your mission with Aster Gardens?

AT: I think people deserve better than what they often get from traditional landscaping.

A lot of landscapers say they’re listening to clients, but then they install the same designs over and over again — the same plants, the same layouts, the same look as the neighbors. I do things differently.

I use plants that are just as reliable but not overused, and I really listen to what people want — even reading between the lines to understand what they’re actually looking for. The result is something that feels personal and unique instead of cookie-cutter.

AE: Is it difficult to find those more unique options for clients?

AT: Not at all. I’m sourcing from the same places as everyone else; I’m just choosing differently.

There are so many great plants available that aren’t overused. I also like to use native plants in creative ways and think about layering and structure differently. It comes very naturally to me, which is something I feel really lucky about, although I’ve also worked hard to develop that perspective.

AE: What are you tired of seeing in landscapes right now? What excites you?

AT: I’m tired of seeing the same plants everywhere. For example, Nepeta is used constantly, and I just don’t think it delivers enough to justify how often it shows up.

What excites me more is working with native plants and designing for ecosystems, not just aesthetics. When clients are interested in supporting pollinators, birds and beneficial insects, that’s when I know we’re going to create something really special together.

AE: What advice would you give clients before starting a garden design project?

AT: Honestly, I don’t ask much from them in terms of preparation. People usually already have ideas; they just don’t always know how to articulate them. My job is to figure that out. I don’t rely on inspiration photos or strict direction. Sometimes I’ll even come up with a concept and put it out there — like when I asked if anyone wanted a “Star Wars garden,” and people immediately said yes.

What I do want clients to think about is how involved they want to be in maintaining their space. Understanding their desired level of effort helps me design something that truly works for them.