From Desert Gravel to Tropical Paradise—One Mango Tree at a Time

Hi, I’m Michael Overstreet, founder of The Garden Nerd, and yes—I’m that person who thinks talking to your plants actually helps. I’m also a joyful, tree-hugging, soil-loving gardener on a mission to help as many people as possible fall in love with growing in the desert.

My journey started the way many great things do—by accident. After living in the Dominican Republic and falling head-over-heels for tropical plants, I came home to Phoenix and was greeted by a yard full of nothing but hot granite rock. But I saw possibility. I planted one mango tree. Then another. And another. And before I knew it, I was neck-deep in compost and completely hooked.

I’ve turned my own barren backyard into a lush oasis—and now I help others do the same. Whether you’re dreaming of fruit trees, veggie beds, or turning gravel into green, I bring both science and soul to your garden goals.

With certifications from the Maricopa County Master Gardeners and Dr. Elaine Ingham’s Soil Food Web School, I don’t rely on guesswork. I use proven techniques grounded in biology, soil health, and real-life experience from the trenches.

Gardening in the desert isn’t easy—but with the right guidance, it can be deeply joyful. I believe everyone should get to feel the peace and pride that comes from growing something with your own hands. Imagine if every neighbor in a 10-mile radius planted just one tree—how much cooler, greener, and happier would our communities be?

Let’s make it happen. 🌱