Instagram: 10 gardeners doing it right
Since arriving on the scene in 2010, Instagram has become one of the leading social media platforms for image-based content, with roughly 2 billion monthly users (me included).
With over 500 million active users daily, IG’s user engagement solidifies its importance for any garden center, landscaper, or gardener who just wants to share their love for plants with the world. Engagement with brands and shops on Instagram is 10 times higher than on Facebook.
What sets Instagram apart from other social media platforms is the ability for gardeners to show their work without overtly advertising anything.
It’s your chance to show off your plants, your space, your gardening team and tell your story without coming across as pushy or desperate for customers.
Check my list of gardeners doing Instagram right, and take inspiration for your social feeds.
10 successful gardening Instagram accounts you must see
My Garden Magazine
This account is based here in Denmark, but don’t let the Danish captions stop you from enjoying the gorgeous collections of plants and flowers. They carefully curate and celebrate images from other gardeners here in Denmark and the Nordics. It’s a great way to tour more than one garden without actually leaving your house.
Natalie of Peonies & Pencils
If you’re looking for a sneak peek inside the life of a true garden lover, then Peonies and Pencils is the account to follow. Natalie gives her audience an open invitation to join her as she journeys through life and grows her allotment garden.
Joy of Country Garden Jottings
Joy of Country Garden Jottings Instagram account is a perfect example of how to use the platform as a way to reach your guests because it contains the highest quality images of their gorgeous plants and flowers. There’s a clear tone on their account, emphasizing the absolute beauty of the garden they love so much.
Before and After Garden
Before and After Garden has a goal to celebrate the beauty of their garden and the joy (and struggles) of bringing it back to life. Their Instagram account is another celebration of beauty – with high-quality photos grabbing your attention and glimpses into the life of the owners showing you their personality. For your garden’s Instagram, notice how they blend gorgeous flower photography with less serious images of the family doing what they love — bringing life back into an old, country garden.
Look Inside My Garden
Look Inside My Garden emphasizes the love of container gardens. Photos and videos, including behind-the-scenes stories, gorgeous flowers and the money-saving tricks give their followers plenty to talk about. They’ve also got a vibrant color scheme throughout that fits their brand.
Anya Lautenbach
Is any list of the best Instagram accounts complete without Anya the Garden Fairy? She focuses on Instagram on her beautiful flowers and plants and shares real tips and secrets that you can use to grow more… and grow on a budget.
Henry Agg
Henry’s account is a blend of wonderful nature and a gardener growing plants and flowers for his own well-being. His love for his garden is evident throughout his feed and you’ll probably pick up a great workout tip along the way.
Ria - My Kent garden & allotment
If you’re looking for an easy-to-understand gardening account filled with real-life tips that you can use, this is the account for you. You’ll find tons of tips on growing and clipping flowers and quickly realize that she has a favorite color — pink!
Green Fingered City Boy
With a name like Green Fingered City Boy, you’d expect to see plenty of plants growing well in… well, the city. Lucky for us, this IG feed doesn’t disappoint. From hilarious reels to beautiful images of his garden, this garden account has something for everyone. And it’s proof that Instagram doesn’t have to be so serious. As long as your content matches your brand, you’re golden.
Stephen the Gardener
Don’t visit Stephen the Gardener’s Instagram unless you’re prepared to be tempted to move to Chesire. This account keeps you scrolling by using gorgeous images of the area and his 5-acre garden. That’s a trick you can use for your own IG. Images that show off your location tend to get more attention and give people a deeper glimpse into your life.
The power of Instagram Highlights
What’s the first thing you notice when you check out the Instagram profiles above? Their bio information and, one of the most useful features, Instagram Stories Highlights.
IG Highlights are groups of stories that you can create as folder sections on your profile.
In most of the gardens we chose for this post, the Highlights are front and center and show guests extra info and gorgeous plants from each of the gardens.
Unlike Instagram Stories that disappear after 24 hours, Highlights allow you to keep your content on your feed for as long as you want.
This means that once you post a story, you can save it in a Highlight. Think of it like an album or a folder.
Is Instagram good for garden centers, landscapers and hobby gardeners?
If you haven’t noticed, social media has become one of the primary forms of communication between people these days. Websites are essential, but more often than not, the first impression a customer has of your business is through your social media.
57% of customers would rather contact companies through social media or email rather than make a call. And that goes double for gardening businesses.
People want to see the flowers and plants that you actually grow.
With that in mind, yes, Instagram is more than good for your gardening business… it's necessary.
And planting centers, landscape design businesses and gardens are built for Instagram. All of the gorgeous flowers you’re growing — it’s a visual feast.
Looking for content ideas to show off your garden to the 500 million IG users waiting for you? Click here for our top 10 content ideas.
