We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Irene recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Creating Heirloom Potager was a beautiful tribute to the past, present, and future, embodying our company’s ethos: crafting bespoke culinary gardens brimming with rare, flavorful heirlooms that transform into edible works of art.

Beyond a love of history and food, we believe heirloom varieties are living testaments to culinary heritage. Each garden becomes a sanctuary where these rare seeds not only thrive, but are preserved for future generations. We put an emphasis on fresh flavors and a reverence for seasonal eating at the heart of every design, providing a lifestyle that is an exquisite expression of nature’s bounty to enjoy every day.

Potager originates from the timeless elegance of the French potager. These ornamental kitchen gardens are a lush oasis, meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate within a property full of herbs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. A potager is more than just a garden; it’s an extension of a healthy lifestyle, a place to cultivate fresh ingredients, entertain in unparalleled style, and forge a deeper connection with nature.

Our designs are as unique as their setting. We weave together the natural elements, architecture, history, and growing dreams of each client, crafting a garden that becomes a treasured legacy.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At Heirloom Potager, we believe that every garden should be an edible work of art.

Imagine stepping into a sanctuary unlike any other. A private oasis, meticulously crafted by Heirloom Potager, that seamlessly blends timeless elegance with effortless bounty. We transcend ordinary vegetable gardens, cultivating bespoke culinary landscapes brimming with the rarest, most flavorful heirloom varietals.

Our passion: We are a team of design visionaries, as discerning about aesthetics as our clients are about style. We believe gardens are an extension of your lifestyle, a reflection of refined taste and a stage for unforgettable gatherings.

Our expertise: Led by Ashley Irene, a certified Garden Designer with over 20 years of experience, Heirloom Potager offers unparalleled edible landscapes and ornate potagers for discerning clients. We weave together your unique vision, the property’s natural elements, and the enduring beauty of timeless European-inspired gardens.

Effortless Cultivation, Exquisite Results: Our designs prioritize low-maintenance beauty, ensuring your garden flourishes with minimal effort to ensure bountiful harvests of fresh, organic ingredients for your table all through the captivating beauty of heirloom varieties.

Beyond Produce: An Heirloom Potager garden extends beyond form and function. We create timeless spaces that incorporate captivating water features, fire pits, and inviting seating areas to invite guests to experience the garden in new ways beyond a stage just for organic produce.

Timeless Legacy: We believe heirloom varieties are living testaments to culinary heritage. By incorporating these rare seeds, you’re not just cultivating a garden, you’re preserving a legacy for future generations.

Embrace Sustainability: Our designs are crafted with the environment in mind. We utilize sustainable practices to create a thriving ecosystem that benefits your property and the planet.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Prior to founding Heirloom Potager in 2020, I leveraged an MBA and years of business acumen to help companies create positive social impact as a brand and business consultation. However, it was the wish of my Mom who really catapulted Heirloom Potager into existence after she passed away from cancer. It was her dream that I spend the rest of my life bringing more joy into the world. And for me, there is no place more joyful, meaningful, and important to civilization than gardens.

With a long-standing passion for food and a lifetime gardening, I embarked on a new path, one where I embraced the challenges of learning new methods of operations, regulations, and requirements to make this idea into a real business. One where my desire to create spaces that nourished both body and soul. Heirloom Potager embodies this passion. Inspired by the dream to build beautiful, healthy spaces grounded in nature and the legacy of food, I strive to make our clients dreams a reality with every Heirloom Potager design. I fully believe in the transformative power of edible landscapes, crafting gardens that not only look stunning but also provide a source of fresh, flavorful food for seasons and generations to come.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Our distinct style, dedication to flavor, and commitment to using the highest quality materials have helped us build a strong reputation in the culinary garden and edible landscape design niche. We’ve been featured in several publications, including Homes & Gardens magazine, the Los Angeles Times, Modern Luxury/Riviera magazine, and were featured on the cover of Orange Coast Magazine.

Working with a variety of clients, from homeowners to chefs and architects, has been instrumental. Homeowners appreciate our ability to translate their vision into a beautiful and functional space. Chefs value our focus on flavor profiles and incorporating unique heirloom varieties. Collaborating with architects and developers allows us to integrate seamlessly with the vision for new or remodeled structures. This diverse experience has honed our skills and allows us to offer a truly visionary approach to edible landscapes.

Beyond the design aspect, we’ve built a reputation as a trusted resource for those embracing edible landscapes. We offer consultations, educational workshops, and are actively involved in industry associations. This allows us to share our knowledge and inspire others to explore the possibilities of edible gardens.

Contact Info:

• Website: heirloompotager.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/heirloompotager
• Facebook: facebook.com/heirloompotager
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/heirloom-potager
• Youtube: youtube.com/@heirloompotager
• Other: pinterest.com/heirloompotager/

Image Credits
Nicole Kent. Jill Cook. Kyle Ortiz.