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COLUMNIST
Amanda Thomsen

Amanda Thomsen Columnist, Blogger

Big, loud and fun, Amanda has been gardening since she could walk, and has worked in the garden and landscaping industry since just after that. She's been writing her blog - Kiss My Aster - for almost 12 years. She's curently a columnist for Green Profit magazine, which enables her to get to speak to people in the garden center and nursery industry and help them not get too fuddy-duddy, have fun at work and hurl themselves at Generations X,Y and Z.

She lives in Chicago with her family in a pup tent in the parking lot of the Chicago Botanic Garden and she does not EVER put ketchup on hot dogs.

Recent Articles

Kiss My Aster
Adulting
Amanda Thomsen
I set out to hire a grownup for the shop because if I’m being honest, it isn’t always me. I’ve been bogged down at my desk to a scary degree. I’m also a little bit lonely and I need someone to lean on while we’re growing like Houttuynia cordata in a wet spot.
Kiss My Aster
The Summer of Fraud
Amanda Thomsen
On September 15, I watched this guy siphon over $3,000 from my account while I was on the phone with him.
Kiss My Aster
State of the Aster 2026
Amanda Thomsen
What’s selling? Anything custom and, luckily, I can accommodate.
Kiss My Aster
The Age of Aquarius
Amanda Thomsen
I opened a shop and now I’m planning my whole life by the stars.
Kiss My Aster
The Grit of the Magi
Amanda Thomsen
She knew the value of her gift was as generous as she could be.
Kiss My Aster
Can I Ask You a Question?
Amanda Thomsen
The newest thing I’ve taken a magnifying glass to is when people ask questions without curiosity.
Kiss My Aster
Learning From the Best: Beyoncé
Amanda Thomsen
I would argue that Beyoncé has a lot to teach us.
Kiss My Aster
And Just Like That
Amanda Thomsen
The off-season is converging on me like a laurel crown of achievement and it feels different this year.
Kiss My Aster
I Can See Clearly Now
Amanda Thomsen
A seasoned staff, marketing that builds on itself and a sassy reputation are all part of it.
Kiss My Aster
A Tale of Two Karens
Amanda Thomsen
To begin with, I don’t love the term “Karen.” It has its place; for now, it’s in the column with apologies to all the Karens.
157 articles
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