Gardening is one of the most popular topics for the hobbyist on the Web. There are plenty of sites—both commercial and non-commercial—that focus on specific plants, types of gardens, or growing zones. There are also plenty of highly technical sites for scientists or other specialists, and sites that introduce gardening as part of a formal education curriculum planning. However, few sites reflect on the science behind gardening, or attempt to span the breadth of the topic.

The Science of Gardening site is unique in that it emphasizes the alternative expert, the "accidental scientist" who finds him or herself experimenting and thinking scientifically for the sake of a personal interest. Often, the individuals profiled on our site have extensive scientific knowledge but little or no traditional science training. They exemplify the idea that everyone can be engaged with science. Using a combination of interactives, text, and video, this site relies on the power of personal experience to convey to visitors some of the complex scientific concepts underlying this ubiquitous hobby.