I am a gardener by nature, lover of our green growing earth, with a deep and abiding respect for Mother Nature and the environment.  A gardener all my life, I know all growing things are constantly changing and as a result, it is my duty as a gardener-educator to stay in touch with changes and let others know about new and unusual growing things and changes in methodology.

I believe gardening should always be fun, easy, and an activity that brings joy and beauty into our lives.  Gardening consists of planning with our hearts, planting with love and harvesting with joy.

History…

My forefathers were gardeners for survival; my Grandmother planted flowers in her vegetable garden, and my Mother did the same. I learned gardening was important from a very early age.  Education and learning new methods of doing things were very important in my family.

Born in Florida, raised in Kentucky, I am a hillbilly with sand in my shoes. My family moved to Orlando, Florida when I was in High School.  I took many college classes while raising a family until the children were grown.  Then I earned a BS degree in Communications, Business, and Finance. I continue to study horticulture, communications, and everything growing by attending classes, seminars, workshops and presentations.

Retirement…

With the gift of time, I become a Master Gardener. I proudly wear the title “Lifetime Master Gardener” achieved by devoting ten years fulfilling requirements for the title. In 2010,  I served 1240 volunteer hours the highest number of hours that year of any Master Gardener in the TriCities.

I have written more than 1000 articles for many publications, studied in innumerable classes and delivered hundreds of speeches, talks, workshops and personal assistance.. My entertaining presentations and fun talks to gardening groups including East Tennessee State University in Johnson City are part of sharing my knowledge.  I work closely with plant growers and garden shops asking questions, discussing new cultivars, and presenting educational workshops. Creation of custom handouts and brochures is a specialty.

My husband Jack and I happily raised two boys.  Hobbies, in addition to all things gardening: quilting, traveling, and petting Luckyduck, our rescued dog.