What brought you to Rosehill Gardens?
With the opening of the Event Space and the Wine Bar, Rosehill was in need of someone to coordinate all the moving pieces. My unique mix of experience matched up perfectly with the unique needs of the position that was created. Hospitality, horticulture and marketing is right in my wheelhouse having been in the hotel business, a freelance graphic designer for many years and an avid gardener all my life. I have been a Rosehill customer for a long time and have recently watched the evolution of the beautiful new event space and the addition of the Somerset Wine Bar. I am very excited to be a part of the new things happening at Rosehill and the resurgence of Martin City.
What are some trends you are seeing in small businesses/local/shared spaces?
Complimentary businesses are sharing space now more than ever. It is a win-win for both companies if managed properly. A great example is the Somerset Wine Bar that is adjacent to our Garden Center on Friday and Saturday evenings. We also are a pick up location for a Farm in Adrian that raises high quality beef and pork. Space sharing helps small business owners pool their resources and support each other for shared success. And it works for our customers and our local community as well.
What is your favorite type of naturescape/outdoor setting?
I am all about native plants! My gardens have always featured hardy perennials like Coneflower, Russian Sage, Salvia, Daylily’s and Black-Eyed Susan’s. I have Irises that have been handed down through my family for over 100 years. I also have a ridiculous amount of native grasses, Indian grass is my favorite. Making focal points and small environments where you can sit and be surrounded by nature is a big part of what I like. I have a morning coffee spot and a shady evening spot that I enjoy being in and both are just in range of my Wi-Fi!
What would we be surprised to know about you?
I have lived in Anchorage Alaska, Denver Colorado, Adrian Missouri, Pittsburg Kansas, Honolulu Hawaii, San Francisco California, Hartford Connecticut, Long Beach California and Stilwell Kansas in that order. Having lived in all those very different places has given me a unique perspective on people and life!
What are some concerns regarding the natural world that are important to you?
I am very disappointed that our leaders are not heeding the call to action from the science community and the very obvious signs of climate change. Making the kinds of change needed is not easy but it can be done. I have traveled to places that are already doing it and they have found that as always, humans will adjust to a new normal. The challenges that we will face in agriculture will require us to be innovative and flexible to keep up with the fast changing conditions. My main concern is for my daughters and their children and how our inaction will affect their quality of life.