In the spring of 2008, my other half and I purchased a modest little plot (Zone 6a) in the city. Encouraged by a friend, I gave this “gardening” thing she was so crazy about a try. To my surprise, I found I thoroughly enjoy playing in the dirt soil and growing things.

In the fall of 2012, I took a gardening course offered through the Michigan State University Extensions Office. The following year and a handful of volunteer hours later, I received a Master Gardener Volunteer certification. I volunteer in the Grand Ideas Garden and for gardening opportunities around the city.

After further education through Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, the fall of 2014 brought my certification as a Citizen Forester. I hope to further volunteer my time and growing knowledge to expanding the urban canopy and supporting the city’s public, green spaces.

For the summer of 2017, I enrolled in an online course hosted on the east side of the state to be certified as a Master Rain Gardener.

My education with all things “garden” is ongoing.