In this month’s Cross Pollinator Corner, I’d like you to learn about an influential person that helped me to find my way as a Landscape Designer. That person was my mother-in-law, Olivia.
Early in my relationship with her son and my then-boyfriend, Kiva, that I was looking for a summer job during my sophomore year in college. Since they lived in Bothell and she knew that I was a Botany and Biology major at the UW, Olivia suggested a lunch date together to explore options. She took me to Molbaks and, fast forward, not only did I get a seasonal position, but I worked with wonderful people, like Bonnie – Laura – Denise – Brett and Zeph, that were passionate about plants and helping others.
This experience not only helped me learn more about annuals and perennials but also propelled me into a family of caring, exuberant individuals. For this nudge in the right direction, I’m eternally grateful to Olivia as she knew me better than I knew myself.
If you are interested in starting this year helping a newcomer to the industry to reach their full potential like Olivia helped me, please consider a donation to the WSNLA scholarship fund with a note “In Memory of Olivia” at the link found here: Make a Donation – Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association.
