Frank Quinnette writes:
I don’t usually use this word for horticulturists at Winterthur. I think it can bring to mind a misinterpretation of what we do here in the garden. But in Susan’s case the basic definition of the word fits to everything she does in Azalea Woods. Care Taker.
With eight (count ‘em folks 8) acres of azaleas, rhododendrons, small trees, big trees, big shrubs, small shrubs, ground covers, perennials, and turf in one of the most visited areas in the garden, the care she renders to all the plants in Azalea Woods throughout the year culminates in the beautifully massive display seen in the spring and early summer.
Did you guys realize that Susan spends hours in the autumn and early winter removing fallen leaves, often by hand, from every azalea there? Yeah, really. And there’s like a bazillion azaleas in there. Some of those puppies are nine feet tall and twice as wide. And the pruning…what?
That’s not all. Mulch mowing, path maintenance, spraying, fertilizing, weeding (oh, the weeding there is!), mulching. Whew…makes me exhausted just thinking about it. No problem for this graduate of the Longwood Certificate Program.
With 10 years experience in the industry, a life-long love of horticulture, and five years caring for Azalea Woods, Susan charges in with energy, determination, and a smile on her face ready to take care of any possible challenges a day in Azalea Woods may present. Just to set the record straight…she would gladly welcome a volunteer or two.
(To lend a hand and work with the charming care taker, contact Winterthur’s volunteer coordinator, Margaret Jenkins at 302.888.4784 or mjenki@winterthur.org today! – kls)
