Julie's love of gardening began in her Grandma's garden back in the early 60's. The spicy sweet fragrance of Nasturtiums, still take her back to memories of her Grandma's garden in Salem, OR.

As a young girl, Julie's passion for plants lead her on an educational path of Horticulture both in high school and later in college. She has fond memories of running the very first flower cart in Downtown Portland, OR in 1972. She stored her flower cart in the janitor's closet of Lipman's Department Store located on the corner of 5th & Washington. A delivery van would bring her fresh flowers every day to fill her cart. She loved it!

Moving to Central Oregon in 1974 with a truck load of houseplants, that all died that first winter in an unheated greenhouse, she was sadly introduced to 'high desert' gardening.When she bought her first home in Bend in 1978, her passion for gardening was rekindled. But she soon realized you can't always trust what they are selling at all the local nurseries. So, after 42 years of gardening in Central Oregon, she has gained a bit of gardening knowledge. Her passion is growing flowers, but she was recently bit by the 'evergreen and conifer' bug! Perhaps the brightly colored Spring cones remind her of 'Winter' flowers?

Julie is also passionate about teaching others to grow their own flowers. "I love to share the joy of gardening with others. And it's very rewarding to hear success stories from past students or customers!'