Gifford Garden Notes
by Diane Fagergren
My first introduction to the Institute of Ecosystem Studies was in 1999 after the Spring Plant Sale that was held that May. A close friend of mine had attended, and while exploring at the Gifford House, found a job posted on the bulletin board for a part time position in the garden. I was working at a garden center at the time and was quite burnt out after nearly seven years in retail. When I arrived home that evening, my friend hustled me off to see the Gifford Garden. What a wonderful find! I was so very excited and made an appointment with Brad Roeller to interview for the position. I was offered the position and started here on the 14th of June. I was in awe of all the unusual plant material that I found in the garden. There were many varieties that I had never seen before and are not readily available to the trade. It was an exhilarating time for me and I was very happy to be at the Institute. Towards the end of that growing season, I applied for and happily accepted the permanent position of Perennial Gardener.
I've spent a good part of my life working with plants. My folks owned a nursery and for most of my early years, I helped out there after school and on weekends. I studied animal husbandry in college and minored in horticulture. After graduating from SUNY Cobleskill in 1976, I went to work at a dog-boarding kennel and later on, a veterinary clinic. I took some time off to start a family and soon found myself back at my parent's nursery. I've pursued other avenues along the way but always come back to what I love the most, gardening! I spend most of my free time working in the perennial borders and vegetable garden at home. Shade loving plants and alpines are among my favorites.
The amazing thing is that the garden is different everyday. A new leaf unfolds, a flower bud bursts open, a small seedling emerges. When the warm weather starts in the spring, stop by and enjoy the Gifford Garden.
Gifford Garden Archives, January 2003 - present
Gifford Garden Archives, July 2001 - January 2003