Presentation
Speaker--Linda Larson at March 16 meeting
Linda Larson, a lifelong lover of flowers, remembers the daffodils lining the small stone path to her grandmother’s door. She grew up on a farm in central Indiana and not only pulled weeds out of the Peonies each summer, but the nightshade out of her father’s soybean fields.
After graduating from Indiana State University with a Master’s degree in Audio/Visual Communication, she went on to make her home in Mesa, AZ, teaching public speaking at Mesa Community College.
april 2011, electronic Newsletter
She has an extensive home garden with fruit trees and over 100 container plantings. Her garden has been included in several municipal gardening tours over the 30 years she’s been an Arizona resident. By hosting tours and touring other’s gardens, she was inspired to explore public gardens whenever possible.
Nearing retirement from teaching, she fulfilled the requirements of becoming a Master Gardner and has begun an entirely new career – encouraging audiences to discover the beauty and enjoyment of public gardens at home and in their travels. A monthly columnist for the Maricopa Master Gardener newsletter “Roots and Shoots,” her column, “Traveling Gardener” reflects her passion for combining two of her favorite pastimes – travel and gardening - but also highlights the restorative properties for young and old alike when spending time in nature.
But if you want to stay closer to home (gasoline prices, time) here are a few suggestions that you might not be aware of:
Japanese Friendship Garden
1125 N. 3rd Ave. Phoenix, AZ
Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden at Chaparral Park
5401 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ
Visit Linda’s website to see spectacular photos from her garden travels, a list of gardens in Arizona to visit, gardens she has visited sorted by geographic area. The lists are a great resource to locate beautiful gardens in a specific area. She also includes what’s blooming where – another great resource.
St. Anthony’s Orthodox Monastery, 4785 N. St. Joseph’s Way, Florence
(Please remember that this is a monastery first, and appropriate dress is required. If you plan to go, check their website for appropriate dress http://www.stanthonysmonastery.org/visitorguide.php)
