Gardening was always a passion of mine, so when I retired to Silver Springs in 2006 and discovered a crew of volunteers dedicated to developing a forest and creating a garden paradise on a piece of land essentially devoid of plants, I happily signed up. When I met a rose expert who made loving ‘plants with thorns that bite’ a great adventure, I was hooked. I became devoted to roses, particularly Canadian-bred varieties that thrive in Calgary’s Zone 3 environment, and to the team of people who share that love, who I am now proud to lead.

I found myself fortunate enough to be part of a whole community of volunteers with a shared vision of BGSS, dedicated to the work. So, in 2013 when we became a Society, I joined the first Board of Directors. I am one of the liaisons with Calgary Parks which owns the land and is a critical partner in our success.

I very much value having a role in protecting and celebrating our beautiful roses to ensure they will be enjoyed for years to come. Most importantly, I have found a sense of place in the Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs.