This month we head over to the Center for Urban Horticulture (CUH) to meet horticulturist Kristen Johnson!

Kristen manages the highly curated Soest Herbaceous Display Garden, McVay Courtyard, Goodfellow Grove and surrounding gardens. Plants in these gardens range from herbaceous perennials to ornamental trees to northwest natives. She also stewards – alongside Heather Ferguson – the Union Bay Natural Area (UBNA) and swamp, which are vital wildlife havens that require restoration and ongoing maintenance. Kristen loves that CUH has a prairie, boardwalk, farm, wetlands, open spaces, plant nurseries, climate-ready plant research, and even a labyrinth.

Ever wonder what it’s like to care for these diverse and dynamic landscapes on a daily basis? Following a yearly calendar, she patterns out seasonal projects, giving special attention to blooms, plant health, and pruning needs. Each morning begins with a loop of the gardens, where she checks event spaces and creates a mental list of priorities. Outfitted with tools for a range of tasks, she might edge a lawn, prune manzanitas, or renovate a bed of perennials – always embracing the fluid nature of the work. Each day unfolds a little differently, with its own rhythm and small surprises.

Despite the demands of her role, Kristen always finds time to connect with garden visitors. In fact, that’s how she started working at UWBG. It might surprise you to learn that Kristen has no formal training in horticulture. Before working at UWBG, she managed a small soccer store for many years. Her love for gardening was passed down by her grandmother and mother, and she often found herself leading gardening projects at her kids’ schools, community parks, and senior centers. In the spring of 2018 she was walking through the Arboretum with her daughter and joked with horticulturist, Darrin Hedberg, about all the horsetail growing there. In response, he tossed her a pair of gloves and invited her to help out. That’s how Kristen began volunteering – first with Ron Schmaltz in Rhododendron Glen in the Arboretum. After a while she was hired part-time, then full-time, and now she runs the show at CUH.

Kristen’s favorite part of the job is arriving each week to see what’s new in the gardens. She cherishes the quiet moments, often pausing to watch ospreys in the sky. She finds joy in working alongside her dedicated volunteer group and values opportunities to teach and learn from garden visitors.

Horticultural spaces can be powerful places of connection, learning, peace, and inspiration. Kristen brings that magic to life, inviting visitors to engage their senses, share their observations, and maybe even get their hands a little dirty.

Next time you’re in the Soest Garden, wave hello to Kristen!

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience in horticulture or restoration at the Center for Urban Horticulture or Union Bay Natural Area, consider signing up to volunteer, if positions are available. After all, that’s how Kristen got her start at UWBG!