Bloedel Reserve

Like many gardeners, I tend to think in horticultural metaphors. One in particular has stayed with me throughout my career. Organizations are like gardens: with careful tending,  tilling the soil, planting thoughtfully, observing closely, and always keeping an eye on the weather, beautiful things will emerge.

Bloedel Reserve is a powerful example of this idea. It is a singular vision that has evolved over more than seven decades, shaped by many hands yet guided by a clear and enduring direction. As President & CEO, I have the privilege of helping steward that vision into its next chapter. We strive to create an experiential landscape, blending the ecology of the Puget Sound region, restrained design, and horticultural excellence. Together it is greater than the sum of its parts.

I grew up in the forested, seasonally distinct landscape of Massachusetts and spent many years in California’s mild, sunny climate. Arriving in the Pacific Northwest in 2024 felt to me like a homecoming of sorts, a hybrid of the places that shaped my understanding of horticulture. I look forward to continuing to put down roots here, and to learning from the remarkable landscapes and thriving plant community of the region.

All photos courtesy Abby Wyatt Images