Ever since I was a kid, I have always loved being outside. I grew up in a little farming community in Menan, Idaho, and Idaho alone is pretty well known for its beautiful natural views (like the one above), so outside has always been the place to be! I've always enjoyed going for walks, exploring, hiking, stargazing, and just about anything that helps you to appreciate nature!
When I started college, I was drawn to Horticulture because of my background as an FFA member, where I had done a lot of competitions with plant identification and nursery and landscape operations. And Horticulture felt like home to me! I felt like it was where I needed to be. I especially loved the landscape design/architecture classes. I'm a very creative person at heart and I love to draw, but I also loved the fact that I could apply what I was learning about plants and environments in such a way that I could create beautiful outdoor spaces that people could enjoy!
Spending time in nature can be very calming and restorative, which is especially important in today's world when technology and work keep us up and stressed and going all the time. My education and childhood experiences have shown me my passion for sharing the beauty of nature with other people. I want to be creative in ways others haven't before, and I want people to be able to have outdoor spaces where they can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the world for a moment and just breathe.
My family and friends are everything to me!
I come from a big family as the oldest of 6 kids, and that has always been a blast. But in August 2021 I was lucky enough to be married to my best friend, and now I have even more people to call family! I love spending time with them! They can always find a way to make me laugh, smile, or bring me comfort.
And friends are just as important to me! I consider a lot of people to be my friends (even if we're not super close), but there are a handful that I'm very close to. They have all been so supportive and I know I can count on them. They have helped me become who I am today. Hanging out with them always brightens my day!