Hi, my name is Abigail Whittaker, and I am a gardening addict. I don’t attempt to deny my vital dependence on the living, growing world around us—in fact, I revel in it. As a little girl, I was always afoot in the garden, helping (or hindering!) my mom and dad in the work of the season; planting tulip bulbs or seeding watermelons, watering, eating berries, picking zucchini or cutting cosmos. Over the years, I have branched out, experimenting with houseplants, orchids, tropicals, perennials for sun and shade, and larger landscape specimens. A fair share have met their untimely end along the way, providing a constant impetus to continue researching, learning from others, exploring new methods and—of course—buying plants.

When I found myself well- but unhappily-employed in my early twenties, I naturally turned to my hobbies in search of a new direction. I was fortunate to be taken on by a small therapeutic nursery, where my budding interest was encouraged and fed by some of the most open-hearted, patient horticultural professionals that I could ever hope to meet. I enrolled in a couple of classes through Butte College, intending to improve my job skills. Three years and two nurseries later, I have an Associate of Sciences degree in Environmental Horticulture; have volunteered on and directed the Organic Garden Project at Butte; designed landscapes ranging from residential backyards to memorial parks; and have served home-owners, contractors, professional designers and fellow addicts from around the North State alongside many of the most knowledgeable and gifted nurserymen and women in our local industry.

I discovered a ready home at Magnolia Gift and Garden in the Spring of 2009, shortly after its inception. Here, in a vibrant, inspiring and innovative environment, I have truly flourished. One of my favorite aspects of being a Nursery Assistant is helping our customers to create something organic, something that reflects and complements their lifestyle and their values, within their indoor and outdoor living spaces. I have an artistic appreciation for balance, texture, and color harmony, focused by a sincere desire to establish sustainable landscapes, which drives my designs. The constant introduction of new plants, pottery and garden ornaments to the nursery infuses the atmosphere with the variety and sense of exploration that we love most about our own gardens. Outside of work, I am a full-time student and a dog-mom; with any time I have left, I love to read, write, hike, bike and travel.

All of that being said, as our nursery has matured and its needs have changed, I have been asked to take up a new challenge—writing a blog. I see this as an extension of the many conversations that we share with our customers at the nursery throughout the day, gathered around the counter, or walking in the display area. Similarly, I welcome your input, your advice, your questions or concerns within this forum. If you are a long-time patron of Magnolia, then I thank you and look forward to continuing to serve you; if this is your first visit to our site, then I hope to meet you in our “garden” soon!