March is Women’s History Month. As women continue to make remarkable impacts around the world, we spoke to some of the remarkable women right here in the Garden’s horticulture division about their careers, ambitions, and advice.
Get to know the women of them by reading on!
MOBOT’s Horticulture Division
The Missouri Botanical Garden was created by Henry Shaw, a prominent St. Louis businessman who opened his garden to the public in 1859. Mr. Shaw intended his garden to be a center for education, scientific research, and horticultural display.
Today the Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark with the mission “to discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life.”
The Horticulture Division supports this mission through:
- Curating, managing and developing the living plant collections
- Propagation and production of plants for the living collections and displays
- Managing data and databases associated to the living collections
- Conducting conservation horticulture
- Conducting horticulture research, including trials and testing for propagation and cultivation protocol development
- Designing and maintaining the Gardens landscape and displays
- Providing horticulture information and outreach including demonstration gardens
- Ensure excellence in horticultural principles and practices
Meet the women in Horticulture
Madison Yocks, Conservatories Horticulturalist II
Photos courtesy of Nathan Kwarta, Madison Yocks
What’s your role at the Garden?
I specialize in tropical plant conservation within the Climatron. I help maintain the landscape, curate the collection, conduct research, collaborate with other institutions, lead volunteer activities, and much more!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my career so far was having the opportunity to represent the garden in Cartagena, Colombia for the Botanical Bridges Congress.
Who’s your favorite female inspiration and why?
My mom by far! There isn’t one thing this woman can’t conquer, she is the most selfless and strong person I know. If I turn out to be half the woman Karen Yocks is, I will consider that a HUGE win!
Any parting message to girls and women out there?
Empowered women empower women! Take up space and be loud, your voice is worth hearing.
Greta Berg, Horticulturist
Photos courtesy of Nathan Kwarta, Greta Berg
What’s your role at the Garden?
As a horticulturist at the gardens, I work to maintain and curate the plant collections of Chinese, Ottoman, and Hosta gardens. My work includes general garden maintenance such as pruning and weeding, but also [to] research species of conservation concern that I believe would fit well within my gardens.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Being able to work with an amazing group of horticulturists and scientists through school and internships would definitely be one of the highlights of my career so far. I have been able to meet so many amazing people and travel to awesome places all thanks to the shared love of plants!
Who’s your favorite female inspiration and why?
Robin Wall Kimmer is a woman who inspires me every day, with her drive and dedication to the field of plant ecology and bryology and yet not being afraid to challenge the ‘norms’ of her field. She reminds me that often the way to instill positive and lasting change is to push the bounds of what is expected and not forget to appreciate and create beauty along the way.
Any parting message to girls and women out there?
Take every possible opportunity that is out there, whether it be a volunteer opportunity, internship, club, or scholarship all of these are tools that help you find your passion. These tools are out there and here to support you along the way in finding your passion, no matter what stage of life.
Becky Sucher, Living Collections Senior Manager
Photos courtesy of Nathan Kwarta, Becky Sucher
What’s your role at the Garden?
I am responsible for managing and developing the living plant collection here at the Garden. This involves targeting new species for the collection, surveying and collecting from wild populations, and recording accurate data so that our collections can be used for a wide variety of research, conservation, and educational purposes.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
A highlight of my career has been the opportunity to travel throughout the world, exploring unique plants and ecosystems and building relationships to help preserve biodiversity.
Who’s your favorite female inspiration and why?
I would have to say my daughter. Seeing her bravely and wholeheartedly embrace life and pursue her dreams with passion and determination motivates me every day.
Any parting message to girls and women out there?
Believe in your voice, your dreams, and your worth and embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth.
Steph Sanders, Horticulturist
Photos courtesy of Nathan Kwarta, Steph Sanders
What’s your role at the Garden?
I act as caretaker and curator of the Jack C. Taylor [Visitor] Center.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Taking part in field collections! I’ve only been within the state, but I’m hoping to take part in both out-of-state and international expeditions soon.
Who’s your favorite female inspiration and why?
Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer. She’s both scientist and poet, her work brings art, love, and science together into beautiful, inspiring pieces of literature.
Any parting message to girls and women out there?
Always trust your instincts. Your heart (and gut) will guide you well.
Pat Scace, Floral Display Supervisor
Photos courtesy of Nathan Kwarta, Tom Incrocci, Pat Scace
What’s your role at the Garden?
My role is to develop and produce the Garden’s annual indoor flower shows. Begun in the early 1900’s, we continue the MBG tradition and history by creating ‘2’ indoor floral displays through the winter months, predominantly focused on displaying our ‘living collections’, such as orchids.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The flower shows are a giant floral design. Receiving the American Institute of Floral Designer‘s, Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry, is something I was privileged to receive. My passion and love is botanical art.
Who’s your favorite female inspiration and why?
Growing up in a family floral and nursery business, my mother was my favorite female inspiration. During a time when women mainly worked the home front, she was a large part of the daily operations of the business. She demonstrated great resilience and character throughout her life, and taught me the same. I seldom shy away from new challenges or ways to learn because of her. It’s fun.
Any parting message to girls and women out there?
If I spoke to my younger self, I would reinforce the use of positive thoughts and actions. Life can hand us many challenges, but believing in yourself to go after the life you want, one day at a time, is the greatest gift.
Thank so much for sharing your journeys and the inspiring words, ladies!
Stay tuned for more highlights from the women in horticulture during Women’s History Month.
Cover photo courtesy of Claire Cohen
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