Where did you grow up, and were you a city kid or farm kid?
Ewing, NE on my family farm
What is your background and area of expertise?
Plant Pathology
What year did you make your first appearance on Backyard Farmer?
2007
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Backyard Farmer show?
The people!! I get to work with a great group of folks on the panel (hours of laughing with that group), and the staff with Nebraska Public Media are absolutely amazing. But also, everyone who watches the show that I get to meet around the state. I love hearing the stories of when viewers started watching the show, who their favorite person is on the panel and all their gardening wisdom fills my heart every time.
What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving most often?
It's likely environmental damage, wait and see how the plant does.
What’s the most unusual question you’ve been asked on Backyard Farmer?
This question is really hard to answer....I am unable to come up with any off the wall question regarding BYF. Questions at my office is a totally different story.
Do you have a favorite plant, tree, flower, disease, bug, or critter — and why?
Annabelle Hydrangea - My grandmother and daughter are both named Annabelle. It is always so wonderful to see the big white blooms of the Annabelle hydrangea that last into the fall and winter. The persistence of the flower to be enjoyed by all for such a long time really captures their personalities also. Bottom line - it makes me smile.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I was required to take Botany for my undergraduate degree. I got a "C" in that class and now I work with plants everyday.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
I'm an avid reader, last year I read 63 books. The books I read are primarily fiction. I also listen to different audio books when I am driving...typically murder mysteries which are not the same books I read. So, between reading and listening, last year it was 80 books I completed. If you meet me somewhere, give me time to turn off my audiobook first.
I also enjoy spending time with family typically at the ranch my husband manages. If my kids get to choose, time is spent at the fishing pond seeing who can catch the biggest fish.
