Colleen Plimpton (left)

On the last day of introducing speakers at the CT Garden and Flower Show last week, I stopped in to check on Colleen Plimpton.  I wanted to make sure she had everything she needed for her presentation.  I had met Colleen before at one of our CT Horticultural Society program meetings.  She came up to my table to ask about the speaker facilitators at the show.  I informed her I would be there to help coordinate this new effort on behalf of the society and its volunteer members.

Colleen Plimpton is a well-known gardener, writer, and teacher.  She spoke at this year’s flower show on two topics: “The Bins and Outs of Composting” and “Hello My Garden!” (a topic focused on what to do to prepare for spring in the garden).  However, I could not stay to listen because I had to attend to another presenter in the adjacent room.  This was disappointing to me because I really wanted to hear her speak, especially after meeting her again briefly on this day.

Colleen has a very warm and friendly personality.  When I visited her website to learn more about her background,  it was fitting to see she has a former background as a clinical social worker.  I thought, this is where that warm feeling comes from when talking to her.  She has a “people person personality.” 

In addition to her background in social work, Colleen has an extensive history as a professional gardener, has traveled the U.S. gardening, taught classes at the New York Botanical Gardens, appeared on television shows, writes featured articles for various gardening publications and magazines, and has authored gardening related books. 

One of her most recent publications, “Mentors in the Garden of Life” was a finalist in The Best Books 2010 Awards, Home: Gardening category.  It is a memoir filled with touching stories of her years gardening.  The testimonials on her website will surely perk your interest, as it did mine. 

In addition to all of Colleen’s accomplishments, she also designs and tends to an award-winning ornamental garden while offering advice and updates on her blogs.  She is a member of the Garden Writers of America, writes for ‘Connecticut Gardener’, ‘GreenPrints’, and ‘Toastmaster’.  She offers coaching and education, while managing to maintain a schedule of book signings and lectures!  All of this Colleen does with a positive energy and continual smile.

When I read this excerpt from her blog, I chuckled, and it made me feel all the more appreciation for her personality:  “I can’t grow clematis to save my soul.  I’ve tried repeatedly but no dice; they apparently don’t like me or my soil.  What the heck, pruning them properly always was confusing.”

Clematis in my garden

I loved this statement.  I’ve told my clients many times over, clematis are one of those plants I see flourishing in a gardener’s yard or completely unsuccessful.  And it is true, the types and pruning of clematis are confusing!  I like the honesty that shines through her works too. 

Should you ever get the chance to see Colleen Plimpton speak, I trust you will thoroughly enjoy her lectures and educational teachings along with her people person personality.  To learn more about Colleen, visit her website:  www.colleenplimpton.com.  Cathy T