New Beginnings

Posted by Ann Fleener

The last time I posted to this blog I had just completed my PhD, was ready for a break and was excited about all the future held. I hoped to find a job in an Education Department at a Public Garden and promised to let you know when I'd accepted one. Well I am happy to tell you I am the new Director of Public Programs at Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City, OK!

My dream for several years has been to become a Director of Education and this position (though it's name is a bit different) is exactly that!  Several told me it would take at least 3 years to work my way up to Director of Education and I am so thankful to have been offered this position. I am looking forward to starting next Monday, February 24th.

Now a little about Myriad Gardens and my new position:

Myriad is a 17 acre public/private garden located in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. Public/private simply means the land is owned by the city and it receives city support but also can garner support from other sources. As it is public/private it feels a bit like a cross between a park and a garden. The garden has no fence so many of the city's residents can be found there on their lunch break enjoying the beautiful surroundings or playing a weekend game of ultimate frisbee on the great lawn. In the center of the garden is a lovely conservatory that charges admission (making this the part that feels more like a traditional garden). Both areas blend beautifully so that they are enjoyed by those specifically interested in visiting a garden and those enjoying the garden for it's park-like qualities.

As the Director of Public Programs I will work to develop, implement, and evaluate any educational program offered at the garden. We'll offer classes for people ages pre-school to retiree and classes will include everything from book reading hour with pre-school children, to birding classes, to a landscape design seminar. I'm so excited about this job as it will include everything I love: educating others about horticulture, landscape design, marketing, business, and perhaps my favorite: working with people! 

One of the first projects I'll be working on is brainstorming ideas for transforming the Children's Garden into "The Secret Garden" for a big event we'll have this summer. I'll be helping with the design of the space as well as coming up with educational programs we can offer in conjunction with the event.  I can't wait to get started!

I am so thankful for the years I spent at Auburn and feel that all my experiences there prepared me for my upcoming career. I could not have asked for a better, more enjoyable experience. It is bittersweet to be officially leaving the place I've called home since 2007 but I'm already brainstorming ideas for ways Myriad can partner with Auburn. I hope to have many reasons to come back every now and then.

War Eagle!

Ann Fleener
Public Horticulture Class of 2013