Master gardeners are a diverse and interesting group. While we know about their interest in gardening, it is amazing what we don’t know about our fellow gardeners. Lynell is a great case in point. Her prior master gardener life is not only interesting, but full of surprises.

Lynell spent twenty years in banking, rising to become a bank manager for Amergy Bank. It is easy to picture her as a sophisticate, fiscally astute manager, she has the persona of one who is competent and capable of managing your money. But there is another fun and surprising side to Lynell.

Between career breaks in banking she became a certified travel consultant and started her own travel agency. After adding staff, she was able to take advantage of the travel and educational opportunities offered in the industry. On a snorkeling trip to the Cayman Islands, Lynell discovered a love for the water and beauty hidden beneath the waves. This eventually led to a certification in scuba diving.

Lynell has dived in exotic paradises such as Tahiti, Hawaii, Cozumel and the Caymans. She said while each dive is unique and beautiful, her favorite is where it all started in the Caymans. She hasn’t dived in a while and would have to recertify, but the memories are there, and you can see it on her face when she talks about her experiences.

Lynell is also a beer and wine enthusiast though she admits to liking beer better. She especially likes to support our local breweries and wineries. A favorite watering hole for wine is the Blue Epiphany. For beer it’s the Copperhead Brewery. It is family owned and guest get a sense of family. For those who might be interested in visiting, Lynell says, “their specialty beers are quite good and consistent.” She also noted that fellow master gardener ‘Tree’ Treleaven makes a good home brew that he frequent offers to master gardener friends.

Lynell started her master gardener experience as an intern in 2013 but has a long-standing love for gardening. It started as a toddler with her dad and grandmother, both avid gardeners. Her grandmother lovingly tended her garden; each year she entered a favorite plant in the state fair. Helping her grandmother tend the garden are some of her fondest memories.

Asked about her favorite activity in gardening, with no hesitation she said, “Weeding.” Can you believe that? Asked why anyone would say weeding was a favorite gardening activity, she said for her it is very satisfying pulling a weed and knowing it’s gone. I know a garden where she can get all the satisfaction she wants; I’ll supply the beer!

As you can readily see, Lynell is a fun and interesting lady with wonderful stories to share.

To see previous profiles you might have missed click on “Master Gardener Profiles” below.