Volunteers planting tulips in the fall.

The Shawnee County Parks & Recreation Horticulture staff is putting together newsletter mailings in 2010. We are hoping to keep volunteers better informed on activities and events in the Ted Ensley Gardens and other Shawnee County Parks.

In our newsletters we will be advertising future Garden Events. We will be talking about what projects we are working on and highlighting volunteer activities and accomplishments. We are hoping that this newsletter will encourage new volunteers and keep our current volunteers updated. We are looking forward to seeing you.

(L to R) Rachelle Hubbard, Julie Trowbridge and Traci Podlena

Julie Trowbridge has been a horticulturist with Shawnee County Parks & Recreation, for 30 years. She helped start the Rose Garden back in 1981 with just 200 roses. Since then a gazebo, patios, ponds along with many annual and perennial beds have been added.

Rachelle Hubbard has been with Shawnee County Parks & Recreation for almost 10 years. She manages the Garden by the Lake and the Meditation Garden, along with The Golf Course landscapes and flowers.

Traci Podlena is our new horticulturist. She has come with a lifetime of experience and energy. Her main responsibilities are the Kansas Expocentre, the Arboretum and the Shawnee North Family Aquatic Center.