Karen Smith
I am a committee member of the Horticultural Media Association of NSW and a selector for the Australian Open Garden Scheme, Southern Sydney region.
Prior to studying horticulture I worked in a variety of jobs, including the tourism industry. Having travelled for some years to various parts of the world I am constantly amazed by the beautiful plants I discover.
My horticultural experience includes working in a retail nursery, Technical and Sales Manager for an indoor plant hire company, a horticultural advisor for Yates Australia and Technical Support and Trainer for Yates Garden Care. I have also taught horticulture for a private college.
I have had my business, Gardens On The Go for seven years which has included garden designing, consulting and taking small tour groups to various gardens. I am a founding member and President of Rendezvous in Business, a not for profit networking organisation which supports small business owners. We have held three expos to date and hosted workshops and functions for business owners. The funds raised from these functions have allowed us to donate over $60,000 to charity.
My main current role is Editor of Hort Journal Australia, a trade journal that is distributed throughout Australia (www.hortjournal.com.au.) I am also the horticultural trainer in NSW for Yates Australia.
I have given many talks to horticultural groups. Emceed functions, written articles for community magazines and newspapers and been a guest on 702ABC Saturday morning talkback radio.
I love all plants; even those considered by some to be unattractive. They all hold a form of beauty for me.
My other passion, apart from plants is travelling, not just overseas but within Australia as we have such a beautiful country. I love to visit beautiful gardens, but there is something very special about seeing plants growing in their natural environment.