Behind the Flowers

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, I relocated to the East Coast in 2005.

My first deep dive into gardening came in 2009, following the completion of my Masters in Global Studies and International Affairs, when I had the opportunity to live in Uganda, East Africa. Immersed in the local community and culture, I resided in a small village and worked alongside farmers on seed harvesting and fruit tree grafting. From there, my curiosity grew into a passion that has taken many shapes over the years.

Gardening has long captivated my heart, even when the flexibility of time hasn’t always aligned with my desire for hours in the garden. After recently stepping away from SPUR, a local nonprofit I founded in 2014, I took a season for myself, finding in the garden deep joy, calm, and a passion for sharing that beauty with others.

Behind the Name: Fleur de Mer means “Sea Flower,” a name that reflects my deep love of sailing alongside my passion for flowers.