Joe Collins

Smith-Gilbert Gardens benefits from the great gardeners network by attracting volunteers at every opportunity. At a Master Gardeners meeting SGG member Jo-Evelyn Morris introduced Joe Collins and his neighbor Ken Johnson to SGG and invited them to visit. Joe called to inquire about how to become a Friend of the Master Gardeners and has grown with us ever since!

He started out volunteering with the Thursday Work Group and completed the SGG Docent program. Joe then joined the Conifer Committee, has written an article on conifers for the MG “Dibbler” and is working on the grant the Committee recently received.  Under guidance from Jack Driskell, SGG Head Gardener, Joe is auditing all the Garden plants which are missing tags. He was recently accepted into the Master Gardeners program and is expected to graduate in a few weeks.

Joe loves the fact that as a beginning gardener you can come to SGG and learn from horticulture authorities like Executive Director Doug Davis and Jack Driskell. He enjoys being a docent best because you can share the uniqueness of the Gardens. Joe says “SGG offers anybody the opportunity to view and study an unbelievable variety plant species, the ability to see all 4 seasonal interests and offers the resources to learn by working with experts.”

Joe, a Boston area transplant, retired after 30 years from IBM as an Account Executive. After that Joe served as the General Manager, VP of Sales, and VP of Strategic Alliances for various technology companies. Joe and his wife Pat have 2 married daughters. His hobbies include gardening and taking care of new 5 month old grandson Nate.