Meerkerk Chooses New Manager
Kristi O'Donnell, a horticulturist with 20 years of experience, has been selected to manage Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens on Whidbey Island, Wash., replacing retiring managers Bill and Mary Stipe.
O'Donnell comes to Meerkerk from the Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati where she was employed as district manager and supervisor of greenhouse operations for the Cincinnati Parks Department. She has experience in floral and landscape design, fundraising, education and volunteer coordination. She has also cared for the rhododendron and azalea collection at the Krohn Conservatory.
The Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens were given to the Seattle Chapter by Ann Meerkerk in 1979 and are cared for by the Seattle, Whidbey Island and Komo Kulshan chapters. The gardens include a display garden, test garden and newly developed Asian garden.