EMGs in Action
😊Friendly Smile, Steadfast Service: Honoring Gayle Pfeiffer
Gayle’s friendly smile and steadfast service have touched nearly every corner of our Association. From Field Trip Fridays to the Reflection Garden, she brings heart, dedication, and a can-do spirit to everything she does.
🧱Quiet Dedication, Solid Foundations: Honoring Dave Kirk
Dave is one of those invaluable, quiet Master Gardeners who works diligently behind the scenes, contributing greatly to our association's success. His computer skills have been instrumental since he joined the program. As an intern, he used his expertise to map our intern project at the Rourk Library and later mapped the Botanical Garden as Co-Lead. His mapping skills were also vital for detailing the landscapes of Habitat for Humanity houses.
☁️Calm Spirit, Strong Results: Honoring Jean Klein
Jean Klein has brought a renewed energy to this fall’s plant sale. After learning the ropes from Vicki in the spring, she took charge of the fall plant sale and never looked back. Jean has brought a new energy to organizing and marketing the sale. In doing so, she’s set a new precedent for the level of communication with the myriads of people involved. Jean ensures everyone is heard and feels appreciated, she is a calm and gentle soul; always open to new ideas and adapts well to new challenges. Even though the sale is not 100% complete, it is for her tireless effort the past couple of months that she has earned the volunteer of the month for September.
🌸 Quiet Force, Lasting Impact: Honoring Linda Swanson
For more than 15 years, Linda Swanson has been a dedicated and creative force in the Brunswick County Botanical Garden, and we’re proud to recognize her as our July 2025 Master Gardener of the Month. Energetic, thoughtful, and full of humor, Linda exemplifies the quiet strength that sustains our Master Gardener community.
🌿Plant Healer, Garden Leader: Honoring Rex Wright
Since joining the Master Gardener Program in 2023, Rex Wright has brought knowledge, patience, and quiet strength to the Curbside Garden and beyond. Known for reviving struggling plants in his “Private Plant Hospital” and generously sharing his expertise, Rex embodies the dedication and compassion that strengthen our Master Gardener community.
✨Bright Energy, Meaningful Voices: Honoring Kelly Vendetti
Kelly has brought bright energy and clear communication to her roles as Webmaster and Publicity Liaison, upgrading our website, streamlining outreach, and leading us into exciting new formats with her trademark positivity.
🛠️Creative Vision, Tireless Service: Honoring Team Tullai
Michele and Mike Tullai bring unmatched creativity, dedication, and teamwork to our gardens and our community. From the Wine Bottle Wall to the Hoop House and countless behind-the-scenes projects, Team Tullai continues to inspire with their leadership, talent, and generous spirit.
🔎Calm Expertise, Lifelong Curiosity: Honoring Ron Austin
Ron brings a rare blend of calm expertise and genuine curiosity to our Master Gardener community. Whether guiding callers on the Hotline, assisting walk-ins, or researching plant problems, he shares his knowledge with patience, clarity, and a true passion for learning.
🏷️Behind the Labels, Ahead of the Curve: Honoring Joanne Peck
Joanne has transformed one of the Botanical Garden’s biggest challenges into a remarkable achievement. Her work redesigning the plant ID markers, building an accurate database, and organizing volunteers has brought clarity, beauty, and long-lasting value to all 18 Gardens.