ALUM OF THE MONTH: KELLY NORRIS
July 1, 2016
Name: Kelly Norris
Title and Company: Director of Horticulture, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Hometown: Bedford, Iowa
Major and Graduation Date: Horticulture; B.S. in December 2008 and M.S. in July 2011
Major Job/Position Responsibilities: I direct and manage a team of horticultural professionals in all aspects of design, curation, programming, and garden management. I am also the editorial director for the organization’s award-winning member magazine Bloom and the artistic director of the Spring Garden Festival, a four-day pop-up retail plant sale and garden show. I liken myself to a conductor. I may have a baton, but an orchestra is a bigger collaboration each time it assembles.
What you like most about your job/position: I never lack for something to do and the opportunities to watch a garden evolve from schematic design to living product amounts to the pleasure of a lifetime. Even on the toughest days, it’s still rewarding.
What advice would you give to current students: Dreaming is only half of the adventure. Without a plan or a scheme, a dream is just a dream. The plan can change (as it often should), but looking ahead, moving forward and hatching great schemes are what really matter most.