New Head Gardener, Jim Bailey!
Help us welcome him...
Hello All,
I am writing to inform you that a new Head Gardener has been appointed for the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. This is the very important position for the Gardens that was previously held so ably by Tom Tillotson. The selection process consisted of a formal interview with representative members of the Garden Advisory Committee (two of whom had held and three of whom have supervised similar positions) and an informal committee chaired by Sandi Janisch, chairperson of the Personnel Committee of the Board. The pool was a very strong one, but the first choice was unanimous.
Jim Bailey will begin his tenure as Head Gardener on Tuesday, September 4th, 2012. Most recently he has served as Senior Horticulturalist at Turtle Bay's McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Redding, California with operational responsibilities for its 300 acres. Turtle Bay's McConnell Botanical Gardens feature water-wise gardens representing the world's five Mediterranean climate zones: Southwest Australia, South Africa, California, Chile and the Mediterranean Basin, which is comprised of fifteen countries on three continents. Their gardens also include: the Fitzpatrick Celebration Garden, Children's Garden, Perennial Companions Display Garden, Butterfly Garden, Medicinal Garden and the Pacific Rim Garden. The Turtle Bay Exploration Park extends along the Sacramento River and tells the story of the region and its people.
Jim has a degree in horticulture from Shasta College and is an irrigation, wild land and riparian restoration/mitigation specialist. In addition to his work for Turtle Bay he and his wife currently own and manage their own nursery that specializes in Mediterranean and native plants, vegetables and herbs. Jim is also certified for the use of pesticides though prefers natural approaches wherever possible. He is reported to be an excellent supervisor by staff and volunteers. Referees comment on his ability to work well with a broad range of individuals, to be clear in his communication with others and fair. He is known for having a strong work ethic, a horticulturalist's eye, collaborative problem-solving skills and for helping to develop the talents of others. Jim has successfully managed annual cycles of garden maintenance, major projects and budgets.
Jim will be renting a room at the Farmhouse and hopes that his family will be joining him in this area sometime around the first of the year. I hope you will join me in welcoming Jim Bailey to the Gardens.
Mary Anne Payne
Executive Director