Jan has been a member of North Shore Group for 14 years. For many years she has held the role of APS NSG minutes secretary and editor of the monthly newsletter, Blandfordia.
Jan’s interest in native plants started in her youth when exploring the local bush at East Lindfield. Other things intervened for many years, including showing and breeding beagles, becoming a veterinarian and living overseas.
Boronia, Philotheca and flannel flowers featured on the wedding cake – a definite no to roses, though these were in the bouquet ☹ (didn’t think that there were any options at that stage).
Since the early 1980s, bushwalking and camping became regular past times and many trips to rural and regional Australia have continued to whet Jan’s appetite for all the wonderful natural plants, animals and environments that are on offer.
Jan joined APS when she was keen to develop a native garden. The garden was primarily to be a way to encourage native animals and birds to their home, plus she liked the wonderful diversity of Australian plants.
Since then, thousands of hours have been spent happily involved with the plants, garden, bush walks and all the various activities that APS has to offer – plus she has formed some good friendships. Her attempts at floral arrangements when APS NSG has been involved with Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden’s annual festival have even improved!
Jan is still a generalist, who is pleased when she can identify the genus of a plant. Jan sincerely believes that if we can preserve the environment and all that that entails, then the “critters” will return and flourish and everyone and everything will be in a better place. Jan has also volunteered with Easy Care Gardening for 15 years and tries to nab any native plant that needs pruning in the client’s garden. Pruning does not mean just a short back and sides, but often selective thinning and/or trimming which results in a good looking plant.
Jan has generously agreed to take the board’s minutes and track action items – a huge help. Thanks Jan.