Growing up in southern Illinois near the Mississippi River, everyone in our neighborhood had vegetable gardens and fruit trees and shared produce with each other. While I did serve as “master weeder” and “master peach and cherry picker,” in our family garden and orchard, I didn’t develop a real interest in gardening until later in life (too busy playing baseball!).

I joined the Air Force “to see the world” in 1979 and embarked on an unimaginably wonderful life for the next 26 years. I met and married my wife, Susan, also an Air Force officer, and we lived our best lives together in England, Germany, Spain, and Turkey while traveling throughout most of Europe and the Mediterranean.

I was always fascinated by the unique cultural differences reflected in the beautiful gardens and landscapes wherever we lived. Once we settled in Virginia, working in the yard became my “happy place” to be in the moment. I applied to the Green Spring Extension Master Gardener program to expand my gardening knowledge. As a Friends of Green Spring Gardens Board Member, I will continue to expand my volunteer service to the Fairfax County community by helping to preserve the history of, and plan the future of, Green Spring Gardens.

Steve currently serves as Treasurer for Friends of Green Spring.