JO ANN GARDNER

 

   Jo Ann Gardner is my kind of gardener, a real gardener who has grown every plant she writes and talks about. Her books and lectures have the ring of truth and the flavor or a personality that is original and highly intelligent; a one-of-a-kind of writer, lecturer and gardener. 

     --SYDNEY EDDISON, AUTHOR, GARDENING FOR A LIFETIME

 

   Through your words you have contributed to a change of approach that will no doubt be part of the change of heart of many people in their relationship to that little piece of ground they call home.

     --MICHAEL AVISHAI, RETIRED DIRECTOR, JERUSALEM BOTANICAL GARDEN

 

    Listening to Jo Ann Gardner lecture is like witnessing a modern-day pioneer . . . she tells us what she has learned about herbs and gardening through decades of hands-on toil. She is a fascinating speaker and audiences comes away with much more than a few hours entertainment.

     --TOVAH MARTIN, AUTHOR, TASHA TUDOR'S GARDEN

 

    I am deeply impressed by your energy and deep understanding of the real meaning of Judaism, plants and symbols and many other things of value.

     --AVINOAM DANIN, PROFESSOR OF BOTANY EMERITUS, THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY, JERUSALEM

 

   In your Solomon's Garden lecture the Bible comes to life and the desert blooms like a rose.

     --FATHER WAYNE SCHWAB, ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ESSEX, NY

 

   Your presentation on the Book of Ruth deepened our understanding of the Jewish people and their culture.

     --DR. WILLIAM S. SAXTON, PILGRIM HOLINESS CHURCH, LAKE PLACID, NY

 

   Jo Ann brings the beauty of Israel's desert lands to life in her presentation Solomon's Garden. She gave me a grand new perspective of the Biblical land of 'milk and honey' through its plants and their cultivation.

     --ALBERT SUTHERLAND, PAST PRESIDENT OKLAHOMA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

 

   Your Ruth talk was accessible, compelling, real.

     --SUSIE LITTLEFIELD, ALL SOULS UNITARIAN CHURCH, NYC

 

   In this unique and lively presentation, Jo Ann illustrates the fascinating interconnections between spiritual and agricultural law in the Book of Ruth . . . her analysis speaks to the essential commonalities that exist between our relationship with the land and our relationships with each other . . . 

     --VANESSA GIKAS, BENNINGTON COLLEGE STUDENT

 

   She opened up the Book of Ruth to us.

     --LAUREN NORCROSS, GUEST, WILLIAMSTOWN BIBLE STUDY GROUP

 

    In an age of hi tech speakers bringing every bell and whistle to their presentation, it was a joy to listen to someone speak without notes for over an hour.  Jo Ann’s “props” are her deep plant knowledge and discernable passion for plants.  Well-ordered and visually compelling, her talk on plants of the Holy Land was also inclusive and respectful to all faiths.

      --LESLEY PARNESS, SUPERINTENDENT OF HORTICULTURAL EDUCATION, FRELINGUYSEN ARBORETUM, MORRISTOWN, NJ 

 

  Jo Ann's message imparted an equal measure of enlightenment on the people of israel's views of the plants in their homeland as well as a significant serving of biblical instruction. She has profound respect and knowledge of both areas and shares them with love.

      --REV. FRED SHAW, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, ELIZABETHTOWN, NY