Jean has been an essential member of our chapter since she joined in 1985.As a third generation Californian, Jean has deep roots in this state. She was born and raised in the Bay Area and attended Pomona College and UC Berkeley where she received a Master’s Degree in Fine/Studio Art.

Jean and her husband David moved to Los Altos Hills in 1964, and began to raise a family. Jean became interested in native plants after attending a Santa Clara Valley Chapter Wildflower Show at Foothill College in Los Altos in 1985. Shortly after that, she got a job at Yerba Buena Nursery where she worked with Chapter President Brenda Butner and future CNPS Fellows Gerda Isenberg and Bart O’Brien. Jean went on to co-chair the Wildflower Show with Brenda, starting in 1989. Under their leadership, the show found great financial and floristic success.

Nursery Management and Plant Sales

Jean founded the Chapter’s nursery in 1995 and managed it for almost twenty years. She not only found the location for the nursery, but along with her husband David, led the construction of the facility. Jean’s knowledge and talent as a native plant propagator was instrumental in making the nursery a success. In addition to starting many of the plants sold at the nursery, her extensive knowledge regarding the propagation of native plants made it possible for the nursery to offer plants not found elsewhere. Even after she stepped down as manager, she continued to lead and train the propagation group and volunteer at sales.In addition to managing the nursery, Jean’s knowledge and talent as a native plant propagator was instrumental in making the nursery a success. In addition to starting many of the plants sold at the nursery, her extensive knowledge about the propagation of native plants made it possible for the nursery to offer plants not found elsewhere. Even after she stepped down as manager, she continued to lead and train the propagation group.Jean is always on the lookout for plants that would make good garden specimens. The Ribes malvaceum ‘Monterey Wine’ cultivar, was one of Jean’s finds during a CNPS field trip on the Monterey peninsula. Jean also shared propagation tips in the Chapter’s newsletters and gave talks about propagation, making it easier for members to expand their gardens and grow plants for the Chapter’s plant sales.

Other Activities