MaryAnn's Biography

Coordinating Plants of Merit, a regional plant awareness program, was a natural progression for this avid gardener with a passion for educating the public. MaryAnn's involvement with the Plants of Merit program includes strengthening relationships among several Midwestern botanical gardens, Missouri ’s largest public research university and an exponentially growing list of horticulture industry stakeholders.

MaryAnn's previous experience as caretaker of the Missouri Botanical Garden trial gardens was the first step in establishing performance trials for all nominated plants in the Plants of Merit award program.

By having an association with the Plants of Merit program since its 1998 inception, her passion offers the program the momentum necessary to continue to expand and hold a significant position in the horticulture green industry. MaryAnn gives Plants of Merit a personality!

MaryAnn travels extensively throughout Missouri, Southern Illinois and the Kansas City region to promote Plants of Merit’s mission to promote regional horticultural diversity through annual award recognition.

In addition to her association with the Missouri Botanical Garden , MaryAnn is a popular public speaker and appears routinely on local radio and television programs. She is a regular contributor for several print publications and online resources. She writes and compiles information for the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Missouri Botanical Garden 's web site and www.growexcellence.com.

MaryAnn attended the Horticulture Program of St Louis Community College at Meramec. She is a certified Arborist. As a Master Gardener, MaryAnn contributed many hours volunteering for the Plant Doctor Helpdesk at the Missouri Botanical Garden 's Kemper Center for Home Gardening. She enjoys her successful business as an environmental horticultural consultant and designer and includes the Plants of Merit as part of her consulting work. As a lifelong gardener, MaryAnn developed a special appreciation for the needs of homeowners and gardeners who desire to simplify their gardening activities while enjoying nature's beauty.

MaryAnn's Signature List
Plant Recommendations

Through out the year, MaryAnn Fink conducts short courses, seminars and workshops for the public on a range of topics.

Information about these courses is posted on this website for you to register your interest.
Please contact us today!

For information mentioned by
MaryAnn Fink on the 550 KTRS radio, click here.