If you’ve ever found solace in the rustle of winter leaves or discovered the pure joy of gardening through a loved one, you will find a kindred spirit in our new Education Chairperson, Paula Joyner.

We sat down with Paula to chat about her roots, her vision for MGofDC's educational future, and the unique blend of skills she brings to our Executive Board.

Rooted in Tradition

For Paula, gardening is woven into her history. She traced her love of digging in the dirt back to her grandmother, who shared with her the wonder of flowers and the art of caring for them. As a child, the garden provided a rare, quiet sanctuary during school summer breaks.

That early connection blossomed into a lifelong passion for native species. When asked to choose a go-to plant, Paula admitted she simply can't pick just one. While the majestic American Beech tree holds a massive piece of her heart, she is equally fond of smaller-scale powerhouses like native trumpet vine and native grasses.

Unsurprisingly, her favorite spot in Nashville isn't a public park—it's right in her own backyard.

"My favorite spot is my swing, given to me by a carpenter friend," Paula shares. "A moonlight garden with white dogwood blooms in the spring is amazing while swinging in the dark. And in the winter, the American Beech leaves blowing in the wind are music to listen to from that swing."

Beyond the garden, Paula is a keeper of traditional crafts, possessing a treasure trove of "hobbies upon hobbies" passed down from her grandmothers and aunts, including sewing, embroidery, and knitting.

Bringing Banking Brilliance to the Board

Paula joined MGofDC to learn, share her passion with like-minded growers, and serve a community that increasingly needs a connection to nature in our high-tech world.

While her passion is green, her professional background is pure gold. Paula spent fifteen years as an investment banker—a hidden talent she plans to leverage for the organization. She aims to use her background to emphasize organizational strengths, ensure the efficient use of resources, and amplify the culture and achievements our members care about most.

As Education Chairperson, her goal is entirely member-focused:

Listen & Adapt: Cultivate fresh educational ideas annually by listening directly to member preferences.

Build Engagement: Create strategies and events that members are genuinely excited to be a part of.

A Little Wit & Wisdom

To wrap things up, we asked Paula a few rapid-fire icebreakers:

If you were a plant, which one would you be?

"My spirit is stronger than my health in this decade of my life… so I would be a fragile, native plant like a Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata), needing a very particular habitat to survive! "

The best gardening advice you’ve ever received?

"Be okay with not getting everything done. Work toward a design that lets the plants 'decide.' Right plant, right place."

We are thrilled to have Paula leading our educational initiatives! Be sure to say hello and share your ideas for future programming the next time you see her at a meeting.