Growing violets is a passion for Marie. Greenery, light, and masses of cheery flowers in every color do much to raise the spirits. When winter arrives and her gardens have been put to bed, Marie turns inside to her collection of over 100 varieties of African Violets and continues to keep her hands in the dirt!

While she considers herself an amateur in this arena, come and discover just how much knowledge she has to share in her photo-filled presentation. Her presentation will help you understand how this houseplant has become a perennial favorite, over many years.

Marie Nickerson has been an active member of the Amherst Garden Club throughout the years. She has served as Vice President, has presented various programs, and has worked on the plant sale and civic gardens. Marie is a UNH Cooperative Master Gardener, a Natural Resource Steward, as well as a UNH Marine Docent. She also spent several summers on Appledore Island, employed by the Shoals Marine Lab, as Steward of Celia Thaxter’s Garden.

Marie is a native of New Hampshire and her earliest gardening memories are of her grandmother’s huge geranium planters. She loves how gardening connects her with nature and finds that gardening is good for the body and especially good for the soul.