“I think the love of gardening was planted in my genes because both of my parents enjoyed gardening,” she says. “That seed sprouted when I got my first apartment, and I fell in love with houseplants. When I bought my first house, it was a natural transition to move gardening to the outside.”

After moving to West Bellevue for her husband’s business, Nita-Jo discovered what she describes as “a gardener’s paradise.” Today, her landscape is filled with colorful flowers, roses, hydrangeas, and an impressive collection of rare and unusual plants that ensure there’s always something new to admire. When asked if she has a favorite flower, her answer is simple: “Whichever one is blooming.”

One of the garden’s defining features is a koi pond, which inspired much of the property’s design. Nita-Jo even brought her beloved koi with her from Connecticut when she moved west. Creating the pond meant removing two large backyard trees, opening the space for a tranquil centerpiece that continues to be an important part of the landscape. More recently, she transformed the front yard by leveling part of the property and installing a welcoming paver walkway. Although she jokes that if she could do it over again, she might skip the koi pond because “something is always going wrong,” she wouldn’t trade the joy her garden brings. In fact, when asked how long it took to achieve her vision, her response perfectly captures the heart of gardening: “It will never be finished.” 

Gardening is woven into Nita-Jo’s daily life. During the spring and summer, she tries to spend at least a little time outside every day. “It’s not only fun, but it’s also a great stress reliever when things don’t go my way,” she says. For those just beginning their own gardening journey, her advice is encouraging and practical. “Just plant something,” she says. She also recommends joining local garden clubs, attending garden tours, and talking with fellow gardeners, who are always happy to share their knowledge. One of her favorite annual events is the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival in Seattle each February, which she describes as “a wonderland of ideas and information.”

Beyond tending her own landscape, Nita-Jo enjoys sharing her expertise with others. She gives gardening lectures, often promoting her book, Growing Roses in the Pacific Northwest, published by Sasquatch Books. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Northwest Horticultural Society, where she helps coordinate educational speakers.

At home, Nita-Jo shares her garden with two cats and nine koi, but perhaps her greatest companion is the garden itself, a place that continues to evolve with every season. Filled with flowers, rare plants, and years of thoughtful care, it reflects her creativity, curiosity, and belief that the best gardens are never truly complete.