About

Hello! My name is Izzy Juell and I’m a Certified Professional Horticulturist. I grew up in Seattle and loved nature and plants from an early age.

Kid-me listening to the heart beat of a tree — *I loved nature from an early age and tried to learn as much as I could. Here I am listening to water moving through a tree (c. 2003).*

Before working in the horticulture field, I worked in environmental restoration where I restored riparian sites to benefit salmon populations. After my time in restoration, I spent a few years working in outdoor and environmental education with kids. Connecting city kids with the nature around them was fulfilling and exciting work, and the more I talked about plants, the more I wanted to become a true expert.

Kids climbing on a mountain of mulch — *I found working with kids outdoors fulfilling.*

That led me first to complete my Masters in Natural Resource Management at the University of Idaho, then to my pivot to a career as a professional horticulturist. Over the past few years as a horticulturist, I’ve become an expert in plant identification, pruning, and sustainable gardening practices. I’ve worked in both residential garden environments and large-scale landscape environments and therefore can maintain and manage a garden effectively at any size.

I’ve completed a Master Pruner certification from Plant Amnesty and workshops focused on Japanese pine pruning, fruit tree pruning, and renovation pruning. I’ve also passed the Professional Horticulturist certification exam through the Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association, which was a lengthy exam focused on common garden plant identification, sustainable garden practices, and garden planning. These certifications have provided me with the hands-on experience and expert knowledge necessary to manage garden landscapes to a highly detailed degree.

Izzy — *Here I am working in my early days working as a professional horticulturist.*

When I’m not working, I’m volunteering or attending events with the Washington Native Plant Society and the Puget Sound Mycological Society. These organizations are wonderful resources for continuing my education as a professional and I highly recommend joining as a member if you’re interested in learning more about the flora and fungi around us.

PXL_20240120_193121230 — *Propagating new native seedlings from cuttings at a recent Native Plant Society volunteer event.*

If you’re interested in getting involved and gaining knowledge about PNW plants, please reach out and I can help you get connected.