Liz Stasieczko

After Kim Benson's feature story in the Wichita Register hit the news stands early this spring it was the tall and lean horticulture queen, Liz Stasieczko who inquired about volunteer opportunities via e-mail. It was a cold and dreary day when Liz and I walked the grounds for the first time but it was the overgrown woodland thicket - which includes the illustrious but defunct Bum Boat Dock – what caught her eye. After knowing this thoughtful, spiritual and soulful young woman for just a short while it is no surprise to me that a shady, protected spot of earth would call Liz's name. She is strong (just watch her jump on a spade!) and tender all at the same time, exactly what the woodland thicket needed. Ferns, rhododendrons, hostas and foxglove have a special place in Liz's crystal ball. Often with the ragtop down, our wise Liz drives south with a milk-bone in her pocket and a purple kerchief around her neck. And she has inspired me to simplify more and practice yoga with reckless abandon. Better yet, Liz has great taste in music and is a big fan of the arb's resident pound-hound Sister Stella, the guard of the yard who adores her nearly as much as I do.