Mary Lynn Oliver

Wichita native, Mary Lynn Oliver, recently passed the extensive interview process and residency program and has been awarded cum laude status as Bartlett Arboretum's Sixth Soil Sister. Mrs. Oliver is now a member of a prestigous group of dedicated women who generously give of their time and talent to further the restoration of this Kansas landmark. After just one intitial visit to the Campbell/Phoenix Nursery early this spring, Mary's own home garden is a testament to her new love of all things botanical. In addition, she is the only member of this exclusive sorority who has actually lived on the grounds of the historic property. In 2005, while "between residences," Mary and her venturous husband, Chuck, lived in the 700 square foot regular hexagonal home located on the western half of the property, across the Euphrates creek and adjacent to the zoysia lawn. Therefore, she is keenly aware of the on-going servitude required and asked of its patrons and volunteers. No stranger to a rake, Mrs. Oliver does not shy away from mosquitoes or an occasional garden-variety snake any longer. And that is why the Bartlett Arboretum's Board of Directors has unanimously decided and are proud to announce that Mary Lynn Oliver has readily graduated from pansy princess to soil sister status this historic day, August 20, 2007.