About Dr. Gabriella V. Smith

I'm a nerd. My entire life has been characterized by my passion for plants as well as my love for school and education. As a child, my favorite reward for doing well in school was taking a trip to the nursery with my mom, picking out flowers and devouring the scant information on tiny plant tags. 

Since then, I've worked as a professional garden designer, florist, worked in industrial  and retail greenhouses, and along the way I've spent a lot of time in school, learning about how people interact with their social and natural world. In 2019 I earned my PhD in sociology from the University of Virginia. I've spent over a decade teaching university students, as well as giving talks, workshops, and presentations to various groups about topics in sociology.

But how does this relate to being a certified plant nerd? First, I love plants and want to make sure that gardening success is something within reach of anyone who is interested. Second, I know people learn in different ways, so my communications with clients reflect this reality. Third, my training as an educator and researcher means I'm skilled at sorting through information, discerning the best course of action, and communicating that with clarity, efficiency, and enthusiasm. And finally, there is always more to learn when it comes to gardening. As a professional learner, I'm constantly updating my knowledge and skills. Gardening is about learning and adapting!

 I have nearly three decades of experience gardening in the Midwest and in Virginia.  No matter what your gardening questions, I'm here with resources and advice to help beginners and advanced gardeners alike