Ann Amato

Horticulturist, Independent Propagator, Garden Coach, and Garden Speaker

About

Ann holds a BA in with a double major in art history and English literature from Portland State University and is enthusiastic about plant life in all of its many forms in the living world. While she jokes about not being a designer, she enjoys working with clients as a garden coach helping them to grow healthier plants, while sometimes redesigning areas of gardens that are not meeting the aesthetic or even emotional needs of their owners. If you want a cozy and dramatic feel, hire Ann for design help. She can offer these services virtually as well. For fees and options, please get in touch at: ann@amateurbotannist.com

Ann currently works full-time doing several different jobs. In addition to two part-time jobs doing propagation and production work at two of the best small mail-order nurseries in Oregon, she grows, collects and sells seeds at SpiffySeed.com. Previously she worked in arts management and in social work. Nurturing life, and an intense attention to detail, are two of her greatest assets.

Originally from Milwaukie OR, just outside of Portland, she lives in the city now with her husband and has gardened at the base of an extinct volcano named Mt Tabor for nearly 2 decades. She loves her 4 cats, family genealogy, and the art of storytelling. When she is not at work, you will find her gardening at home, or in the field botanizing with other friends and professionals.

Speaking

NW Flower & Garden Festival, 2023
Growing and Propagating a Bevy of Begonias
Seattle, Washington

Heronswood, 2023
North Carolina Gardens (a Travelogue)
Virtual

Women in Horticulture, Chemeketa Community College, Keynote Speaker, 2022
Becoming a Horticulturist
Salem, Oregon

Get in touch

Ann is always interested in side projects or collaborations and enjoys giving her unique talks on a variety of topics connected to her work and to the world horticulture. If you want to chat about plants, books, cats, or anything else, don’t hesitate in reaching out: ann@amateurbotannist.com

Writing

How to Plant and Grow a Living Willow Arbor for under $50
PITH + VIGOR blog

Entertaining Strangers in the Garden: Underground Dining
Hardy Plant Society of Oregon blog, 2018