Nancy Johnson: A Legacy in Bloom

The Garden was recently notified about a bequest gift from the estate of Nancy J. Johnson. When I reached out to her husband Gary, he graciously offered to give me a tour of their own beloved gardens. I enjoyed meeting Gary and learning about their passion for plants and where they found their inspiration.

Nancy's love of gardening was clearly evident in their yard and home. The house was surrounded by plants, shrubs, and trees-and, as any seasoned gardener will tell you, plenty of deer fencing, because Bambi and friends don't come over just to admire the plantings! Gary credited Nancy for the creation of this beautiful and abundant landscape. He said he was always by her side to help.

Nancy followed in her parents' footsteps and began working at Pfizer in Groton, CT in high school. After college, she returned to Pfizer and worked as a research scientist for over 30 years. Along the way, Nancy developed her love of horticulture. As a scientist, it was not surprising that she became interested in hybrid plants. To make ample time for gardening after her long days in the lab, Nancy had floodlights installed on all four corners of their house so she could continue to garden even after the sun went down.

Nancy was a member of various groups including the CT Horticultural Society, Ledyard Garden Club, Hardy Plant Society, New England Hosta Society and New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. She and Gary travelled to England, France and around the states visiting gardens wherever they were. They also enjoyed skiing, which showed how they were always finding ways to celebrate being outdoors together.

Gary told us that Nancy's car practically drove itself to nurseries! She loved to be inspired and often came home with new plants. She did not grow anything from seed as she liked instant gratification. He proudly showed me one of their prized possessions, a gigantic Gardenia plant that is over 50 years old with a memorable story behind it. Nancy had gifted a small gardenia to her mother back when she graduated from college. After her mother passed, Gary and Nancy took the plant back and it has a special place on their deck in warmer weather and in their house all winter, a lasting reminder of love and memories.

New England Botanic Garden was a sanctuary for Nancy and provided ample inspiration over the years. We are honored she chose to leave a bequest to the Garden. This gift will be added to NEBG's Endowment Fund, invested, and grown to build financial sustainability for the future.