About Us

Wild Gardens LLC

formally EST 2025

Wild for Life

Maria Rose Connell

Founder, Chief Green Thumb, Chief Wild Woman

In September of 2023, Maria wrote her inaugural submission as the newly appointed Horticulture Chair of the Salem Garden Club. In part, it reads, "I’m grateful to be a part of this garden club, actively participating as a member since 2021. I’m a 4th generation Salemite and have immense gratitude for this land and the opportunity to foster reciprocity in the world. Some other names that apply to my being are Flower Child, Botanist, Herbalist, Tree Hugger, Environmentalist, Naturalist, Green Witch, Activist, Farmer, Steward. "

Maria's connection with plants began at birth with the given middle name Rose. Her respect and love for nature has only continued to grow and expand and she remains in awe and humbled by the green world. Over the years, she has stayed connected and fueled her drive to make a positive impact, mindfully expressing and applying skills as an experiential leader.

Visiting gardens, apothecaries, green spaces, and bogs; forest bathing and walking in parks are among the recurring activities that fill Maria's cup and keep her motivated and inspired.

TESTIMONIALS

"I had the pleasure of working with Maria for a seasonal cleanup and garden planning. Her attention to detail, knowledge of native plants, and organized approach made the entire process smooth and enjoyable. My yard looks great, and I now have a clear, achievable plan for the upcoming season. I'm very grateful for her help and would definitely work with Wild Gardens again!"

~ Pam

"I have had the pleasure of working with Maria for the last year. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for gardening is very impressive, and I also appreciate her patience as I learn my way. I especially like how Maria is respectful of a client’s vision, while also collaborative to help optimize a successful outcome. She is relaxed and down to earth, and communication is easy. I feel confident knowing I can trust Maria to care for something so personal to me as my garden. It’s been a wonderful journey, and I look forward to working together in the upcoming season."

~ Kristin

Resume of Sorts

CERTIFICATION & EDUCATION

Pollinator Steward Certificate – UMass Amherst-Extension, virtual, MA Expected May 2025

Conservation in Action Certificate – Mass Audubon, virtual, MA Expected May 2025

Consulting Rosarian – American Rose Society March 2025 - current

Certificate in Native Plant Studies – Native Plant Trust Expected August 2025

Advanced Botany & Conservation Certificate – Native Plant Trust Expected October 2025

Advanced Horticulture & Design Certificate – Native Plant Trust Expected December 2025

Certificate – Rosemary Gladstar's Science & Art of Herbalism Expected December 2025

Certificate – Linda Patterson's Intro to European based Aromatherapy March 2019

Continued Learning: Ongoing pursuit of Specialized Knowledge workshops and roundtables, relevant webinars, symposiums, and Self-study courses. Examples included: Massachusetts Master Gardeners, The Herbal Academy, Pollinator Pathways, Kripalu Campus Weekend Program with Robin Wall Kimmerer, New England Botanic Society/Plymouth State University Herbarium Workshop, Newhall Fields Community Farm workshops, American Rose Society and affiliates, Artemisia Botanicals workshops.

Honors/Awards: City of Salem Certificate of Recognition December 2024, American Rose Society Rising Star Award September 2024, American Rose Society Bronze Honor Medal 2022

COMMUNITY ACTIVISM & VOLUNTEERISM

Salem Garden Club, Volunteer and Member (July 2019 - Present)

¨ Active in various club committees: Scholarship, Finance, Books in Bloom, Horticulture Chair

¨ One of fifteen garden owners asked to join and promote the Club’s annual fundraising Garden Stroll event in 2019. Invite accepted to participate again in 2026.

¨ Greeter during and event committee participation at 2022 and 2024 Garden Strolls

Salem Native Nursery, Volunteer (September 2018 - Present)

Donor to plant sales and promotion efforts. Participation in Winter Island restoration project.

Salem Beautification Committee, Volunteer (August 2023 – Present)

¨ Participate in community gardening and city-wide clean-up events promoting ecosystem and city pride and engagement

Newhall Fields Community Farm, Fundraising Committee and Volunteer (August 2023 - Present)

¨ Participate in planning and ongoing strategy for fundraising campaigns and revenue generating activities for the farm

¨ Assist with organization, review outreach communications, and provide feedback to board members

Salem SoundCoastWatch, Volunteer (August 2023 – Present)

¨ Participate in trash identification and removal of debris threatening native coastal habitats

Invasive Plants Task Force Volunteer (August 2023 – Present)

¨ Participate in plant identification and removal of invasive species threatening native forest and park habitats

Bittersweet Brigade, Volunteer (August 2023 – Present)

¨ Participate in plant identification and removal of invasive species threatening native habitats

REGISTRATIONS & AFFILIATIONS

Homegrown National Park, Monarch Waystation, National Wildlife Foundation, United Plant Savers, Keep Massachusetts Beautiful, Xerces Society, Mass Audubon, Soil Food Web School, Green Beverly