Joanna Negri was born a stone's throw away from the famous Kew Gardens in London England. She credits childhood walks with her family through the gardens, greenhouses and arboretum for instilling in her a life-long passion for plants.
Alongside her mother, Negri learned by watching and doing in their tiny gardens in southeast England. Negri recalls: "She had a fabulous eye for the controlled palette of profusion that makes the true English Cottage garden".
Originally trained as an organic chemist, Negri obtained her PhD in 1989 from Imperial College London, and built a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry. She became a strong advocate for "Green Chemistry" (environmentally - friendly methods for industry) in the UK and America.
Meanwhile, for over twenty years, Negri created unique gardens in England as a recreational hobby for herself and friends. In 1999, she began doing the same in Connecticut.
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"Gardening was a therapeutic activity that helped me to unwind from a demanding career as a scientist and manager" says Negri. "Art and science are intertwined and the same elements that fired my imagination as a young chemistry student, such as color, shape, and symmetry, form the basis of creating pleasing visual harmonies in the garden." Negri's creative talents also stem from her father Richard Negri the pioneering Theatre designer.
born to garden -negri (left) with flower & siblings
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Negri followed her bliss and has made working with plants her profession since 2005. She is passionate about sustainable, organic gardening & supporting nature and conservation. She serves as chair of the conservation committee of North Stonington Garden Club, volunteers for the Connecticut College Aboretum, and is a keen wildflower photographer and garden speaker.
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