Finding out that someone you know has a talent is a gift that makes you even more grateful to know them. After a casual conversation with one of our longtime Smithsonian Gardens volunteers, I received such a gift. Annette B. Ramírez de Arellano began volunteering with SG in 2012. In 2014, she was trained as a garden guide and became one of two volunteers giving tours of the Enid A. Haupt Garden. In addition to conducting garden tours, Annette has been a docent for a number of Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Exhibitions and for the Cultivating America’s Gardens exhibition that was showcased at the National Museum of American History a few years ago. 

Annette is retired from a professional career in public health. She has degrees in both health planning and health policy. She speaks three languages and has given garden tours in all of them! Annette is also a volunteer docent at the National Museum of African Art. 

During the pandemic when no Smithsonian garden tours could be given, Annette began creating mixed media collages of some of the plants in the Haupt Garden. She created four series: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter in the Haupt Garden. She told me that her father was an architect and that his drafting table was often the center of their home. Art was supported and encouraged in Annette’s family.  

Smithsonian Gardens Volunteer, Annette Ramirez de Arellano uses hand drawn watercolors and colored paper to create these little gems.

“Flora Africana” 
Annette Ramirez de Arellano, volunteer with the National Museum of African Art and Smithsonian Gardens 

Annette’s art is an inspiration to me. It is a reminder to take the time to really see the beauty around us every day. Thank you, Annette.

Some of you may be inspired to make original art as gifts to give this holiday season. For those of you looking for other options, you might consider some of these garden-inspired gift ideas: 

  • Subscription to a gardening magazine (lots of inspiration here) 
  • Garden tool (are you familiar with Felco Pruners?) 
  • New Plant Container (oh, the potential) 
  • Gift Card to their favorite nursery (maybe you should let them pick) 
  • Sun Hat (we all need one) 
  • Tool belt or bucket (helps to keep track of tools) 
  • Pair of garden gloves (to provide extra grip) 
  • Watering can (to water new seedlings) 
  • Houseplant (something to enjoy both inside and outside depending on the season) 

Please note: Seasonal tours of the Haupt Garden are free and available to the public. Please check gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/ for information on all garden tours.