From November 2021
Gardener, teacher, backpacker, skier, lifelong learner: these are a few of the many faces of Master Gardener Norma Benson. Norma’s love of gardening has deep roots, reaching back to her childhood in Kosmos, Washington, where she admired the artistic work of the local garden club. Her family, immigrants from Sweden, owned The Viking restaurant in South Tacoma, and her mother created the floral arrangements that graced the tables there.
As a child, Norma “saw beauty” in the handsomely landscaped homes in nearby neighborhoods, as well as in the hands of those who worked to create that beauty. Norma especially remembers the hands of one neighbor’s gardener, Mrs. Black. She had rough, calloused, soil-stained “working hands” that she admired because they represented the hard work that goes into the creation of a beautiful garden. A paternal aunt, Maja Lisa, also cultivated a love of gardening in young Norma. She too loved gardening, and when she returned to her native Sweden later in life, she brought with her the knowledge of plants she’d grown in northwestern Washington.
As a student at the University of Washington, Norma loved wandering the UW campus and the Arboretum. Later, she spent many hours at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. At times she said she felt a bit “envious of gardeners” but lacked the time and space to pursue the fine art of gardening.
When she’s not building compost or leading the work at the Library Gardens or working on the window trim for her new house, Norma enjoys playing the piano, baking pies, skiing, and backpacking with her “Adventure Dog.”
She’s hiked the East Crater Trail and portions of the PCT with hiking companions, and she’s climbed the north ridge of Mt. Adams. One day she would love to return to Chamonix, France for the Tour of Mont Blanc.
Inspired by her aunt Maja Lisa who was “incredibly helpful and generous” with her time, Norma would most like to be remembered for her generosity. As a dedicated MG volunteer, she is well on her way to achieving that legacy.
In the 70’s and 80’s Norma spent time hiking and climbing in Chamonix, France. In 2014, after retiring from a 27 -year career as a high school English teacher, Norma had more time for skiing and backpacking, as well as for growing perennials on her property in the White Salmon area. Perhaps inspired by Mrs. Black and her “working hands,” she set to work building compost in a 4’x4’ wire enclosure, routinely sifting it and adding it to her beds. The hard work eventually paid off, and her garden is now bursting with life. Norma recently decided to try her hand at raising vegetables, and they too flourished as a result of her composting regime. Norma joined the ranks of the CGMGA in 2020 and recently took on the role of lead at the Hood River Library Waterwise Garden.
Gardener, teacher, backpacker, skier, lifelong learner: these are a few of the many faces of Master Gardener Norma Benson.
By Anne Gehrig
Leave a Reply