Diary of a Gardener - My Mentor Wilma

There are people who come into our lives and leave such a profound impact that it’s hard to imagine where we’d be had our paths never crossed. I often don’t recognize the depth of that impact until much time has passed—until that person is no longer here.

Mentors and teachers shape us in ways we don’t always realize in the moment, and in the world of horticulture, where everything changes daily, having someone to guide you is invaluable. Keeping up with new plants, techniques, and challenges can be exhausting—but not for one person whom I held in the highest regard.

She may not have known I considered her a mentor, but Wilma Holley was my inspiration and one of the reasons Butterflies and Blossoms FL exists. She, along with another wonderful teacher, taught me most of what I know about Florida gardening, plants, and horticulture. Wilma and I were kindred plant spirits—both of us passionate about plants and guilty of collecting too many. We bonded over a funny shared habit: sneaking newly purchased plants into our gardens so my husband and her mother wouldn’t notice, even when we hadn’t planted the last batch yet.

Wilma and I loved discussing the newest and most interesting plants on the market. We both had a deep appreciation for exotic plants, even though we knew Florida natives were the best choice. I also admired her photography—she had a gift for capturing the beauty of plants, wildlife, birds, bees, and butterflies in a way that rivaled the best. A self-taught horticulturist, Wilma was one of the finest in our local community. Even after retirement, she continued to teach and volunteer with unwavering dedication, as if she had never left—just without the paperwork.

Everyone who knew her loved her. She never spoke an unkind word, carried herself with humility, and radiated kindness in everything she did. But above all, she was my friend.

I didn’t know much about her personal life, but I knew she loved to work—both in her career and in her garden. She was a crafter, a photographer, and an avid plant collector. When her body began to fail her—far too soon—she was surrounded by an outpouring of love from those who cherished her, ensuring her transition was peaceful and seamless.

Without Wilma, there would be no Butterflies and Blossoms FL. She wasn’t just my teacher; she was my inspiration. I can only hope to learn even half as much as she knew.

We lost Wilma this week, and her absence has left a tremendous void in our local plant community. I’m not sure who I’ll turn to now for advice—she always seemed to have the answers. But I know I am a better person for having known her.

Rest easy, sweet Wilma. If there’s a garden in heaven, I have no doubt you are its head gardener