For the past two years, Eve Waters, Mike Bruneau, and Mary Debona have been essential members of the horticulture team at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. They were each hired into two-year technician positions designed to provide hands-on experience, professional growth, and opportunities to explore different areas of horticulture. As their terms come to a close, we asked them to share reflections on their time at MBGNA.

Eve Waters - Greenhouse and Display Gardens Horticulture Technician

Eve came to MBGNA from Cornman Farms in Dexter, seeking a role that combined hands-on plant care with a greater purpose. "I really wanted to do something that felt more like I was doing good in the world. I wanted to do something where it felt like I was working with plants for a bigger purpose."

Their responsibilities spanned growing and caring for plants in production greenhouses, maintaining display gardens, and planning seasonal plantings. One project stands out: "The space between the Gateway Garden and the Rock Garden was a wild mess last year, and Doug (MBGNA’s Horticulture Lead) gave me the go-ahead to come up with a new planting for there. I’m proud of having designed it, but I think what I’m most proud of is the whole process… I learned a lot about logistical planning and acquiring plants and design work."

Eve credits the collaborative environment and mentorship for much of their growth. "Doug has been mentoring me… helping me figure out what I care about, what skills I need, and how to grow. And just being here in a building filled with really smart people… I got to do control burns, talk to David Michener about indigenous partners, and participate at Campus Farm. There’s so much knowledge to take in."

Eve also shares advice for future technicians: "Seize the opportunity while you’re here… there are often ways to get involved, sometimes directly related to your job, sometimes elsewhere in the organization. Grab the moments to talk to people, pick their brains, and go to events. Just do it."

Mike Bruneau - Bonsai Apprentice Technician

Mike’s path to MBGNA began casually as a backyard gardener turning his lawn into raised beds, until a friend introduced him to bonsai. "I started watching, then joined the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society… It’s a great place for somebody interested in learning."

His time with the bonsai collection became both a challenge and a source of pride. "Honestly, my main goal was that nothing died," he said with a laugh. And it paid off: one tree he cared for went on to win the People’s Choice Award at the Art of Bonsai Show at Hidden Lake Gardens. The recognition affirmed the meticulous work he poured into the collection every day.

Much of Mike’s learning came from observation, patience, and mentorship. "I picked up two or three techniques this year that I didn’t do before," he says. "Now I can see it in my own trees, and it’s actually working."

Looking ahead, Mike knows he wants to stay in the field. "I tend not to do a lot of future tripping… But I’d like to stay in the field. It’s a small but rich community, with opportunities if you know where to look."

Mary Debona - Conservatory and Collections Horticulture Technician

Mary grew up in the area and was drawn to the Arboretum and Gardens from a young age. "I’ve always loved immersive learning experiences and nature… I wanted to learn more about plants because I’m interested in conservation." After studying environmental science at Northern Michigan University, she came to MBGNA ready to expand her hands-on skills.

Mary’s daily work included plant care such as watering, pruning, and weeding, but she also embraced leadership and project opportunities. Mentorship was central to her growth. "Doug has been super influential… he really helps us to figure out what our path is, and get us the opportunities that we need to get where we want to be. And Calla (MBGNA’s Native Plant Gardens Horticulturist) has been a mentor for me… she’s so knowledgeable and so helpful in helping me learn what I want to be doing. And just so many great people all around. It’s been a wonderful experience."

Mary also developed leadership skills, sharing, "I've been able to lead tours for college classes, and supervise volunteer groups as well as student staff and interns… It’s incredible to gain these skills and experience."

Looking forward, she hopes to continue working with native plants and possibly join another botanical garden, bringing her growing expertise and passion for conservation to new spaces.

Eve, Mike, and Mary have brought skill, passion, and creativity to everything they did at MBGNA. As they move on to their next steps, we’re grateful for their contributions and excited to see where their skills and interests take them next.