4/13/2025: Ask a Garden Guide! With Bill Gaboda

Bill Gaboda has been an avid member of the Preserve for over 30 years. He started as a volunteer of the Preserve about 15 years ago when he would come now and then to weed some of the garden beds. Once he retired, he decided he wanted to learn more and be more involved. He signed up for our Naturalist Training Program. He’s been an avid naturalist and educator at the Preserve since, sharing his knowledge and love for the outdoors whenever possible.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that fellow volunteer Jean Burrell approached Bill about becoming a Native Garden Guide. Though he admits he was hesitant, he has enjoyed interacting with and teaching people.

When asked what his ‘plant pick’ would be, Bill laughed and quickly said, “It’s like picking a favorite child. There are so many wonderful plants to choose from.” He explained that this time of year is special because the spring ephemerals are beginning to take form. Noting his affinity for bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) and leatherwood (Dirca palustris), he especially loves colorful spicebush (Lindera benzoin).

The leaves of this shrub have a spicy aroma and a long history of use for treating colds, flu and coughs, as well as for culinary spice and tea. Spicebush thrives in shady forests, producing bright red berries that serve as a food source for migrating birds. It also serves as a host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly. You can purchase your own spicebush right here at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve and Native Plant Nursery.

If this is your first time buying from our Native Plant Nursery, Bill states that it’s best practice to read the signage thoroughly. Take a photo of the signage to ensure you put your new plant in the right place. All the plants Bill mentioned and more are available now at our Native Plant Nursery, which is open every day from 9 am to 4 pm.

 Article by  Ariel Wapnick, development and communication coordinator