Emily Ford is the head gardener at the Glensheen Mansion.
Emily Ford, Head Gardener at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, shared her experiences maintaining the estate’s historic gardens. Ford likes to say she cares for everything from the turf grass to the tops of the trees, managing 56 garden beds across the property.
Ford emphasized the patience required for gardening and the creativity the job allows. “I feel super lucky to be able to exercise creativity in such a beautiful way that it doesn’t stress me so much anymore, which is really nice,” Ford told The Lift. .
Ford also offered her top gardening tip: “Label everything. I mean, if you put it in the ground, put a label on it. It’s the best thing ever.”
In the formal gardens, she explained the challenges of protecting roses, noting, “Sometimes I feel like even after a decade I’m still learning.” Ford explained that some roses, like rugosa roses, thrive with little attention, while others require more care.
A variety of plants grow on the estate, including apples, pears, cherries, a peach tree, and a wide range of vegetables.
Reflecting on her decade at Glensheen, Ford said she feels fortunate to work in such a beautiful setting and is committed to honoring the estate’s legacy. “As long as I feel like that, I’ll continue to be the head gardener here because I want to do right by this place and by this estate and whatnot.”
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