Joanna Woodward recently joined UConn Extension as the Master Gardener Coordinator for New London County. Prior to joining Extension, she spent 30 years in corporate IT working in training and help desk services, project management, library and information services, and then technology adoption and education. Joanna emigrated from the United Kingdom almost 20 years ago and earned her bachelor in science in Technical Management.

What is your area of interest?

Since retiring and completing the Master Gardeners program, I have an interest in native plants and landscape design with a view to supporting wildlife in our gardens. I maintain my interest in technology adoption and education which began in the early 90’s training secretaries how to use word processors. I was lucky to be around at a time when technology was being introduced into the workplace for the first time.

What excites you the most about working with UConn Extension?

Being a part of preparing Master Gardener volunteers enabling them to contribute to our many deserving community gardens and continuously learning about plants and our environment

What is one thing you hope people will learn from you and your work?

To engage with their fellow Master Gardeners and enjoy volunteering for our community gardens using their newfound gardening knowledge.

What is your favorite thing to do in Connecticut?

Long walks in our State Parks with my dog.

What are some of your hobbies and other interests?

Volunteering at Camp Harkness in Waterford, I am Vice President of Thames River Garden Club and manage their website and am a member of two book clubs, one in the US and one in the UK and listen to audio books and gardening podcasts. I love watching British TV programs (Gardeners World included of course) which keep me connected to my family back at home. My family here consists of my husband, three grown up children, two cats and a cockerpoo.