Kimberly DeCristofaro

Kimberly grew up in Berkeley Heights with parents who loved to garden. Her earliest memories were about plants.

"We had bulbs, annuals and perennials in the years before

there was a worry about deer! Among the many memories of her early induction to the world of gardening included, "Ralph Snodsmith's Garden Hotline was always on the radio on Sunday mornings."

Early inspiration came from a neighbor, who was a Master Gardener and ran a small garden maintenance business planting and tending flower beds at homes in the area. "I worked with her as my time allowed, and when she unexpectedly moved away, I took over her business." During those years Kimberly attended garden expos as well as the Rutgers gardening weekends a couple of times a year. Although she had to move on to other endeavors, "My love of plants and dirt has never left."

Kimberly received an associate's degree in Business Administration. and opened her own practice in massage therapy which she ran for many years. Currently retired, Kimberly and her husband live in Bernardsville, NJ and enjoy visiting Willowwood Arboretum often.