New Panama resident Donna Dawson of Canada is a Master Gardener. She achieved her certificate in 1995, through the University of Alberta Devonian Botanic Garden. She is a member of the Royal Horticultural Society as well as the Director Region VII Garden Writers Association, Affiliate Member Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors and member of the North American Travel Journalists Association. Readers of The Visitor will be able to share the joy of gardening in Panama with Donna as she shares her excitement for gardening in Panama.

For now, Donna’s garden has been reduced to a small balcony in her Costa del Este condo. She has already begun work to renovate the garden beds around the social area. She brought some plants that are not in the national market locally, crepe myrtle, hydrangeas, azaleas and jasmine, in hopes that they adjust and flourish. “Everything grows here!” says Donna.

On Donna’s initial travels in Panama she has discovered some incredible places like cacao farms and botanical and orchid gardens. Donna’s love to share what she learns and discovers precedes her new life in Panama. As the owner of ICanGarden.com she has helped new gardeners get growing and formed a community that covers way more than just Canada. She has also appeared on Home Gardening Television’s Indoor Gardener and Calling All Gardeners and has written articles on tropical gardening in a local magazine called Vivir Bien.

Editor’s note: We look forward to finding out how a Donna’s northern imports fair in her condo’s common area – and just how she got them in through the airport! Those who can’t wait to find out can reach her at donna@icangarden.com.