Pamela Hattem comes from a long line of garden enthusiasts. Her grandfather grew gorgeous roses and invariably got up on cold winter nights to make sure the heat was still on in his greenhouse. Although gardening has been a lifelong passion for Pamela, she pursued a career in the legal profession, which she believes benefits her as a volunteer gardener at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden.
Originally from Boston where she worked as a public defender, Pamela moved to New Jersey after getting married and took up defending medical malpractice civil cases.
After spending summers on Mount Desert Island for many years, her plan was always to move here after retirement. She and her husband now live in Seal Cove year round, tending to their flower and vegetable gardens.
Pamela volunteers every Thursday morning during the summer when the garden is open. “It is a little disingenuous to call us volunteers because it implies a degree of sacrifice, and it is such a gift to be here. The best place to be early on a summer morning is in a garden, and what better garden than this?” says Pamela.
Pamela believes preparing for a trial is like working in a garden – you must see the big picture but focus on the details. “If you are preparing a case for trial, you look at it from all sides and try to find the weak spots. It is the same with garden. When you get in close and start to turn things over, you see things differently and uncover what needs to be planted or rooted out. I guess you want an obsessive compulsive lawyer working in the garden!” says Pamela.
Pamela appreciates that volunteers only need to have a little gardening experience, being able to recognize a weed and to deadhead, for example. The helpful staff are available to answer any questions.
“I would rather be outdoors than anywhere else,” says Pamela. “I believe that being in such a beautiful place is good for our brains and spirits.” The verdict is in!
Several dozen volunteers devote hundreds of hours to the Preserve every year. You can find them on the natural lands improving the carriage roads and trails. One generous carriage driver, Jim Webster, donates his time and talents to trotting around Little Long Pond with Preserve members. Our garden staff also benefit from the work of selfless volunteers at the Asticou Azalea Garden, Thuya Garden, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden. We are immensely grateful to all of them.