Owensboro’s Dr. Cathy Schmitt was named the state’s Outstanding Individual Gardener for 2023 by the Kentucky Society of Master Gardeners. Schmitt retired in 2014 after nearly 35 years as an OBGYN and enrolled in Master Gardener classes a year later.
To become a Master Gardener, individuals must spend 40 hours volunteering with select organizations, dedicate 10 hours to education, intern for a year, and donate 10 volunteer hours during the ensuing years.
For Schmitt, who constantly gives time to the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden and other nonprofits, that’s an easy task.
“When I started practicing medicine, I found gardening to be a great way to relieve stress,” Schmitt said. “I started experimenting, planting this and that, and moving plants. The Master Gardening Class was a daytime class, so I couldn’t take it until I retired, but once I did, I fell in love with it.”
Schmitt grew up in the country and never cared much for the outdoors early on in life. Shortly into her professional career, she fell in love with the outdoors and honed in on her gardening skills.
“Studies show that gardening and being out in nature is great for our mental health. If you’re having a bad day, a walk in the garden can work wonders,” she said. “It’s about the journey and learning things along the way. I’ve met a lot of interesting and amazing people.”
During the growing season, Schmitt spends over 2 hours daily in her garden, which is full of walkways, flowers, shrubs, and more. It’s also a certified Monarch Way Station – one of only a few in the county.
Her husband, Bill Machin, installed a koi pond to accent the garden. While allergies prevent him from assisting too much with the gardening, he’s always supported Schmitt’s efforts, venturing with her to every botanical garden they can find during their travels.
While she doesn’t plant many vegetables at home because the squirrels and birds typically consume them, she assists with a trial vegetable garden at the Daviess County Extension Office.
Schmitt is a trendsetter. She was the first female OBGYN in Owensboro and Daviess County, and now she’s paving the way for gardening. She’s on the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden board and regularly volunteers at the extension office and other nonprofits.
“We have volunteer days at the Botanical Garden on the 2nd Saturday of every month, led by Master Gardeners,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to come, volunteer, meet others who are interested, and learn about the different types of gardening.”
Schmitt also organizes quarterly horticulture educational programs at the extension office. Notable guest speakers include Ron Daniels, the president of the Nashville Rose Society, and Kevin Collard from Pine View Nursery.
Daniels played a pivotal role in the gardens at Monticello and recently spoke to the class about roses. He returns this summer to discuss maintaining roses. Collard hails from Leitchfield, KY, and will present this spring about high-tunnel greenhouses.
“The difference between a novice and a Master Gardener is a Master Gardener has killed many more plants,” Schmitt said. “It’s all an experiment, and you can always buy another one. It’s about enjoying the journey.”
