Kathy Shields and her husband have called Isle of Hope home since 2017, relocating from Atlanta to enjoy the tranquility of this close-knit community. Kathy, who has served as president of the Wymberley Garden Club for nearly two years, finds joy in preserving and beautifying her neighborhood. The garden club’s camaraderie and shared purpose have become one of the highlights of her time on Isle of Hope, where neighbors support one another and work together to keep their surroundings pristine.

A certified master gardener, Kathy brings knowledge and passion to her own yard, inspired by her training through the University of Georgia Agricultural Extension program. Her design focuses on native plants and sustainable landscaping that supports local pollinators and requires minimal maintenance. Though she initially planted her garden without this expertise, she has since embraced native plants, adding perennials to ensure her yard flourishes naturally.

Kathy’s garden features a blend of personal history and thoughtful design. Among her cherished items are a birdbath and angel statue from her parents’ former home, which she loves watching birds, especially cardinals, enjoy. She also delights in her anise plant, a fragrant shrub she discovered at a local nursery. Its scent and aesthetic make it a favorite addition to her floral arrangements at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church.

Kathy shares that gardening on Isle of Hope presents its challenges, from battling invasive nutsedge to the costs of maintaining pine straw. Still, she finds joy in the ever-evolving landscape and looks forward to adding sunny blooms like giant zinnias next season. Despite her husband’s reservations, she dreams of an outdoor shower, adding to the charm and function of her garden.

For Kathy, gardening is a rewarding journey, continually shaped by the isle's unique environment and the friendships fostered through her gardening pursuits.