Like leaves on trees, Julie Watson’s job changes with the seasons. As Willamette Floral Manager, Julie buys seasonal plants and flowers from local vendors whenever possible, knowing that it supports local farms and growers.

“I enjoy helping the little farms. I know how much they struggle,” she says, referring to the ups and downs of farming and how it’s dependent on weather and growing conditions.

When she’s not working, Julie enjoys riding and caring for her two horses, Bailey and Paint.

An animal lover and athlete, Julie admits that she didn’t know a chrysanthemum from a dahlia when she applied for the position three years ago.

But like a dormant bulb sprouting from the soil, Julie’s knowledge of plants and flowers has since blossomed into an endless garden of wisdom. All it took was a little food for thought, water and sunshine.

Julie read books and did online research. Farmers, who deliver flowers to Market of Choice each week, showered her with information. Some of the best tips came from customers who shared their own sunny advice.

“It was very hard getting started, not knowing anything,” Julie says. “But I’ve been working with some vendors so long now – they all kind of know me – and I’ve never felt dumb asking questions. They are all really friendly people who go out of their way to help.”

Watson grew up in the Grants Pass area and began working for Market of Choice seven years ago, just out of high school. She worked in grocery, deli and bulk foods, prior to floral.

Now, she says, she has one of the best jobs you can have at Market of Choice, because flowers always make people smile. “A lot of people walk through the door smiling,” she says. “At the Willamette store, it’s the first thing they see.”