THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 10, 1995 TAG: 9505090103
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CLOSE-UP
SOURCE: JODY R. SNIDER
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
TEN YEARS AGO, JoEllen Gienger didn't know a flower from a tree. Today, as the greenhouse manager at Smithfield Gardens, she's in charge of about 3,000 different flowers and about 40,000 plants.
She also gives lectures and teaches free classes at Smithfield Gardens on how to care for plants and flowers.
``It's a really fun job, and it's never boring,'' she says. ``Selling is my favorite thing because I like helping people. I like helping them spend their money. They tell me what they're looking for, and I say, `Then, this is what you need.' ''
And these days, there's plenty of that. Gienger says about 500 people browse Smithfield Gardens every day.
``This is our peak season. I'm working about 70 hours a week. I tell my family goodbye,'' she says with a laugh, ``and that I'll see them some time after Mother's Day.''
Name: JoEllen Gienger
What brought you to Isle of Wight? My mom, when I was 4
Hometown: Smithfield
Birthdate: Nov. 23, 1943
Occupation: Greenhouse manager at Smithfield Gardens
Marital status: Married to John
Children: Lori, 29; Brent, 28; and Tracie, 26
Favorite movies: ``The Color Purple'' and old musicals
Favorite magazine: Reader's Digest
A book you wish everyone would read, and why: The Bible. It has the greatest guidelines for life.
Favorite night out on the town: Out to eat with friends and family
Favorite bar or restaurant: Cheers in Hampton
Favorite food and drink: Pasta and coffee
Few people know . . . that I used to have a phobia about public speaking.
Worst habit: Smoking
Pets: Cats
Hobbies: Reading, camping and the beaches
Ideal vacation: Camping in the mountains
Pet peeve: Impatient drivers
First job: Hanging wallpaper for Carter Construction.
Worst job: Having to dust the house once in a while.
Of what achievements are you most proud? My children and my job
What would you like as your epitaph? ``She wouldn't have changed a thing.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB