quarters—the worry was that it might be tacky.
But the shop turned out to be a success.
Niall: Anne Martin was the first volunteer
manager of the shop. How did you get involved as
the shop’s first book buyer?
Mary Ellen: Anne had a lot of great retail
experience, including running a store that she
and a friend opened near Pike Place Market. Her
friend was originally going to be the book buyer
at the Arboretum Shop but unfortunately fell ill.
Anne asked me to do it, and I agreed.
Niall: What were some of the most successful
books you sold over the years?
Mary Ellen: The “Sunset” gardening guides
always sold very well. And I always stocked a
lot of kids’ books, because it was a good way to
get the parents into the store! That said, one
time, a grandmother came in looking for a gift
for her grandchild. I suggested a book, and she
responded: “But then I’d have to read it to him.”
Niall: Along with working the counter, Shop
volunteers seem to field a lot of questions from
Arboretum visitors. Was that your experience?
Mary Ellen: Oh yes. Everything from direc-
tions to plant ID. I remember, especially,
answering a lot of questions about the plants in
the ever-changing Signature Bed outside the
Visitors Center. I was pretty good at identifying
things, but then the hardy fern display went in.
Ferns are not my strong suit!
Niall: Do you have a favorite memory you can
share of your time as a gift shop volunteer?
Mary Ellen: It’s hard to pick just one. I was
just always happy to be helping support the
Arboretum. It’s such an amazing place that a lot
of people seem to take for granted.
Niall: What excited you about the
Rhododendron Glen restoration project?
Mary Ellen: The Glen is one of the most
beautiful places in the Arboretum. Also, Gordon
and I have a special fondness for rhododen-
drons. At our longtime home on Mercer Island,
we eventually had about 400 of them!
The Mulders were honored at the Foundation’s
Annual Meeting on June 19, 2019.
N iall D unne is the editor of the “Bulletin” and
the communications manager at the Arboretum
Foundation.
LEFT: The new Shop sign honoring Mary Ellen. RIGHT: Mary Ellen at the Shop counter back in 2005.
What will your legacy be?
Each of us can make an enduring mark on the places we value. Help sustain this urban green space for
future generations by leaving a gift to the Arboretum Foundation in your will. To get started, request a free planned-
giving guide from Lee Benner, Development Director, at [email protected] or 206-325-4510.
Summer 2019 v 25