Kim Bartlett’s passion for gardening developed as an adult.
She wishes it had happened earlier.
“I think everybody has a ‘My Grandma’ story. My Grandma was a huge gardener. She raised a half acre of daylilies and irises,” Bartlett recalled.
As a child, Bartlett didn’t appreciate the flowers. Her interest grew over the years.
Her grandmother recently passed away, so Bartlett dug up several of the flowers to replant at her own house.
“That passion just kind of took over. Now, I wish I’d cared a little more about it and asked more questions as a child.”
Her affinity for gardening led Bartlett to become a Master Gardener several years ago through the K-State Research & Extension volunteer training program. That led to a career change, and Bartlett managed greenhouses in the area.
“I love the smell of a greenhouse and I love that feeling you get when you see a seedling sprout and grow into a big plant,” she said. “I call them my babies and my toddlers.”
Now, she’s the new director for the Allen County Farmers Market.
“Farmers markets are a great way to help the community and local producers. You’re supporting small businesses and that money stays in the community,” Bartlett said.
“It’s a way for people to get fresh fruits and vegetables, along with baked goods that you know were made in the the community. You can talk to the farmer and learn how the item was grown and what kind of fertilizer or chemicals they used.
“You know what you’re eating. And the tomatoes you get from a garden taste supremely better.”
HER PASSION may be gardening, but Bartlett’s previous career history in marketing will be just as valuable in her new position.
Bartlett grew up in Chanute and now lives south of LaHarpe. Her husband, Dusty Bartlett, works as an engineer for Ash Grove Cement Company. They have two daughters, Janae, age 19, and Kaitlyn, age 12, who has special needs.
Bartlett worked in marketing for 17 years for Tioga Territory Ltd. of Chanute, a company that supplies merchandise for several national horse organizations including the National Cutting Horse Association and Appaloosa Horse Club. She’s a graphic designer who worked on advertising campaigns, handled social media and set up booths at horse shows and conventions.
Because of her daughter’s special needs, it became difficult to travel for work “and I just kind of got tired of sitting at a desk.”
She spent a year working as greenhouse manager at TLC Garden Center, then served the same kind of role at Tony’s Garden Center in Chanute.
