Jo Ann's Gardner's interest in silvers began on her first trip to Israel in the mid 80s, where she was overwhelmed by the beauty of the native flora, especially silver plants growing along roadsides like weeds. She saw shimmering salvias and wild lavender growing among rocks, and in the Negev Desert she observed white wormwood, a low shrub, spreading as far as the eye could see, interspersed with sun rose in shades of rose and pink as if planted by a garden designer. The view of Mediterranean silver plants was inspiring to Jo Ann. When she met Karen Bussolini at a Garden Writers Conference and they discovered a shared passion for silver plants, it was a blend of sensitivities. They found in each other a combination of writing and photography skills that was a perfect fit. Jo Ann has written for numerous publications including Horticulture, Country Journal, Old House Journal, Garden Magazine, and Herb Quarterly. She is also a member of the Garden Writers Association. Jo Ann Gardner currently resides in the foothills of the Adirondacks in New York's lush Champlain Valley where she and her husband, Jigs, are reestablishing a small farm and garden. They are involved in volunteer work for the local nursing home, where they are developing extensive gardens.