Lees Hopkins is a native New Orleanian passionate about plants and ecological gardening. They have worked as a horticulturist in different settings, including organic vegetable farming, commercial and residential landscaping, and community gardens. While working as a gardener at Longue Vue House and Gardens, Lees came to appreciate the unique beauty of the plants native to our area. Lees is a member of the Native Plant Initiative of GNO and is a Water Wise Neighborhood Champion. In addition to working to advance the availability of native plants in New Orleans, Lees is currently a master’s student at UNO, studying to be a mental health counselor with the goal of providing nature-integrated counseling and coaching in therapeutic gardening.