The New York Botanical Garden's Continuing Education Department presented Jan Johnsen, an instructor in the landscape design program, with the "Instructor of the Year" award at this year's certificate ceremony.
Each year the award is given to an exceptional instructor who exemplifies the attributes most admired in the classroom: dedication to sharing knowledge, a vast command of the material and the ability to motivate students to become lifelong learners. Johnsen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom and has been teaching at the Garden for more than 10 years.
She has taught a myriad of design classes at the Garden, ranging from
landscape design studio classes to specific classes in landscape lighting,
designing terraces and walks, and her very popular class, title "Starting Your Own Design Business."
One of Johnsen's current interests is the study of Feng Shui in landscape design. The many students whose lives she has touched consistently talk about the award winner's enthusiasm for her profession.
"She was fantastic – extremely well organized, articulate, and inspiring," said one recent design class student.
Johnsen has been in the landscape design profession more than 30 years and
has worked in landscape and planning offices in Kenya, Japan, Honolulu, and
New Orleans. Her firm, Johnsen Landscapes & Pools, transforms residential
properties through its design and build approach. She manages the company,
based in Westchester County, N.Y., with her husband of 17 years, Rafael.
She is the author of the popular Ortho's All about Trees and is now working
on a book titled, Sacred Gardens.