Karen grew up in Idaho with a spirited love for the outdoors. She and her mother used to garden together before Karen could even walk. Spending most of her childhood in Boise, she also finished her college degree there at Boise State University with a degree in Journalism and communications. Her path took her all over the country before meeting Jack in Montana in 2007. They were married a year later and combined their passion for gardening and business to create two enriching ventures in Michigan and Florida. Karen is the Vice President of Barnwell Landscape and Garden on Mackinac Island, MI, as well as a Partner and manager for C3 Gardens in Southwest Florida. Both businesses focus on bringing color and beauty into people's landscapes and more intimate outdoor spaces.

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Karen also owns her own personal business making a line of organic body products including soaps, lotions, lip balms, and hand cream. Every moment of Karen's spare time is spent with her and Jack's young sons Reed and River.