Ila Gandy, Hays County
Master Gardener 2016 – 2023
Ila Gandy was born in Louisiana but was destined for Texas. His final assignment for the Navy was in Texas where he attended the University of Houston after his honorable discharge. Most of his professional career was spent with IBM in various locations around the county, ending back in Texas. And now HCMGA is enjoying the fruits of his labor there through an IBM program which provides community support grants for exceptional employees of longevity.
Ila certified as a Master Gardener in 2016 and since then he’s been a driving force for continual improvements to our Jacobs Well Greenhouse and its management. He’s developed an efficient space to provide teaching, project and propagation space for our chapter and communities. Included is an automated irrigation system focused on reduced water loss, a thermostatically controlled temperature environment, and a demonstration xeriscape garden immediately adjacent to it. The secret to his brilliant ideas for the greenhouse is his mantra: “develop a new idea every day”. He says it doesn’t have to be a good one, but just by the numbers some of these ideas will be winners. HCMGA are enjoying his winners!