Since Fran is now living part of the year in Tel Aviv, Israel, she has begun designing urban, rooftop gardens.
Fran’s philosophy is that by creating a world of beauty and becoming more connected to nature, individuals place a greater emphasis on community and kindness; ultimately living healthier, more joyful and meaningful lives. Fran also wants to pass on her conviction that it is our responsibility to become the stewards of the environment.
Fran's Academic and Horticultural Training
Fran received a B.A. with Honors in Psychology from The University of Chicago where she studied creativity and altered states of consciousness with Dr. Erika Fromm, a world renowned psychologist, researcher and psychoanalyst. Fran was one of the first, if not the first, women nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship at The University of Chicago. She has taken post-graduate courses at Harvard University's School of Medicine on 'Healing and Spirituality'.
Fran's horticultural training has been a long and varied one. She studied at Longwood Gardens and other horticultural institutions in Philadelphia. Apprenticing with two great gardeners significantly facilitated her development as a garden designer. Chris Woods, the visionary behind the transformation of Chanticleer Gardens from a private estate into an internationally renowned ‘pleasure garden’, taught Fran about the intricacies of design and how to follow her instincts in the garden.
Fran apprenticed at Sir John Thouron's garden in Unionville, Pa., Doe Run. Jock Christie (now deceased), the Head Gardener, taught her about the 'hands on' pragmatics of gardening. He also passed on his 'intuitive' design sense which he developed over the course of 50 years of gardening.
Fran is an ordained interfaith minister, having attended a 2 year program at One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in NYC.