Growing in the Moss Garden: Maia's Story

Two years ago, Maia learned she could volunteer to care for the moss after taking a class on moss identification from Darren, our Gardens West Manager. Shortly after, she chose to spend every Wednesday in the Moss Garden alongside Darren and our volunteers. The Moss Garden quickly became her favorite place at Bloedel Reserve. She has also become a reliable and enthusiastic helper during events, always arriving with curiosity and a genuine love for the natural world.

Maia and her family moved from San Diego and have become a remarkable addition to our community. Maia’s passion for plants is clear the moment she steps into the garden. She frequently shares horticulture facts she has learned and can confidently identify species after closely observing their unique features.

Her interest in photography began at a very young age. When she was a toddler, her mother made a cardboard camera for her to play with. Maia told her she could not see through it, so Ying Ying cut a small opening, and a new creative outlet was discovered. Ying Ying found books on photography and the basics of composition. Now, at only ten years old, Maia captures extraordinary moments of life in the Moss Garden. One of her favorite photographs is of a tiny tree frog peeking from a clump of moss. She especially enjoys photographing moss in sunlight because of the glowing effect it creates.

Staff often describe Maia as exceptionally bright, talented, and a joy to work with. She hopes to become a zoologist and has already taken steps toward that dream by interviewing Audrey from our Development Team for a school assignment. Audrey previously worked in zookeeping, giving Maia first-hand insight into a future career working with animals.

The pictures shown in this blog are Maia’s and allow you to experience the Moss Garden through her perspective. We are grateful for the curiosity, kindness, and creativity she brings to Bloedel Reserve. We are equally grateful to Ying Ying for encouraging her daughter’s passion for learning and the natural world. It is a privilege to provide a place where Maia can continue to grow, explore, and discover.