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In its heyday, the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, Minn. — finished in 1908 — was tended to with a large staff of maids, butlers stable workers, groundskeepers and a head gardener. 

The head gardener position was always held by a man — until now. 

Emily Ford is the mansion’s gardener, and host Cathy Wurzer sat down with her recently on a perfect fall day in Duluth. 

Ford says gardening is seen as a feminine thing today, but it didn’t use to be. Walking in the Scottish shoes of Glensheen gardeners from the past, she keeps meticulous journals now after learning what a help it is from previous generations of gardeners.

The interview includes a surprise revelation about her family’s roots and how they connect her to what she does today, plus Ford explains her strategy for dealing with any potentially cranky Glensheen visitors.

Plus: A film about Ford’s journey to hike the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin last winter will premiere at the Banff International Film Festival this week. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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Emily Ford is the mansion’s gardener, and host Cathy Wurzer sat down with her recently on a perfect fall day in Duluth, Minn.

In its heyday, Duluth’s Glensheen Mansion — finished in 1908 — was tended to with a large staff of maids, butlers stable workers, groundskeepers and a head gardener. The head gardener position was always held by a man — until now.

Glensheen Mansion's first female head gardener reflects on making history

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