We have been so blessed to have retired landscapers, Andy and Diane Schmied from Portland, Oregon, in our resort for the past three years. Just entering Rainbow Village, you see their talented work on display — through the flowers and shrubs that they have planted and nourished all over the resort. They have installed a timed irrigation system that helps to keep the plants watered.
They are such a blessing!
(Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
Diane has been a landscaper since she was 3 years old. Her dad had an acre of land that had a quarter-acre in fruit trees, a quarter-acre in a garden, and half-acre with their house and landscaping around it. She graduated from Oregon State University. She had a landscape design and maintenance business until she had some health problems with her feet and had to quit her business.
Meanwhile, Andy was in the Navy for four years, and also the United States Army for 18 years. He retired from the U.S. service and did some schooling for landscaping. He worked for Klaber Landscaping. While doing some landscaping work where Diane volunteered, they were introduced and eventually married.
After a period of time, Andy decided to retire and buy a trailer, and they traveled to Texas and stayed for nine months. The winters were too cold for Diane, and they decided to head to Florida. They traveled around Florida, until they arrived at Rainbow Village and made their home here.
Andy needs his knees replaced before they head off to Port Charlotte and buy a boat, so they can go fishing. Meanwhile, we are enjoying their beautiful landscaping of our resort. A big thank you to Andy and Diane!
By Sandra Gilbert-Abel
Published December 16, 2015
