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Seattle City (spot)Light: Gary Adler, Gardener

The Basics

How long have you been at City Light? A little over three years 

Division: I’m under the Vegetation Management team within the Transmission and Distribution Field Operations Division.  

Tell us about your role. What does your job entail?  I am one of a small group of gardeners, working primarily out of the South Service Center. My job entails a variety of responsibilities, including maintaining the landscape inside and outside of our substations. Inside, we keep vegetation from growing around or near the transformers, switches, and other electrical equipment. The landscapes that surround the outside of our substations are varied and interesting. We work to keep all the plantings healthy and attractive. Some days we are planting new plants, while on other days we are weeding, pruning, mowing, mulching, or repairing irrigation. We have also had the opportunity to create new pollinator gardens at some of our properties, which has been very gratifying.

Background

Hometown: I’m originally from New York City  

Alma Mater: I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from State University of New York (SUNY) New Paltz 

Discipline/Trade of study: Political Science 

Tell us about your family: My family is the center of my life. My wife/hiking pal is a recently retired educator who is a continual source of inspiration and happiness. I have two adult children that provide me with great joy.

Just for Fun

What’s the best piece of advice you have received? I learned early in life “do the best you can at everything you do.” 

What’s one thing that has surprised you about working at City Light? I was surprised that City Light has osprey actively living and breeding near the Duwamish Substation. 

What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend? I’ll most likely be at home gardening on weekends or hiking in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 

What’s something that has made you smile recently? I recently enjoyed seeing a hummingbird visit my home garden. Always brings a smile to me. 

What fashion trend would you bring back? I’m not sure what retro fashions should return. It seems that eventually all styles make their way back!