Joseph "Joe" Bonadies

Joe became the first Saint Mary's College gardener in 1954. Former President Sister Madeleva hired him. Joe worked from 1954-1991 until he retired. Sister Madeleva had a vision and she hired him to realize her vision for the campus landscape. She considered the campus an outdoor classroom and arboretum for scientific learning and aesthetic enjoyment. Joe used his knowledge to honor her tradition of landscaping, horticulture, and gardening. Joe shared Sister Madeleva's vision to feature naturally growing plant materials including some that are not necessarily native to this area, but which grow well here and to offer a diversity of plant material. He passed away in 1992 and a rock garden, the Bonadies Rock Garden, was named after him.