Jim began his horticultural career after graduating in 1986 with a BS degree in Horticulture from Clemson University. He has worked as Horticultural Director at Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, Mepkin Abbey and Brookgreen Gardens. He is presently managing the Charleston Parks Conservancy, a non-profit formed in 2007 where he is Executive Director.

Jim began studying floristry in 2000 as a way of melding both his lifelong interests in horticulture and the floral arts. He successfully produced two month long floral shows at Brookgreen Gardens in 2006 and 2007 entitled, “Floral Inspirations: Bringing the Holidays Home” and “Floral Inspirations: Celebrate the Holidays with Color” http://web.me.com/jamesdmartin/Site/Floral_Inspirations2007.html

His regular blog, compost in my shoe ( http://compostinmyshoe.blogspot.com ) explores his passions in gardening, horticulture, the floral arts, photography and travel. He has written for several newspapers and magazines, most recently, Charleston Magazine and Charleston Home.

He is a freelance florist, garden designer and horticultural/florist presenter and will be re-establishing a new design company in 2011.