Beth Benjamin came to gardening as a way of life in spring of 1968 when she apprenticed with renowned English gardener Alan Chadwick at the University of California at Santa Cruz. The gardens she helped develop became the inspiration and training ground for the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, now in its 41st year.

In 1971, she founded and developed Camp Joy Gardens, a non-profit educational center and demonstration garden of 4 acres in Boulder Creek, California., where she conducted vegetable and flower trials and grew herbs and produce for sale. At Camp Joy Gardens, Beth built an active cut flower business, creating mixed bouquets, dried flower wreaths and wedding and special occasion arrangements for the community. Beth has worked with Renee Shepherd since 1988, and now brings her years of extensive practical experience indoors to the position of Horticultural Advisor at Renee's Garden. Locally, she serves on the board of directors of Camp Joy and the Organic Seed Alliance, gardens with her children and grandchildren, is studying psychology and finally making time to write poems - many about flowers and vegetables.