Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryam Simon.
Hi Maryam, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I am Maryam Simon, and along with my team, we are here to provide expert gardening advice to support you in your project.
As a mother of 9-year-old twin boys, I have a passion for gardening and personally take care of my veggie garden and our yard. You are welcome to visit!
I am a Master Gardener, having received in-depth, hands-on instruction in horticulture, including plant biology, propagation, soil science, and disease and pest control. This knowledge helps me ensure that your landscape investment yields the best results for your property value increase.
I also volunteer at “Rows for the Hungry,” an organization dedicated to donating fresh produce to local food banks and providing education.
As a proud former president of the Princeton Charter School (PCS) board of Friends , I also volunteer at the PCS Garden Club, where we educate young students about gardening basics.
My background includes work in consultancy firms, the pharmaceutical industry, and financial companies, and I served as president of the French Association in Copenhagen.
My education includes:
– Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and Medicine from Caen University in France
– ESSEC Business School in Paris, France, ranked 6th in the world in the combined ranking 2022 by Financial Times
– Master Gardening from Middlesex County, NJ
– Sustainable Landscape Design certificate from Rutgers University
– Landscape Design Certificate from Rutgers University
– Concrete Pavers from Rutgers University
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the main challenges in my work is to distinguish my approach from traditional landscaping services and help clients understand the value of my unique combination of scientific knowledge, horticultural expertise, and European vision of landscape design and architecture.
I believe that a garden should be much more than a collection of plants or a beautifully maintained outdoor space. It should have a soul, a strong relationship with the architecture, and a purpose. My scientific background, Master Gardener knowledge, and specialized training allow me to approach each project with both creativity and a deep understanding of the natural environment.
My challenge is to bring my European design sensibility to New Jersey while adapting it to our local climate, soils, and ecosystems. I want to combine the elegance, structure, and harmony of European gardens with the beauty and ecological value of native Mid-Atlantic plants, while avoiding invasive species and supporting biodiversity.
I see this balance between aesthetics, science, and sustainability as one of my greatest strengths. I am flexible and curious by nature, and I believe that good design requires both a strong personal vision and the ability to adapt to each property and client’s needs.
Ultimately, I want to change the way people see their gardens: not simply as spaces to maintain, but as living environments to design thoughtfully, respect, and nurture over time. My challenge is to make this vision visible and help clients understand that investing in a well-designed garden is an investment in the beauty, character, and long-term value of their property.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a multidisciplinary background spanning science, marketing, finance, and outdoor design. What connects all these fields is my curiosity, my creativity, and my genuine interest in people.
I love meeting new people, discovering their stories, understanding their needs, and finding ways to turn ideas into meaningful projects. I combine an analytical and scientific mindset with a creative approach, strong communication skills, and a passion for designing beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that connect people with nature.
I’m particularly proud of my ability to bring different perspectives together, build relationships, and approach challenges with both curiosity and an open mind. I believe what sets me apart is my versatility, my ability to connect with people from different backgrounds, and my desire to keep learning and exploring new possibilities.
For me, success is not just about what I accomplish, but also about the relationships I build, the value I create, and the positive impact I can have on the people and communities around me.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along my journey is the importance of staying flexible, open-minded, and empathetic. Life rarely unfolds exactly as we expect, and I’ve learned that being willing to adapt, listen, and consider different perspectives often opens doors to unexpected opportunities.
I believe that everyone has a story to tell and something valuable to teach us. Being curious about others, understanding their perspectives, and approaching situations with empathy have helped me grow both personally and professionally.
I’ve also learned that success is not about having all the answers, but about being willing to learn, evolve, and sometimes change direction. Staying open to new ideas and embracing challenges with resilience allows us to discover possibilities we might never have imagined.
Ultimately, I believe that the way we connect with people, treat others, and respond to change is just as important as what we achieve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://persianrosegarden.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepersianrosegarden/?hl=fr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559192963721
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q7ZdPjSaE44rkZyw9
