Veronica Viler is a Horticultural Research Assistant at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan. With a focus on threatened species, Veronica utilises her expertise to determine the best propagation and cultivation methods for these plants in the nursery environment.
Veronica holds a Certificate III in Horticulture-Nursery and works predominantly with plants where there is often little to no information available on propagation or growing in cultivation. She uses her skills and experience to determine how to grow the plants in the nursery environment for specific projects.
One of Veronica's particular areas of interest is the plant pathogen Austropuccinia psidii, commonly known as Myrtle Rust, and its impact on plant health. She takes pride in her achievements in propagating and growing Myrtle Rust susceptible species to contribute to their long-term conservation and support ongoing research.,
A usual day for Veronica involves caring for and maintaining the potted plant collections, as well as assisting scientists in the lab or field and updating the collections database. She maintains several tissue culture collections, showcasing her versatility and multi-faceted skill set.
Veronica loves collaborating with her work colleagues – passionate professionals who not only excel in their roles but also possess a deep commitment to the natural environment. Their unwavering dedication serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for Veronica.
While she acknowledges the challenges inherent in her work – failure is not uncommon when they are attempting something new – she finds immense satisfaction in pioneering new approaches and problem-solving techniques, overcoming obstacles, and reaching her goals.
Growing up with both her mother and grandparents as keen gardeners instilled a passion for plants in Veronica. Off the back of this hobby, she decided to pursue a career in horticulture and has transformed her love for plants into a fulfilling profession.
