Ruth LaHue is founder and President of My Secret Garden in Columbia, Mo. In it's twenty years of business, My Secret Garden has developed a brand known for a distinctively different approach to floral design. Using nature as her guide, LaHue never puts limits on her approach to floral design. "The elements and principles of design must be mastered, but you should not let them hold you back. Reach a little further. Let your creativity guide you." LaHue graduated from Albuquerque Floral Art School in 1974. She studied art, horticulture and science at the University of New Mexico and the University of Missouri and continues to study in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana (Japanese floral design). After working in the floral industry for 35 years LaHue says of her career;"There are always new discoveries to find, flowers I've never seen before, design techniques and color combinations to try. To be a florist is an ever changing, always evolving, continually interesting occupation." Regularly featured in local newspapers and magazines, LaHue's work has also been seen in Grace Ormond Wedding Style, Colonial Homes, and Women & Success magazines. Among the awards My Secret Garden has received, LaHue is most proud of: The Columbia Chamber of Commerce's "Small Retail Business of the Year", recognition from Partners in Education for her continued work with children and flowers in elementary schools, and Peoples Choice awards from UMC's Museum of Art and Archeology for her creative designs in Art in Bloom, among them "Best in Show". Voted by readers of Inside Columbia Magazine as "The Best Place in Columbia to Buy and See Christmas Decorations" My Secret Garden is a destination floral boutique. LaHue knows how important personalized attention to decorating is. Whether its a conference, holiday decorations for the home, a wedding, or personal event; LaHue's attention to detail, inspired creativity, and open minded approach to floral design has earned her an impressive repeat clientele.