Maggie Wagner

I reside on the Central Coast of California in the city of Pismo Beach. From the time I was a child, my passions have always included plants, animals, and making stuff. These interests have shaped my journey and continue to inspire the pursuits I follow today.

I am a recently retired veterinarian, having practiced for 35 years. My career began with working on horses, however, once sanity prevailed, I shifted my focus and spent the remainder of my career caring for dogs and cats.   With my lifelong dream of working with animals fulfilled, the time has come to move on to my other passions.

Another hobby I enjoy is ceramics, which led me to Anderson Ranch. The combination of plants and pottery has proven to be the perfect fusion for my current obsessions, allowing me to explore creative new ways to exhibit my love for both.

For years, I have dreamed of creating a public garden to showcase specimen succulent plants. My recent diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer gave me the confidence to pursue this dream. Together with my friend Ben Trogdon, I am working to make this vision a reality by partnering with the city of Pismo Beach to upgrade the landscaping at Dinosaur Caves Park.

Please join me as I tell the story of what sparked this idea and the steps it has taken to begin transforming a beautiful seaside park into a world-class succulent garden.