JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Wade Lee Richards’ path in Jacksonville turned grief into growth, a journey he takes us through on the next episode of “Voices of the 904.”
During one of the most difficult seasons of his life, as his husband battled cancer, Wade found unexpected healing in plants, planting the seed for his upcoming chapters.
After his husband’s passing, Wade channeled that passion into community through his business, a plant podcast, and ultimately, an unexpected full-time role as lead gardener at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.
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In this episode, Wade opens up about maintaining the museum’s historic gardens, creating welcoming spaces for all, and how gardening can foster connection, mental wellness, and community.
“The plant community as a whole, I think, are people who are loving and nurturing and accepting,” Wade said. “I feel that, especially in the plant community in Jacksonville, there is inclusion and diversity and love for everyone who wants to be involved. It’s not a you can’t sit with us kind of crew. The community as a whole is very welcoming.”
Reflecting on his pivot from an accomplished New York hairstylist, Wade highlights the power of curiosity, self-belief, and continuous learning—lessons that led him back to the classroom as a student studying horticulture at the University of Florida.
Ultimately, he sees plants as powerful metaphors for life — teaching resilience, renewal, and the beauty of starting over.
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