Wendy Hollender is a botanical artist, author and illustrator in Accord. She has recently published the book “The Album of Plant Families: An Illustrated Exploration of Nature's Beauty and Bounty.”

Q: How did you come to Accord?

A: I came up to go strawberry picking with a friend who lived in Accord, at Kelder’s. It was about 19 years ago, and I loved the idea because I was already studying botanical illustration. But seeing everything growing in the ground and picking it myself was really fun. So that whole summer, I kept coming back up to pick at Kelder’s, and then I fell in love with the area.

There was the Rondout Valley Growers’ first-ever farm tour, and I went on it. On the tour, we came down this road, Lower Whitfield. I came down this road, and the Kelders live at the other end of it. I just loved the feel of this little lane and this area, and I got this vision that I needed to live with plants.

I ended up moving right here on this street. This was a horse farm, so there was nothing growing out there. I put all this in so that I could have the plants and everything that goes with it. That’s kind of how it started, and my children helped set it up. Now my son has a full-time farm, Tributary Farm, right down the road. A big [Community Supported Agriculture] vegetable-growing farm here.

What do you like about Accord?

I love the location. I love being between the Shawangunks and the Catskills, and I love that the people are really friendly. And there's a lot going on here. People come in and out all day long here. Whereas I used to live in Manhattan, and it felt a little more lonely there, believe it or not. You know, people are more willing to talk here and be friendly, and I don't know. I just really like that, and I like the natural beauty for sure.

What are your favorite local businesses?

I do like West Wind Orchard. It's really good for food. My son's farm, Tributary Farm, for his amazing vegetables and other produce. He works with a lot of local farmers, bringing in local meats and eggs and honey and things like that. Let's see, what else do I really like? Lately, I'm really into Kingston. There's a lot going on there. Nice galleries and restaurants. You know, I like all the small towns around here. I like shopping. I like going to the food co-op in High Falls. Some of the restaurants I enjoy.

What would you like to change about Accord?

I would want to have more affordable housing for people here. It's getting a little too expensive, and I don't like the imbalance in that.

How do you think Accord will be different in 10 years?

I'm hoping it won't be very different. I really like the combination of tradition here and the old and the new. I hope that gets preserved and that it doesn't get too developed. It's nice because we have a lot of space, not a ton of neighborhoods where there are so many houses close together. I like that about it, and I like the farms and the rural quality.