Rory Keylon, a marketing consultant at INB, has nurtured a lifelong passion for gardening. She spends her free time happily tending to flowers, vegetables—and a bevy of bees.
Rory’s green thumb sprouted early.
“I grew up on a farm and can’t remember a time when I wasn’t gardening,” she says. “As a kid, I was fascinated by bugs, dirt, and watching things grow. That curiosity never left me.”
Her love for gardening took root with her very first sunflowers, planted at just three years old with help from her mom. “I still remember how tall and majestic they were—they felt like magic to little me.” Since then, Rory has filled her gardens with everything from hostas and hydrangeas to herbs and vegetables. She has a particular fondness for basil—especially when it’s turned into homemade pesto.
“Every year, a friend and I get together for a pesto-making day. There’s laughter, the scent of fresh basil in the kitchen, and jars of pesto to share. It’s one of my favorite traditions.”
Rooted in Connections
Gardening isn’t just about food or flowers for Rory—it’s also about connection. She and her husband work together in the garden, and although her kids are grown now, they’re quick to show up when it’s time to enjoy the harvest. “The garden always brings us together—even if it’s just at the dinner table.”
You’ll find even more in Rory’s outdoor oasis: amaryllis bulbs, hydrangeas, lilies… and rudbeckia. “I love them all! Honestly, choosing a favorite feels like picking a favorite child—impossible!”
If you’re thinking of starting a garden, Rory recommends leather gloves and Fiskars pruning shears. “Branch loppers are my most favorite. I could spend hours in our yard with the loppers. Our yard is about two acres, so there’s always work to do.”
In addition to her flowers and vegetables, Rory and her husband are hive hosts for a local beekeeper. Rory shares: “It feels good to know we’re playing a small part in keeping our ecosystem healthy—and the honey is a sweet bonus!”
About Those Sugar Babies…
Rory also has a soft spot for watermelons, which ties perfectly into the bank’s “You’re One in a Melon” referral campaign. She researched and chose the Sugar Baby watermelon seeds that are being shared by our branch staff (while supplies last). Rory once grew a different variety, the whimsical Moon and Stars. Her watermelon-growing tip? “Water heavily until they flower, then ease off to help the fruit develop more sweetness.”
It’s no surprise that Rory’s love of growing things spills over into her work at INB—where we’re all about helping our customers grow their financial future. And just like a garden, the best growth often starts with a little help from others.
That’s the idea behind “You’re One in a Melon.” When you refer a friend to open a checking account at INB, you both can earn INB Rewards. It’s our way of saying thanks for helping us plant the seeds of financial wellness.
Want to join in the fun?
Stop by any INB branch to grab a packet of watermelon seeds. Then share a photo of your melon-growing adventures and tag us at @IChooseINB.
After all, gardening and great banking have one big thing in common: both are better when shared.