Day-to-day activities: 

It all depends on the season and the garden. Right now activities include dividing and transplanting perennials, leaf clean-ups and planting spring bulbs. Other tasks throughout the year include pruning, cutting back, and anything else we can do to improve the look and feel of the garden!

Where are you from? 

Dwight, Nebraska (population 200), but I have lived in Omaha for the past 16 years.

Where do/did you go to school? 

I attended college at Metropolitan Community College where I earned a degree in landscape design.

Favorite plant and why? 

Choosing just one is difficult but I love oakleaf hydrangeas. Beautiful foliage, big summer flowers that persist creating winter interest and stunning fall color. It’s a beautiful plant through all four seasons!

Where did you get your green thumb? 

My mom and grandparents have always maintained beautiful landscapes, my dad has always loved tending to his veggie garden, and my stepdad is a farmer. I guess that combination gave me my green thumb.

What does the Purple Polo mean to you? 

Being a purple polo means knowing what expectations each client has for their garden and going above and beyond to surpass those expectations.

At home garden: 

As a recently new homeowner, it is a very big work in progress!  Luckily, I work in some very beautiful gardens to give me inspiration.

Most memorable trip:  

My first trip to Chicago several years ago. I quickly fell in love with that city and have been back several times since!

Favorite food: 

Nachos!

Hobbies: 

I have a small obsession with collecting succulents.  My last count was over 30 different varieties.

Favorite part of a garden: 

Again it’s hard to choose just one. It’s a combination of details that make up a beautiful garden space.

At work warm and fuzzies:

Before and afters! Whether it’s a little project or a major makeover, I love seeing that I made a difference in a garden.

One thing you can’t live without:  

My family!

Gotta See Garden: 

The Lurie Garden in Chicago is one of my favorites

Least favorite garden critter: 

Rabbits because of the damage they cause and snakes because of their sneakiness.

Gotta-have-it-garden tool: 

Definitely pruners.

Favorite gardening quote:

“The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies.” -Gertrude Jekyll

Fictional Garden you’d like to visit:

Pandora from Avatar

Best part about wearing a purple polo: 

The best part about wearing a purple polo is being part of an awesome team! (Wearing my favorite color is an added bonus!)

Ideal way to spend a weekend?  

Doing anything with my husband and baby boy!

Favorite book?  

Your Brain on Nature by Eva Selhub

What’s something you’d like to cross off your bucket list?  

Seeing the Redwoods in California.

Purple Polo Pro Gardening Tip: 

Right plant, right place! Having the right environment for your plants is the most important thing for a successful garden.