Jeanine – has had a long love affair with plants – indoor and outdoor. In Illinois, she completed both the Master Gardener and Advanced Master Gardener programs with the University of Illinois, served as president of a local garden club and on the Illinois state board of The Garden Clubs of Illinois.  When we moved here in 2005, she decided to continue expanding her knowledge and familiarize herself with the climatic differences, so she also completed the Master Gardener course in Polk Country. She has continued to further educate herself about plants through seminars, literature and books. Most recently, she has been certified by the State of North Carolina as a Certified Plant Professional. (That certification is earned only after exhaustive study and extensive testing.) She also lectures on Hummingbirds and a few other subjects such as ground covers.  Many have found her to be a fountain of expert information and advice when discussing landscaping ideas as well as plant selection and care.  She personally visits the certified growers who supply The Garden Patch and she individually selects many of the plants we sell. She also inspects each incoming shipment to help ensure vigorous and healthy stock and supervises their maintenance while in our care. All the supplier-growers are in our local growing region, so all of the plants we sell have been climatized. Each of our plant suppliers has also been state certified to provide pest and disease free plants.

Rick – retired from university life but wants to continue working in a seasonal job with outdoor and plant interaction. He has specialized in aquaculture, but also has broad overall plant knowledge. He has become a wonderful addition to our business and has gradually assumed more sales responsibility.  We get lots of positive customer feedback about Rick’s precise advice and friendly demeanor.

Byon – new to the Garden Patch Family, Byon brings a life to of enthusiasm for and golf – a perfect combination for the Garden Center