You could say that I have been digging in the dirt my whole life. As soon as I could sit up Mammaw would set us kids in the vegetable garden. She would give us a spoon to dig in the dirt for entertainment while she tended the garden. I have awesome memories of being in the garden with family and friends that visited.

If you want to know more about my journey read on.

Into my teenage years, I remember an assignment in junior high where we had to draw a landscaping plan. My grandmother had plenty of garden and landscape books for me to use. I really had fun digging through gardening books and drawing the plan. I even made a 100 on the assignment! I did not really think of becoming a lady landscaper.

Life happened and I found myself married with two young kids. I aspired becoming an eye doctor, but the outside world was calling my name. While enrolled at Hinds Community College I switched from pre-med to the Landscape Management Program. While in the program I was a member of ALCA ( now National Association of Landscape Professionals) and in the Landscape Management Club. I was awarded the Garden Club Scholarship. My time in the Landscape Management Program was full of classroom and hands on learning.

Once I graduated, I worked for myself for a while. When Katrina hit this put me out of work for a few weeks and I found a job working indirectly for FEMA. The job with FEMA played out and I decided that I wanted to learn more about my field and grow in experience. I landed a job working for Green Oak Garden Center, LLC. That was in February of 2005. I started as an interior plant technician. It was not long before I moved to caring for Green Oak’s exterior maintenance accounts. This is when I realized my love for seasonal color!

Since my early days at Green Oak, I have held multiple roles to include: Project Management, Exterior Maintenance Manager, Material Procurer, and Installing. In February of 2014, I moved into sales. While in this position, I tailored designs for clients’ specific wants and needs, estimated projects, and oversaw installations. If I am really honest, I was out working with the crew quite a bit. Sometimes I can not seem to help myself I love working with plants! I am grateful to my previous employer, Green Oak Garden Center, LLC and thankful for their understanding in my new adventure.

I Greatly enjoy building a relationship and return to client’s properties again and again. I also greatly enjoy pruning. It is exciting to take a property that may have become overgrown and “find” things again!

My other passion is growing veggies! In fall of 2021 I went through an intensive training through Gardenary, and I am now a certified Gardenary Consultant. As a Gardenary consultant I have trained to learn more about Herb and Vegetable gardening pertaining to raised bed systems. I did grow up in the vegetable garden which has giving me invaluable experience but I have come to realize that there is always something new to learn when dealing with plants.

I have seen the interest in home gardening by many people. I knew deep down that I wanted to be a part of helping others learn to become successful gardeners. It is so funny how things happen. Before I knew of Gardenary I had been thinking of something similar so when I saw Gardenary it was like God was speaking to me that it was okay to move forward.

Yet again, I also love natives, creating wildlife habitat, and attracting pollinators with plants. It is so rewarding to plan a garden specifically for pollinators or to attract bids and see the desired outcome come to pass!

Fast forward to now, I have decided to move forward in opening Plant Connections Unlimited, LLC. Here are a few specifics for you. I obtained my Landscape Horticultural and Tree Surgery Licensing in the state of Mississippi. The company is licensed, bonded, and insured.

I am also a 2015-2016 Graduate of Leadership Greater Jackson

Publications:

2018 Spring Editions Verve Magazine, Co-author, “Create Curve Envy with Some Simple Changes”

2016 National Association of Landscape Professionals, Landscape Career Guide, expert in article “40 Ways to Succeed in the Landscape Industry”

April 29, 2010, The Northside Sun, Yard and Garden: Plant Selection, author “Key To Beautiful”

I hope that Plant Connections Unlimited can help you further your garden or landscape dreams!

At the writing of this post I will be celebrating a five-year anniversary with my husband. My oldest child has an associate’s degree and is planning her next move! My youngest is a National Guard Solider and mechanic. When I am not working, I enjoy piddling with my plants, lounging with our four cats, dog- Alice, and sewing. Okay so I admit it! I do more than piddle with my plants. I am a member of Southside Assembly of God. As a member I help with the youth, rotate teaching 3-4 year’s old Sunday School Class and stand post in the prayer room.

I hope that gives you a better picture of Plant Connections Unlimited. We can’t wait to help you further your garden or landscape dreams!