I grew up in the heart of the Central Valley. My love for all things green began as a child growing up on an almond ranch. I began my own journey in gardening when I was 12. I started a vegetable garden and sold my produce to family and friends. Soon after my Mother began designing our new landscape around our new home and I began experimenting with growing different plants, managing weeds and learning all about watering the landscape. I soon developed a desire to work in a plant nursery.

I began my nursery career at 16 years old. I was blessed in my junior year of high school with a wonderful Horticulture teacher who recognized my talent and recommended me for a job at Kline's Valley Nursery. I was granted the job and really fell in love with caring for plants and helping customers.

Once I started Modesto Junior College, I was again blessed to be learning under another wonderful Horticulture instructor. He recommended my application at The Greenery Nursery in Turlock and the rest is history. I flourished at The Greenery, expanding my horticultural wisdom to new heights during my junior college journey as I earned my A.S. in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Horticulture Science.

The Greenery nurtured my passion and cultivated a rich bedrock of Horticulture expertise. I was allowed to learn and develop in so many areas of the nursery. I became an expert in insects, diseases, fertilizing, soil health and more while managing the nursery's hardgoods inventory. I further elevated my skills by using my passion toward marketing the nursery including creating and managing their first email newsletter, website, seasonal classes, in store signage and promotions. I was encouraged to explore other areas of expertise including becoming a UCCE Master Food Preserver. Of course, along with all this, I became the plant expert - the person who was able to identify plants, insects, diseases, plant problems, plant suggestions and so much more! Alas, after 23 years of growing in the nursery, I had bigger dreams to chase.

It was time to unleash my dreams and soar to new heights. Working in a nursery kept me tied to schedules and many other responsibilities so it was time to end my career at The Greenery. From the seeds of experience in my nursery career, I've unearthed the common challenges that bewilder home gardeners. I hold the key to the knowledge they need and the secrets to nurturing their growth.
I realized that my core passion is connecting my talent for growing things and helping others do the same. This is my true calling so I created Plantgeek Inc, my own business to help gardeners of all levels connect with solid gardening advice for our wonderful and unique climate.

PERSONAL

I am married to my childhood sweetheart and a Mom to 3 teenagers. I love growing, cooking and preserving food for my family. I raise chickens for eggs, have to 2 dogs and 2 cats and numerous plants (of course!) all tucked cozily into our small suburban home.