In 2010 I started a small garden management & landscape design business after being in the Green Industry since graduating from the U of MN with a degree in Horticulture in 1997. My dream was to someday own a small garden center so I jumped at the opportunity to purchase Eco Gardens in Northfield and in Feb. 2020 I took ownership. I quickly changed the name to Paisley Gardens, hired some amazing employees and learned how to manage a pandemic in the retail world! Besides running Paisley Gardens, my husband John and I are typically busy running our two kiddos between baseball games and swim practice. Our son, Josh will be a Sophomore at LNHS and our daughter, Cecilia will be a 6th grader at CMS. We added a new puppy to our family in March, a mini Sheepadoodle – Josh named her Miura after Lamborghini’s supercar!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I really love to talk about plants and helping customers choose the right plants for their home, business or a gift is very rewarding.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We love LBC and Barley & Vine, both have great food, atmosphere and patios!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved from St. Paul and have been in Lakeville for 7 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I don’t think I can say one person, we have gained so many awesome friendships among close neighbors, our kids school activities and sports.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Australia, I had the opportunity to study abroad in college but could never make it work.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite movie – The Lorax and Favorite show – Downton Abbey (I think we have watched the entire series 3 times as a family)!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Never loose sight of your dreams and when they are within reach, grab them as fast as you can!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To get back to CO and do more hiking in the mountains! Also, lay on a beach somewhere and relax!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Lissie, Big Head Todd & the Monsters or Fleetwood Mac
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
The author, Rachel Carson. I would ask her to join me at The Ole Store Restaurant in Northfield so we could talk about changing the environment.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We really enjoy the Lakeville Arts Festival:) I enjoy looking for unique MN made art & gifts to carry at Paisley Gardens and found Emilie Taylor at the Arts Festival. I now carry a line of her beautiful watercolor notecards at my store, check her out at www.emilietaylorart.com!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to have my list of improvements completed at Paisley Gardens and more time to relax!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I don’t really have anything to hide!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
At the top of Andrew’s Glacier in Rocky Mountain National Park
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month is April – watching plants coming alive after a long winter brings me joy. Favorite holiday – New Year’s and best days on the calendar are when our kids were born – March 23 and November 3
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A Caribou latte with an extra shot of espresso and a little shot of vanilla:)
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My dad, he is one of the hardest working human beings in my life.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Warm chocolate chip cookies and fresh air
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Food and Laughter
