The Flower Tree Family

Susan Henderson, Queen Gardener

When the opportunity became available to purchase the nursery in the fall of 2000, I must admit that I jumped in with both feet, not really understanding all that was involved. I knew I would love to work outside, had a basic knowledge of plants and soils, loved working with the public, and had an incredible back up support system in my family and friends. However as I was quick to find out, there was so, so much more to learn. I immersed myself in books and traveled for the three months before taking over The Flower Tree, to every retail nursery I could find in the Nevada/California/Oregon region, made notes, read more books, traveled some more, and came up with a game plan of what I would like to accomplish at The Flower Tree. Over the last five years, I am thrilled to say, most of the changes and visions that not only I, but everyone involved with the nursery had, are starting to become reality. I have been incredibly fortunate to surround myself with the most creative and hard working people, and this nursery is a testament to all of them. As we move on through the next five years, please join us as we continue to provide you with the first-rate products and service that you deserve. We make a commitment to you to expand our plantknowledge and selection, continue to create an environment of tranquility for you to rest, relax and re-charge, and always carry the absolute best products for your home and garden that we can find. Our goals are your goals, so please let us know how we can serve you better in the years to come.

I hold the following certificates: Certified Nurseryman through the University of Nevada/Reno, and Master Gardener Certification with the University of Nevada Co-operative Extension.

Marlea Stout, Manager , ISA Certified Arborist , Certified Nevada Nurserywoman

Marlea has been with Flower Tree Nursery since the spring of 2001. She has been instrumental in
helping the garden center become what it is today. An avid mountain hiker and hunter, Marlea uses her extensive knowledge of the Nevada landscape to add native plantings and unusual selections to our nursery stock. Her degree in Conservation Biology also brings an understanding of just what makes this desert area so unique.

Marlea received her Certified Nurseryman license during 2002 and has now completed her third semester in Landscape Design through the University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College. She completed her certification with the International Society of Arborists (ISA) in the fall of 2006. She is available Monday-Friday to assist you with your landscape design needs.

Michelle Nelsen, Creative Director , Nevada Master Gardener

We are very fortunate to have Michelle as our Creative Designer. She does her wonders with silk arrangments for the gift shop, and also potted containers for the "You Pick It, We Pot It" area outside. During the spring and summer seasons, you can pick a pot from our many choices, and Michelle will assist you with the flowers that can turn ordinary terra cotta into a work of art for your patio.

Starting in the spring of 2005, Michelle became our lead Creative Designer for outside landscape projects. She is available for On-Site design, as well as here at the store.

Michelle is a graduate of the University of Nevada's Co-operative Extension Master Gardener program and is available for Garden Club talks. She is very involved with the Banner Churchill Community Hospital Auxiliary Dog Therapy program and Vice-President of the local chapter of Soroptimists.

Lucia Henry, Design Wizard

Lucia has displayed her artwork in The Creative Garden gift shop for the past 7 years. What you may not know is that she is also a published author & illustrator and the MAIN reason that we have such a lovely gift shop. Using her many creative talents, she works her magic to transform the gift shop on a weekly basis, as well as continuing to provide her original artwork for sale, and teach classes whenever we can persuade her.

Pete Manville

Our "Dad" at the nursery, Pete is always available when needed and makes the majority
of our deliveries. He moved here from Florida after much prodding from daughter, Susan. Pete is still adjusting to the cold winters but loves the heat of our summers. You will always find him with a smile, whether he is delivering our deposits to the bank, mail to the post office, gardening books back to the library, or compost and bark to your curbside.

(My Dad lost his battle with cancer on February 23, 2006. I will always be grateful for the time we had together the last five years. He was a monumental part of the success and positive changes that have occurred at The Flower Tree. We will miss his smile, his attention to detail, and his unending support. He was a wonderful man, and an even better father)

Cody Marsh, Sales and Logistics

Cody Marsh started with us the spring of 2004 as a waterer, but we soon discovered there was a wealth of talents hidden in his quiet demeanor. He is now a key employee to the Flower Tree Nursery and has become the man to call for help, no matter what the task. A graduate of the Wyoming Technical School in the summer of 2007, and now working as a diesal mechanic for Sierra Freightliner in Reno, he has returned to assist us on the weekends.

Korena Mewaldt, Organic Expert , Nevada Master Gardener , Certified Nurserywoman

Korena started with us in the spring of 2005, by helping us fill a need in our rose garden. We quickly tapped into her extensive knowledge of gardening and all things organic. With her husband Bill, they own and operate Mewaldt's Organic Produce in the Lahontan Valley. Supplying their produce to major 4 star restaurants in the Reno area keeps them busy all summer.

Korena is a Certified Master Gardener through the University of Nevada Co-operative Extension Office, and has published papers on their behalf. She received her certification for the University of Nevada's Certified Nurseryman's training during the winter of 2007.

Kim Richardson , Sales

Kim began working at The Flower Tree in the summer of 2005. Starting in the Creative Garden gift shop, she quickly showed a talent for all aspects of the nursery. She is now attending school with plans of becoming a dental hygienist. We are very fortuante to have her with us at the store while she continues her studies.

Linny Moore

Linny is the resident artist of The Flower Tree. Not only did she create all our hand painted signage around the outside areas of the nursery, many of you have commented on the beautiful mural on the front of our building. All of these are Linny's artwork. You may find her out watering, or wrapping presents for you in the gift shop. Serving wine during our tastings, or painting out in the garden.

Rose Faulk, Sales

Rose joined our staff during the summer of 2006. An avid gardener, and frequent customer led her to ask us if we ever needed help just watering the plants to please give her a call. We did, and are glad! She not only has a thirst for knowledge about plants, turns out she is an expert with the computer, and a joy to work with.

Sarah Henderson. Sales & Smiles

Sarah is now attending the University of Nevada- Reno. In between sessions you will find Sarah gift wrapping in the Creative Garden,or loading soil in your car, but always with that infectious smile. She is also the best barista we have for the Carson River Cafe. Stop in and let her make you one of her specialty coffees.

Sara Thompson & Shelley Ferguson

Sara and Shelley have worked here at the Flower Tree Nursery since our first year in business. Their knowledge is so valuable to us that we can't let them go, and, thankfully, they have agreed to help us out during special events. We're so happy they are here.

Harriet, The Nursery Cat

Always ready for a cuddle, Harriet reigns over the nursery. Star of our commercials and our website, many of our favorite customers stop by just to say Hi! to Harriet.

Dozing by the fire, or curled up in the sunshine outside, can you find her favorite hiding place?