For Expert Landscaping Services in Arkansas, Trust the Experts at The Good Earth
Have you ever gone to your favorite home improvement store or super center for plants or other gardening products only to be greatly disappointed by the selection and service? The plants look like they are on their way to the great garden in the sky, and the variety of tools and lawn and garden supplies are laughable. What’s even worse is when the sales associates don’t know much about the products they are selling, or don’t take the time to understand your unique landscaping needs. The whole experience just makes you want to run right out the door.
Attention to detail and personalized customer service is what sets The Good Earth Garden Center apart from other lawn and garden retailers. Another thing that makes us unique is that all of our landscaping designers, horticulturists, project managers, nurserymen and nurserywomen are highly trained and experienced in what they do. The members of our team realize that when they know more about your needs, they can meet and exceed your expectations. That’s why our staff is committed to your satisfaction every time.
The lawn, garden and landscaping professionals at The Good Earth can help you with:
• Landscaping Design and Installation
• Landscape Maintenance
• Plant Selection
• Outdoor Lighting Solutions
• Irrigation Systems
• Water Features and Fountains
• And much, much more!
Contact us today for more information about our award-winning garden center and our expert landscaping services in Arkansas.
Click a staff picture below to read their bio.
Steve
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Jen
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Zak (No bio available)
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Kecia
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Don
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Becky
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Mary
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Ronnie
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Hannah (bio not available)
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Titus
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Wayne
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Josh
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Brian
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John
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Jordan
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Mark
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Steve
I’ve been happily married for 35 years to Nancy, who I met on a blind date during college. We have 2 children (Sara and Michael) and 2 grandchildren (Lily and Grady). These are the loves of my life.
I always had a love of horticulture even at a young age when my mother and grandmother would take me to the local rose gardens and botanical gardens. When I was 13, I started working at a small local florist that had a few greenhouses to grow flower and vegetables for retail. My interest grew during high school, and I decided to make horticulture my career, building a small greenhouse at the back of my parents’ property and growing flowers and vegetables from seed to sell to neighbors and friends.
I attended Delaware Valley College where I received my degree, a Bachelors of Science in Ornamental Horticulture. After graduation, I started to work as a grower for a large nursery operation in the northeast, and worked there for 14 years. We relocated to Arkansas where I worked for a Little Rock garden center and landscape company for 8 years. I joined The Good Earth Garden Center in 1998 as a manager and have been here ever since.
Presently, I’m the president of the Arkansas Green Industry, a professional trade organization of garden center, nurseries, and greenhouse operations that covers the entire state. I’ve been a certified nurserymen (ACNLP) since 1995, and have served on the board of directors for the Arkansas Green Industry for the last 6 years.
I realized at an early age that I was destined to work outside. I come from a family of farmers, so I guess genetics played a role. At 16 I started working for a landscape company and by 18 I had gone out on my own. My future wife did not see much upside in this venture so I veered from that path.
I got into sales and for 22 years I worked with 2 major players in the snack food industry. These jobs taught me so much about customer service and management skills. I rose to the district manager level and was the regional trainor for new district managers. The hours began to catch up to me and when my son asked, ‘Can you come to my game?’ and I had to say no, it hurt.
I then veered back on to my landscaping path, starting my own company and had a great 6 year run. My wife Karen and my children Nicole and Jared, all knew this was my path for me. In March of 2010 I met Zak at The Good Earth. We talked at length about employment as irrigation tech at Good Earth. I accepted and the rest is history!+
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Jen
Growing up, I enjoyed working with my dad in the garden and the orchard. All my science projects were plant based. But when it came time to pick a career, computer systems engineering was my choice. One semester in, and countless hours in the computer lab later, I realized that this was not the field for me. I wanted to be outside and see something living! By chance, I saw my high school science teacher who was getting her doctorate in horticulture at the same university. She asked me to work in her lab, and that was that. The part of landscape design that I love the most is hearing about how much our clients are enjoying their new space. I’m thrilled to be able to provide them with their dream landscape and to have confidence that it was installed properly and professionally. I really enjoy working with people and plants so The Good Earth is a perfect fit for me.
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Zak
No bio available
I realized at an early age that I was destined to work outside. I come from a family of farmers, so I guess genetics played a role. At 16 I started working for a landscape company and by 18 I had gone out on my own. My future wife did not see much upside in this venture so I veered from that path.
I got into sales and for 22 years I worked with 2 major players in the snack food industry. These jobs taught me so much about customer service and management skills. I rose to the district manager level and was the regional trainor for new district managers. The hours began to catch up to me and when my son asked, ‘Can you come to my game?’ and I had to say no, it hurt.
I then veered back on to my landscaping path, starting my own company and had a great 6 year run. My wife Karen and my children Nicole and Jared, all knew this was my path for me. In March of 2010 I met Zak at The Good Earth. We talked at length about employment as irrigation tech at Good Earth. I accepted and the rest is history!
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Kecia
For as long as I can remember I've always loved being outdoors. Even as a child, there was nothing better than the feeling of warm sunshine on my face and cool dirt in my hands. I have always been very curious and observant, being fascinated by the intricate beauty of plants and how they grow. My first lessons in the garden were from my grandfather, who grew up on a strawberry farm in southern Louisiana. Of course, he grew the best berries around and with each satisfying bite I learned the delicious and healthful rewards of growing your own food. This felt connection to the land and to my food source is something I remain mindful of and continue to pursue as an adult. Being an integral part of the perennial growing operation at the Good Earth, allows me the opportunity to experiment with water wise natives and the creative incorporation of edibles into a landscape. Each year, this is not only a fun experiment but a huge opportunity to learn and benefit our customers. I love helping others choose plants that will increase the beauty, peace and enjoyment of their personal space.
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Don
I grew up in Hawaii and Nebraska but have lived in Arkansas since 1984. My education is art, specifically ad B. of A in Graphic Design, and I have been an artist since I was 6. My undergraduate studies were with Helen Phillips, and I’m currently taking ceramic classes with the Arkansas Art Center Museum School. I’ve been at The Good Earth for 4 years, and work as a sales associate, the primary delivery specialist, and graphic artist. I have truly enjoyed my job here at The Good Earth, where I get to paint murals (come see my 12’ by 20’ one!) and working on the ever-changing chalkboard. My focus outside of art, and work is my twin children, Sara Grace and Jon Aaron who are 3 years old. I’m a Christian and my church home is Heart’s Journey.
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Becky
My parents were from Mississippi, both were raised on farms; with my mother’s family having over 1000 acres of fields since the mid 1800’s. As a youngster, most family vacations were spent in the Mississippi Delta; planting vegetable gardens, rose gardens, and all types of shrubs, perennials, and trees. I still sense the comfort and pleasure of fragrance, the taste of fabulous organic vegetables and fruits, while being a helper in the gardens-not realizing my life’s path would bring me back to the soil. But somehow, I ended up as a sales and marketing major in college- and proceeded to spend 30 years traveling sales territories, and merchandising for major manufacturers in 13 states. Having never gotten the dirt out from under my nails (nor did I care!) my days off the road were spent helping landscape my friends and neighbors homes- for nothing but the joy of it. After tiring of the road, my dream was realized 8 years ago when I entered the nursery business finally doing what I loved- but getting paid for it.
Being a Master Gardener, I have volunteered over 1600 hours at Arkansas most photographed and visited landscaped park- the Old Mill in North Little Rock. Completing the Arkansas Certified Nurseryman and Landscape Professional Program has given me the ‘icing on the cake’ as well as sharing my enthusiasm and passion for plants and nature. The sheer joy of a good day’s work and good night’s sleep is irreplaceable, not only for the body and spirit, but for the soul. Finally, my circle of life has come around, in the time to teach the next generation how to raise the food, be self-sufficient, and share the bounty.
My father, as a college basketball coach, relied on gardening and landscaping as his “R & R” rest and relaxation. As the youngest child of 5, I had his undivided attention when I had his wheelbarrow full of compost, leaves, eggshells, banana peels, and who knows what else, following his footsteps around the property.
The Good Earth is my slice of heaven (or earth) that has allowed me to use my skills, enthusiasm and passion for plants to a large audience. DIY homeowners are my forte, as I come from a long line of jocks, dirt diggers and plant nuts! Re-designing existing yards or creating all new beds with a theme are my favorite: all white gardens, cutting gardens, mixing food producers with evergreen, shrubs, and perennials, etc. My DIY gardens of only 8 years were featured in the Arkansas Gardener, giving merit to my aches and pains. But as far as I am concerned, there is still much for me to try.
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Mary
My name is Mary, and I am an avid gardener. My background is in physical education and health but I am drawn to the outdoors and love plants. I have experienced many awesome flowers and interesting plant while working at The Good Earth these past 6 years. Spring time is my favorite because I am surrounded by thousands of blooming flowers – it makes me feel as if I’m working in a garden in paradise. I am married to Rick and we have 3 wonderful children, Kendall (20), Casey (18), and Cole (13). They participate in many sports so I get my phys ed fix cheering them on. I get my garden fix at The Good Earth and in my yard. I have both sunny and shady areas. My favorite sun garden has been a 75 foot long bed of 6 foot tall blooming sunflowers. My favorite shade garden is a combo garden of hostas and ferns with my white blooming dogwood as an anchor.
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Ronnie
I've been working in Horticulture for the past 11 years. I started when I was 15 and could not see myself doing anything else. I've been working at The Good Earth for over 6 years now and have worked in every field of horticulture from propagation to landscape construction. My passion is in landscape design and construction. I have the privilege of working with customers to help design and create the vision they have for their landscape. This is the most rewarding job for me and I am constantly striving to better myself in every way so that I may continue to do what I love.
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Titus
I'm an Arkansas Certified Nursery Professional (ACNLP). I love knowing about plants and landscape design. Being an artistic person with the ability to grasp other people's perspectives makes creating and designing projects very fulfilling. It's a great feeling to see someone's reaction when you've helped create exactly that they needed. Outside of work, I love being with my beautiful wife and daughter, playing and producing music and skateboarding.
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Wayne
I’ve been with The Good Earth for over 4 years. Before joining The Good Earth, I worked with two Landscape Architects and operated my own landscape company. I especially enjoy the transformation of shade gardens, and building intricate water features.
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Josh
Hi, my name is Josh. I've been married to my wonderful wife for seven years, and have been blessed with our little girl, Kaylee Grace. She is my Little Buddy! We also have a golden retriever, Cowboy and a lab named Snickers. We love our dogs, horses, and have a great farm. We have been blessed with everything in our lives. Make it a great day!
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Brian
I have been working at The Good Earth For 4 ½ years now. My love for the outdoors is what led me to this field. Ever since I was a kid I spent most of my time outdoors and always enjoyed helping my mother in the garden. Now I get to spend my days outdoors surrounded by beautiful plants and have the privilege of helping others with their gardens while making a living. My work at The Good Earth involves running machinery, which I also really enjoy. Outside of work, I enjoy all types of sports and like to grill out with family and friends whenever I can. I am married to my beautiful wife Rachael, and am a proud father of 3. I am very family-oriented and working at The Good Earth is like an extension of my family.
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John
I was born in Mercede, California July 26, 1979, and later moved to Hot Springs where I graduated high school. My wife Starla and I have three children, Skyla 4, Drew 12, Braxten 2, and currently reside in Benton.
When I was 18, I obtained great experience in working with operating heavy equipment when I started working for the Atomic workers union in the natural gas and oil industry. After 7 years there, I quickly advanced, being the youngest quality control & safety inspector in the southern region. I decided I wanted to quit traveling and started working with a large local developer building subdivisions in the Little Rock area. You might be familiar with some of them: Waters Edge, Woodridge, Sienna Lakes, and Stone Ridge.
After several years of the fast pace, high stress environment of the construction field, I needed a change. I wanted my career in life to be something I truly enjoyed. So I opted to start my own Landscape / Design Company, which was tough with my inexperience in horticulture, lack of advertisement and funding, as well as a down falling economy. Two years ago, I joined Good Earth and have now made a successful transition to the Landscape industry.
I’m an outdoors-man; some of my hobbies include fishing, camping, and canoeing. But most of all I’m a man who loves his wife and kids and enjoys spending time with them no matter what the occasion.
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Jordan
Originally from Little Rock, Jordan began his interest of his natural surroundings by spending much of his childhood and adolescence in the beloved Ozark Mountains and Delta regions of Arkansas. An avid outdoorsman, he soon began considering a future in design after taking notice of the effects of urban growth and rural development of his home state. From this, he decided to concentrate his education and experience in a field that would lend him the opportunity to help design, enhance, and manage land development processes associated with our native landscapes and urban centers.
After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, he soon moved to Asheville, North Carolina, and practiced with a variety of Landscape Architecture firms working primarily on land planning projects, with an emphasis on sustainable design and conservation. Design projects have included residential and commercial planting design, mixed-use community masterplanning, detailed site development, conservation planning, golf courses, public and private parks, roads, trails, and more.
After a few years of professional experience, Jordan decided to take more of a “hands-on” approach and focus on a more detailed landscape experience. At the Good Earth, Jordan is a primary landscape designer, utilizing his understanding of both horticulture and the design processes involved with commercial and residential landscape design and implementation.
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Mark
I realized at an early age that I was destined to work outside. I come from a family of farmers, so I guess genetics played a role. At 16 I started working for a landscape company and by 18 I had gone out on my own. My future wife did not see much upside in this venture so I veered from that path.
I got into sales and for 22 years I worked with 2 major players in the snack food industry. These jobs taught me so much about customer service and management skills. I rose to the district manager level and was the regional trainor for new district managers. The hours began to catch up to me and when my son asked, ‘Can you come to my game?’ and I had to say no, it hurt.
I then veered back on to my landscaping path, starting my own company and had a great 6 year run. My wife Karen and my children Nicole and Jared, all knew this was my path for me. In March of 2010 I met Zak at The Good Earth. We talked at length about employment as irrigation tech at Good Earth. I accepted and the rest is history!
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