The Flower Tree & Red Zinnia 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 an extremely 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 nine years, I am thrilled to say, most of the changes and visions that not only I, but everyone involved with the nursery had, have become reality. I am 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 plant knowledge 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. I continue to attend every seminar possible that will further my goals as a horticulturist and humble steward of our planet.

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.

Now she has further enhanced our stores by becoming the primary designer and stylist for the Red Zinnia. Every week she works her magic and changes out our displays, assists Susan with the ordering of new product and keeps the shop looking like the trend setting store you come to love. Stop by and say hi, she loves to hear your thoughts and ideas.

Jaime Sammons Wine Buyer/Manager & Sommelier /Red Zinnia

Jaime came to work for us at The Flower Tree in the spring of 2007, assisting us with watering and sales while attending classes at UNR. Over the course of the last three years she has not only gained an in depth knowledge of plants and trees at the nursery, she was the key person behind the selection of wines and opening of Red Zinnia's wine department. Through research and training, she has garnered the knowledge to take the wine department to a level we can all be proud of, selecting smaller boutique, and sustainable bio dynamic wineries whenever possible. She prides herself on choosing wines that are not normally found in the larger chain stores and thus introducing some fabulous new varieties to the Fallon area. She is the principal sommelier at the shop, and does the majority of tasting events on Friday and Saturday evening

A recent graduate of University of Nevada/Reno, with a degree in Biology, we anxiously await the next path that she is contemplating, that of an advanced degree in viticulture. (The study of wine)






Sarah Henderson Sales & Smiles

Sarah graduatied from the University of Nevada- Reno in May of 2010. We are fortunate to see her contagious smile every weekend though at Red Zinnia where she assists Jaime with the wine tasting's as well as runs the store during the weekend. An accomplished photographer, she has had one showing at UNR as well as participating as one of the principal photographers onsite for the Nevada Rock Art Foundation.

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 we now 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. In the Fall of 2009 she came aboard full time and you will find her friendly smile at both stores.

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. In the spring of 2009 she started what has proven to be the extremely successful "Garden Goddess" CSA. (Community Sponsored Agriculture) A delivery of fresh organic produce on your doorstep every week. For more info, or to sign up for the Spring of 2010, Garden Goddess CSA

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.

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 tasting's, or painting out in the garden.

(update 12/08)
As a now licensed and practicing Reflexologist, we only get to enjoy Linny's company on a limited basis. But her artwork continues to grace our building and signage.

Sara K.Thompson & Shelley Ferguson - Kelley

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?

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)