Welcome to an exciting new chapter at TERRA NOVA® Nurseries! As we continue to grow and evolve, we are thrilled to introduce our latest additions to the team and those who have been promoted to new roles. Their expertise and passion will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth as we strive to ever improve.
Christian Collins
Position: R&D Stock House Manager
Start date: 7/1/24
About: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Horticulture from Virginia Tech
Previously IPM Manager, Assistant Head Grower, and Production Manager of F and B Farms and Nursery.
Q&A: What projects are you most excited to work on at TERRA NOVA®?
Getting to work with plant breeders at the ground level and seeing the process from beginning to market.
What is your favorite TERRA NOVA® plant and why?
Coleus WILDFIRE™ ‘Blaze’, I am a simple man who likes a simple plant with lots of color. Also love them for being great indoor and outdoor plants, they can add color anywhere.
Seth Harris
Position: IT System Administrator
Start date: 2/26/24
About: Started in IT as a tech at Comp USA, then Best Buy. Worked at the Sierra Club national HQ in San Francisco, then a non-profit community health center. Most recently worked for a construction company that built large buildings (hotels, hospitals, office buildings) with heavy steel beams and columns.
In IT I’ve focused on Networks and Security. Outside of IT I’m an avid hiker, table top gamer, and I do some painting when I have time.
Q&A: What projects are you most excited to work on at TERRA NOVA®?
Migrating from Sage to a new platform will open a lot of possibilities in terms of data-driven efficiency.
What is your favorite TERRA NOVA® plant and why?
It’s hard to beat the Echinacea’s; amazing range of colors, pollinator friendly, heat tolerance, medicinal, they’re great the garden or as cut flower…
Joe McNally
Position: Operations Manager
Start date: 3/14/23
About: 30+ years of industry experience, including retail garden center management, wholesale nursery operations, and public gardens management.
Extensive plant knowledge and the passion to teach it to others so there are more plant lovers in the garden.
Q&A: What projects are you most excited to work on at TERRA NOVA®?
Excited to use my organizational skills to maximize greenhouse operations and make work easier and more enjoyable for my co-workers.
What is your favorite TERRA NOVA® plant and why?
Brugmansia ‘Snowbank’, the fragrance!
Derek Hassing
Position: Head Grower
Start date: 1/31/23
About: Started my own greenhouses in 1990. 14 years later went to work at Ferguson’s Fragrant Nursery and spent 9 years as Dani’s Assistant Grower/Manager. 15 years of organic farming and 5 years assistant at Margie’s Farm & Garden. 35 years as a grower specializing in herbs and veg.
Q&A: What projects are you most excited to work on at TERRA NOVA®?
New ways of doing old things, trying different methods to find the best to make a good product.
What is your favorite TERRA NOVA® plant and why?
Chuck said I can’t talk about it till it is ready to be released, but of the ones that are out it would have to be the Begonia ‘Fireworks’. I have always loved begonias because they come in so many different types of the same plant.
Cecilia Rico
Position: Purchasing Manager
Start date: 1/3/24
About: I got my GED as well learning the English language, while at my first job at a dried fruit company. I have been working at TERRA NOVA® for 10 years, I did not expect to be here this long. When I first started I knew nothing about plants, it was scary to know that I would have to deal with diseases, insect, etc., but in a couple of months I learned the process, when I left my position in shipping department, I remembered we did not have any organization with incoming product, over production and Inventory was all over place, the Sales and Inventory department always deal with shortages, old material, etc.
Q&A: What projects are you most excited to work on at TERRA NOVA®?
I like the Early Order Discount program is the most exciting project. It makes me feel proud to satisfy all our customers, we fill in the requested orders and as new orders come in.
What is your favorite TERRA NOVA® plant and why?
I have never been a person to enjoy gardening, but since I have been here and witnessed new releases the ones, I personally loved Echinacea ‘Sweet Sandia’, Echinacea KISMET® ‘Pink Lemonade’, they are so beautiful with two color petals blooming flowers.
Ayla Stults-Lopez
Position: Assistant General Manager
Start date: 10/20/22
About: Bachelor’s in Plant Science from Utah State University. Over 10+ years in the Agricultural industry including research at ARS USDA, Landscaping Design, Wholesale Greenhouse Growing, and Organic Farming.
Knowledge of wholesale finish growing of annuals, perennials, organic vegetables/herbs, and potted flowering plants.
Q&A: What projects are you most excited to work on at TERRA NOVA®?
Excited to explore new opportunities for expanding our product line and overall opportunities for further growth.
What is your favorite TERRA NOVA® plant and why?
Currently, it’s Coreopsis NOVA® ‘Opal’, love the airy feel it gives with the touch of pink. It’s also a favorite of the bees!
Eleanor Jolley
Position: Trials Manager
Start date: 1/3/24
About: Former Assistant Head Grower, Section Grower. BA in Studio Art from HSU, CA in Landscape Horticulture: Nursery Management Specialist from Merritt College. Wholesale Associate with Rocket Farms Inc. and Greenhouse Caretaker and Office lead for Ah Sam Flowers.
6+ years in horticulture, approaching 4 years with TERRA NOVA® Nurseries. Sachiko Umehara Pruning Scholarship. Floral design, Wholesale house plant care, organic farming experience
Q&A: What projects are you most excited to work on at TERRA NOVA®?
Cut flower trials with local farms and florists, patent data collection, and photography.
What is your favorite TERRA NOVA® plant and why?
My favorite plants are Echinacea ‘French Tips’ for it’s cute and classic feminine colors, and Tiarella ‘Appalachian Trail’ for it’s excellent habit and rambling cottage core feel.
Tye Kyllo
Position: IPM Manager
Start date: 9/1/22
About: 20 years of Nursery and X-mas tree farming. 13 years with perennials and annuals.
Expertise in field maintenance, pre and post-emergents, IPM, and plant health.
Q&A: What projects are you most excited to work on at TERRA NOVA®?
Beneficial and Biologicals IPM Program
What is your favorite TERRA NOVA® plant and why?
Rodgersia
As we welcome our new team members and celebrate the well-deserved promotions of our existing staff, we are excited about the fresh perspectives and renewed energy they bring to our organization. Each of these individuals exemplifies our commitment to excellence and innovation, and we look forward to their contributions to our ongoing success.
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