Our Stories

Owning property that we could manage for a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians was always a dream of ours. By the time we were able to purchase that property, butterflies and bees had been added to that list. Really, we just wanted a thriving little ecosystem that was full of all kinds of critters.

Even before the ink was dry on the mortgage papers, we were dreaming about all the projects we wanted to do to improve the pollinator and wildlife habitat on our new property. However, the first step was to identify what was already there because then we could identify what needed to be done first.

It quickly became apparent that increasing the native plant diversity, especially the native wildflowers / forbs, was going to be a high priority. (And of course, the never ending invasive species battle…) So, we began growing native plants for our own use.

Soon friends began asking for help identifying what they had on their property and for guidance on how to create better pollinator and wildlife habitat on their land. And, like us, they needed a source of native plants to make those pollinator and wildlife habitat dreams a reality. So, once again, they turned to us, because they knew we were already growing the plants for ourselves.

Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting grew out of those experiences. First growing native plants for ourselves and beginning to manage our own property. Then helping our friends by providing them with plants and habitat consulting advice. From the very beginning Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting has been a of labor of love – love of nature, love of native plants, love of helping others.

We understand all the excitement, challenges, frustrations, and celebrations that come with creating pollinator and wildlife habitat because we have experienced them (and continue to experience them). Now, we want to help you create your dream pollinator and wildlife habitat so you can use your property in the way you wish and also care for the pollinators and wildlife that call your land home.

We’re here for you whether you are looking for a local source of native plants, want help developing your habitat creation plan, or are still just learning and deciding if this is something you want to do. We offer a variety of products and services to help you achieve your goals no matter what your experience level is.

Many people believe that nature is only “out there” – in national parks, other large chunks of pristine land, or some far-off exotic place. For a long time, I did too. I grew up camping, hiking, and exploring the fields and woods around our home. I’ve always loved nature and wildlife, but for a long time I thought that all the “really good stuff” was somewhere else.

I took for granted my local pollinators and wildlife, because they were familiar. I don’t do that anymore, but I’ve also learned that many people have that same mindset – sometimes without even recognizing it. I think it is almost human nature to be blind to what’s right in front of us.

My mission is to help people in the eastern U.S. appreciate the nature around them and create thriving ecosystems in their own yards and communities. I have a Bachelors degree in wildlife biology and a Masters degree in biology with an emphasis in ecology. Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting is one of the ways I accomplish my mission. I am also the founder and co-host of Backyard Ecology.

My interest in the outdoors started at an early age. I was always catching bugs, toads, turtles, and any other critter I could get my hands on. This lifelong interest in nature led me to pursue a degree in wildlife biology at Murray State University and later a master’s degree in agriculture from Western Kentucky University.

These degrees allowed me to work on a wide variety of projects dealing with critters such as cottonmouths, Indiana bats, bald eagles, waterfowl, and gopher tortoises. My role on many of those projects was walking through areas and identifying and evaluating plant communities and inventorying plant species.

Every time I step in the woods my mind still goes through this process – what is here, is this what should be here, and how can it be made better? I enjoy helping landowners meet their habitat management needs whether it is a one-acre property inside the city limits or a 1,000 acre property that is used mainly for deer and turkey hunting. I am also a co-host of Backyard Ecology.

Hopefully we all have someone in our lives who is always there for us and is willing to jump in and help whenever they can. Mom is one of those people for us.

It takes A LOT of work to keep up with all the transplanting and other tasks in the nursery. There is no way we could do it all, and do everything else that we do. Mom is always willing to lend a hand with transplanting or whatever else we need, including helping to staff our table when we set up at special events. Her help is invaluable, and we greatly appreciate it.

(No, Mom is not a butterfly. Mom hates having her picture taken, and because we love her and want her to keep helping us, we’re respecting her wishes and not posting a picture of her.)