My dream of owning Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center started 20 years ago as an employee of Himmel’s. During that time, my gardening and plant knowledge grew along with an interest in sustainable gardening methods. I also discovered a knack for landscape design and soon after leaving Himmel’s as a full-time worker started my own small landscaping business – Sunnyscapes.
As my business grew, my interest in Bay-friendly plants, products and practices grew, and so did a national ‘green’ movement focused on sustainable methods and an environmentally responsible lifestyle. I furthered my practice to include rain, pollinator and other specialty gardens designed with a woman’s touch.
Over the years since I have worked in the corporate non-profit world and in higher education, but my heart was always with the plants, and with Himmel’s.
I love ornamental evergreens and underrated perennials. An exotic evergreen can make an impressive statement in the landscape, and I enjoy incorporating some of the more unusual varieties into my designs. I love the challenge of finding the perfect blend of perennials to add color and texture to difficult areas like deep shade or hot, windy waterfronts. When it comes to working with customers, I love delving in and asking lots of questions to find out specific site needs and stylistic preferences so that together, we can select the best plants for the specific purpose.
A native of Pasadena, Maryland with frequent exposure to the Bay and estuaries, I’m passionate about protecting the precious Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. I view Himmel’s as a platform to serve the greater good by thinking globally and acting locally. Through our Mission and Vision, Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center will engage in Bay-friendly practices, educate the community about the importance of maintaining the health of the Bay, and engage residents in volunteer activities that will positively impact our neighborhoods and the environment.
Tradition and a sense of community are important to residents of Pasadena and I am honored to have the opportunity to continue a legacy of over 50 years serving the community’s landscape and gardening needs while promoting our mission to help our neighbors build a better, healthier and more beautiful world. I look forward to meeting you!
With many years of customer service experience, and a love for nature, Donna set her sights on joining the Himmel's team to help support the mission of creating a more beautiful world. Donna's gardening experience comes from helping her family with their gardens when she was younger. With a thirst for knowledge, she has enjoyed learning all aspects of the garden center and cannot wait to learn more! Donna is an excellent leader who sets an outstanding example of customer service, friendliness, and courtesy.
Tim recently moved to Maryland from Colorado after 27 years. He has always loved working and spending time outdoors. Tim even owned a small but successful landscaping business in Colorado! He is extremely knowledgeable about our plant material and bulk mulch, stone, and soils, but what he enjoys most is interacting with customers. You can find Tim loading up trucks in the back, moving material around the yard, or managing Himmel’s fun and friendly chickens!
When Mary Jo decided to retire, she knew she wanted to work outside. Mary Jo visited Himmel’s and asked if they were hiring, and it was an instant match! So much for retirement; Mary Jo started working at Himmel’s two weeks after she retired and has been there since. Mary Jo says that working for Himmel’s has been a most rewarding job. She works with some wonderful people and has learned a lot about plants and gardening. It’s like a family for her. We couldn’t agree more! You can find Mary Jo in the main greenhouse making the annuals look beautiful, out on the lot moving plants, or at the register talking with customers.
Sam is a student who embodies Himmel’s mission – ‘Helping our neighbors build a better, healthier, and more beautiful world’. She has a love for houseplants and all things green. Growing up, her grandmother would have her water all her plants inside and outside the house. As she grew older, her family bought a house and filled the yard with two veggie gardens, chickens, Meat Rabbits, ducks, and for a short period of time quail. Sam loves being a garden center associate at Himmel’s because she has the opportunity to learn more about plants while enjoying the company of great coworkers.
