
Our Team

Dana Owen
Co-owner
"In my eleven years of running this business, the most meaningful thing I've observed (and a significant part of why I love what I do) is the power of plants to foster joy, emotional and physical well-being, and to unify folks from all walks of life."

Brad Owen
Co-owner
"My favorite plants are diatoms- the microscopic plants that live in all of the oceans and freshwaters of Earth and sustain our planet by generating oxygen, while serving as the base of the food webs of all wet environments. These plants are unique in being encased in highly decorated glass shells that defy the imagination with their variety of designs - yet because of their size, few of us have ever seen one.
On the other hand, my favorite terrestrial plant would have to be the American chestnut, which until recently dominated our Blue Ridge mountains and the surrounding landscapes! A large tree that provided abundant food and habitat for both wildlife and humans, the American chestnut had an outsized influence on our history and the ecosystems covering vast parts of our eastern states. Recent research shows promise that the future introductions of disease resistant trees will be successful. We are hopeful that in the not too distant future Painters may be able to offer disease resistant American chestnuts to our customers!"

Moises Alavos
Facilities & Maintenance Manager, Production Consultant
Favorite plants: Petunias and Calibracoa

Jessy Piercy
Head Horticulturalist
"If I were a plant I would want to be a sycamore on the river bank"

Amy Owens
Grower
"A lot of "humidity" issues in houseplants are caused by under watering, so if you water when your plant needs it rather than when you notice it drooping it could save some leaves from crispiness."

Israel Juarez
Grower
Favorite plants: shrubs, trees, and perennials

Kerry Bartlett
Production Team Member

Ana Custodia
Production Team Member

Angela Esmond
Tag Coordinator, Checkout & Retail Floor Co-Manager
"Growing up in Central Florida with parents who loved the outdoors, my memories are filled with the beauty and diversity of the Ocala National Forest. Hundred year old Live Oaks with their branches draped in Spanish Moss, crystal clear spring-fed rivers lined with Cabbage Palms, Bald Cypress and their knobby knees. Endangered Scrub Forest filled with Palmettos, several habitat-specific shrubs and dwarf Oaks all growing out of sand as white as snow."

Beth Hile
Propagation Queen

Vanessa Owen
Retail Floor Assistant
Flower cutting tip: Keep your cut flowers away from your fruit bowl & change the water daily for longer lasting blooms. Try to cut from your garden in the cooler part of the day!

Deenie Owen
Co-owner
"If I were a plant, I think I'd like to be a Hellebore (Lenten Rose) , especially in January. At that time of year when our deciduous trees are leafless and there's very little sign of life in most gardener's landscapes, my blooms and green leaves continue to bring joy and color most months of the year to those who have had the foresight to plant me. It seems that each year I am available in many new varieties, bringing a wide range of hues to enhance your gardens. Another big plus is that I can thrive in conditions ranging from mostly full shade, part sun or full sun. If you haven't tried me yet, you might want to consider adding me to your garden this spring!"

Sara Surabian
Office & Finance Manager
"I was home in Raleigh during the summer of my freshman year at UNC-A. I would often seek refuge from my parents' suburban neighborhood by hiking around the beaver-made wetland down the street. As I was turning a corner on the trail I could hear and smell something intense. I came across a large Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) along the bank - I was captivated! The blooms were like nothing I'd seen before, the fragrance was captivating and it swarmed with bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. I sat down and admired the shrub and its visitors for quite some time - it's one of my favorite memories of being stunned by the intense beauty of nature."

Caroline Wilson
Marketing & Digital Media Manager
"Did you know that there is a bacteria in soil that triggers the release of serotonin in out brains when we come into contact with it? Gardening can literally make you happier!"

Austin Everson
Grower, Houseplant & Succulent Program
Favorite plant: Stephania erecta

Dov d'Eustachio
Grower
"If I was a plant I’d be a tradescantia."

Maria Hernandez
Production Team Member

Azia Allen
Production Team Member

Yanet Dealmonte
Production Team Member

Toni Stevens
Retail Display Coordinater and Sanitation Co-Manager
"I love Bluets native to the Mountain’s of Western North Carolina. There is a small window of opportunity in the spring to see these beautiful wildflowers"

Savannah Marett
Retail Floor Assistant
"I took my mom foraging for her first time ever. We found Cinnabar Chanterelle mushrooms, harvested a handful and went straight home to make omelets with them! The joy we both had to make a meal together from forest to plate, something I’ll always cherish!"

Gavin Stewart
Retail Floor Assistant
Favorite plant: Weeping Cherry Tree! It’s so whimsical, like someone dreamed it into existence. Also, anything edible 😊