Account Managers

Tami Gallagher

MNLA-CP, Master Gardener, Business Leader, Gardener Extraordinaire

Best Hugger

Tami loves all aspects of gardening and has a wide variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs, grasses, herbs, and vegetables growing in and out of her home. She loves to experiment and often refers to her gardens as labs. She is willing to try anything. While she tries not to get too attached to any one plant, she does tend to fall head-over-heels over certain ones – usually the one in front of her.

She loves to push the hardiness zone. She loves to teach and share her love of gardens; to her 6 kids, her nieces & nephews, her employees, her clients…anyone who will listen. She loves taking photos of gardens. She loves bugs and rocks and critters. She loves “picking” her dinner. She loves sharing the bounty. She loves the sounds, the textures, the smells, the spirituality, the healing power, the magical-ness of gardens! She believes there is nothing better than being dirty and sweaty at the end of the day!

Ann Hortsch

Master Gardener, Account Manager, Seasonal Services Maven

Most Likely to say “OH GOODY!” when facing a huge project and actually mean it

Ann is a farmer at heart. She grew up on a hobby farm in northern Minnesota and continues the family tradition by feeding her family with produce grown in her backyard. As was her father before her, she is an organic gardener who utilizes companion planting, natural soil amending with compost and manure, beneficial insects, rain barrels and sustainable plantings.

During March through May, Ann's basement turns into a nursery for plants started from seed, and she always starts too many. She also has a continually expanding perennial garden and is forever rearranging, trying new cultivars, adding trees, making room for this and that, and cutting down on lawn that her husband must mow by breaking more ground for her “finds”. She wants to try it all–hedges, grasses, rock gardens, rock walls, roses, conifers, fruit trees…

Ann's gardens are an extension of her home. Birds, bees, and insects help her in pursuit of a balanced ecosystem, a pleasant retreat for family and friends in harmony with nature. She loves dirt, rocks, working outside for hours and hours, deadheading, weeding, a sturdy wheelbarrow, and a good pair of clippers.

Abbey Endert

Account Manager, MNLA-CP, Master Gardener

Shrub ID Extraordinare!

Abbey is an overall plant enthusiast and enjoys both the vast diversity of MN hardy species as well tropical plants for seasonal color and as houseplants. Abbey has worked in many aspects of the Green Industry including natural resource management, commercial and residential garden maintenance, container design, and nursery plant sales. Pollinator and native gardens are a favorite – bringing habitat pockets to our urban areas, while also introducing communities to the beauty of our local plants, insects, and birds.

When not gardening, Abbey is most likely to be found hiking and camping in our amazing parks, trying out a new recipe, or buying yet another houseplant.

Cami Subra

Account Manager, Master Gardener

Most Four-Leaf Clovers Collected

Cami grew up on a sheep farm in rural Wisconsin with a “work hard, play hard” mindset. She worked at her mom’s greenhouse business where she learned plant varieties, designed containers, and picked out palettes for customers’ projects.  

Wanting to try life in the big city, Cami went to the University of Minnesota to study Outdoor Education. She taught STEM and agriculture at summer camps, fairs, and museums. After college she coordinated conservation and landscaping crews in public parks across the Twin Cities metro area. 

Aside from gardening, Cami also stays active and outdoors with hiking, paddling, and rock climbing. In the cozy off-season she enjoys trying new board games and coffee shops. She often goes home to the farm to help with lambing, planting, harvesting, and whatever massive project her parents have decided to take on. 

Zilla Gallagher

Account Manager, Master Gardener

Fun Fact: the first plant name that Zilla learned was Scilla, because it's so close to her name!

Office Staff

Miss Daisy Mae

Pawfessional Pet Coordinator

Most Likely to Fall Asleep During a Staff Meeting

While details about Daisy's background remain fuzzy, some of the information we do know is pretty tough. In early life as a breeding mama, our sweet girl didn't have the care she needed for eye conditions, which led to her needing surgery for eye removal after her rescue. Since feeling better and joining the HSG family, Daisy's permanent smile and wagging tail have brought joy to our company. We can't wait to see how Daisy grows more confident, marching into the world with her nose up and tail wagging!

Daisy's hobbies include napping in hammocks, going out for recess, morning meet & greet with all the crews, and playing fetch – yes, our blind gal can find her tennis ball like the best of them!

Laura LD Benhardus

Field Operations Director, MNLA – CP

Most Likely to Burst into Song and/or Dance

A childhood of shoveling snow in upstate NY has served LD well in training for an outdoor career. A decade in food service gave LD the drive and grit to take on the challenges of the green industry. In 2018 she decided that she missed the sun and wanted to be able to enjoy every change that the seasons of Minnesota bring to our gardens. Since then, LD has found joy and fulfillment in her work at Home Sown Gardens. Bringing her whole self to work each day and finding integration with her favorite things keeps her coming back. She lives in Minneapolis with her partner, three cats, and too many houseplants.

Lead Gardeners

Katie Culshaw

Master Gardener, MNLA-CP, Inventory Manager, OSHA Safety Officer

#1 All-Around Crusher of Lists & Coiner of Phrases

Katie's love of gardening started when her post-college graphic design internship did not turn into a job. She needed some way to make money in the meantime so she got a job in a small nursery. After moving into her first apartment she attempted container gardening tomatoes and herbs with limited success. It continued when she and her husband bought their first house that came with a fully landscaped yard and a large vegetable patch, forcing her to learn how to keep things alive!

She was officially bitten by the gardening bug and, eager to learn, took many gardening classes through community ed, joined a community garden, and then tackled landscaping her yard in their new house (a work always in progress!) When not in the garden, you can usually find her in the bleachers watching one of her three kids' sporting events. She also likes to re-hab old furniture, hike, bike, run, camp (especially in the BWCA), and hug trees!