Adept Horticulturist with experience with creativity, attention to detail, organizing, and problem-solving to bring solutions to the landscape, consulting, and utilizing my communication skills to educate numerous people over my career. In addition, I have years of experience leading people through my horticultural knowledge and mentorship.
My top skills & Specialties:
. Ornamental Horticulture
. Plant Identification: Woody ornamentals, Annuals, Perennials, Weeds, Natives & Grasses
. Landscape Design
. Landscape Maintenance
. Horticultural Consultation
. Woody Ornamental Pruning
. Best Management Practices
. Artistic Eye
. Client Relationship Management
.Emotional Intelligence
My Industry technologies are :
.AutoCad
Here is what people outside of LinkedIn have to say about me, my skills, and my professionalism verbatim:
" Kevin Anderson-Garrity has in his head a compendium of knowledge about plants, shrubs, trees and using those elements to create beauty where there once was just dirt. I’ve trusted him with indoor and outdoor landscaping and plantings. I like that he doesn’t “take charge” of my spaces, but listens to my ideas, and makes them a reality in native plantings. He is competent and I especially like that he is a good and honorable human being." Client, Mundelein IL
"Kevin is always quick to respond to the never-ending questions I approach him. He is dependable and hard-working. I think his next project will be my rear yard rehabilitation." Client, Northbrook IL
"As new homeowners, we were very interested in reworking our underkept, existing landscaping that previous owners had not taken care of properly for many years. Kevin worked with us to help identify trouble spots, existing plants, trees, and landscaping issues. His wealth of knowledge in horticulture and arbor studies was AMAZING in helping us understand the zones and existing landscape and our challenges. He willingly shared his knowledge and continues to help with suggestions and feedback as we revitalize our landscaping needs to make our yard and home more beautiful. A TRUE professional in every sense. Personable, helpful, and incredibly knowledgeable in every aspect of landscaping & gardening needs! Thank you!!" Client, Grayslake IL
"Kevin demonstrated fantastic attention to detail in his work at SRCC. He was always willing to go above and beyond and try something new to give our club a fresh look. He is brilliant in his craft and constantly educating himself." Kyle Schwieter, Assistant Operations Manager at Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc., Chicago IL
"I have known Kevin Anderson-Garrity, (Kevin), since 2009 when we met at a non-Hellenic social organization while attending Illinois State University. He has been a loyal friend and a fierce advocate for me. Kevin has an incredible wealth of horticultural knowledge.
Kevin has always been willing to help me with projects and tasks around the house. I have always been impressed by the encyclopedic horticultural knowledge that Kevin has. When asked about a plant he tells me the basics and the history and significance of the plant.
Kevin takes work seriously. He says what he means and does what he says. He is always interested in learning and will readily admit what he does not know and work to learn it. Kevin has a knowledge and passion for the field, and I recommend you give him an opportunity to join your team." Friend, Mundaline IL
Intrigued? Let's get the conversation growing! For the quickest response, reach out to kevinandersongarrity@gmail.com | LinkedIn message.
For scheduling a call https://calendly.com/kevinandersongarrity
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-anderson-garrity
Education
Illinois State University Bachelor of Science Degree Agronomy
Harper College Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in horticulture AAS, Plant Science Technology- Horticulture Specialization.
College of Lake County Landscape Design Certificate
Harper College Certificates: Arboriculture, Basic Horticultural Skills, Golf Course and Athletic Field Maintenance, Turfgrass and Grounds Maintenance
Qualifications
Kevin Anderson-Garrity
Adept Horticulturist BS, AAS
Vernon Hills, Illinois • kevinandersongarrity@gmail.com• www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-anderson-garrity https://calendly.com/kevinandersongarrity/30min
OPEN TO WORK
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
An industry-accredited green industry professional with experience in creating & bringing solutions to the landscape sector. I’m ready to branch out from what I have been doing and use my attention to detail skills and active listening to join a team where finding solutions with knowledge valued over physical labor and use my attention to detail skills and active listening to join a team where finding solutions with knowledge and critical thinking are valued.
IDEAL JOBS
I want a job that uses my knowledge and skills. Ideal job titles include Floriculturist, Horticulturist, Interiorscape, and Landscape Designer.
Seeking full-time or part-time remote or hybrid roles within 20 miles of the Vernon Hills Illinois Area.
IDEAL COMPANIES
Strong preference for companies dedicated to inclusion and on-the-job training. I am drawn to organizations like American Society for Horticultural Science, Chicago Botanic Garden, Ambius, Ball Seed Company, and Illinois Landscape Contractors Association.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
I have extensive experience in the many fields of Horticulture. Past successes include:
- Composed information included in a company's website blog articles
- Operated flower budget decisions by $6,563+ per year
- Supervised 6 crews of 3 performing maintenance services on high-end properties
SKILLS
Horticulture • Plant Identification • Landscape Design • Landscape Maintenance• Client Relationship Management • Effective Communication• Creativity • Emotional Intelligence• Adaptability • Critical Thinking
CONTACT INFORMATION
kandersongarrity@protonmail.com • https://calendly.com/kevinandersongarrity/30min•
Do you know anyone who works with companies dedicated where creativity, knowledge, and critical thinking are valued? Please pass this along to anyone who might help me land my dream job! Thank you for your help.
If there is any way I can use my network to help you, please let me know.
Work History
Owner, Anderson-Garrity Consultants, Vernon Hills, IL. (2016-Present)
- Consult clients on plant selection that fits designand and sight parameters to perform well in the changing Midwest climate
- Provide residential landscape design and care serving discerning private clients
- Design development of conception to completion
- Fine pruning curated to plant type for overall health and repeat bloom where applicable
Part of a multi-person layoff, Vernon Hills, IL (2024-present)
- Engage in continual professional development through various webinars, quizzes, and workshops
- Enhance bilingual communication skills in Spanish through Duolingo
- Grow computer safety knowledge by learning while enacting tighter privacy and security measures
-
Attended Illinois Extension Gardening in the air webinar sessions Everlasting Flowers | Gardening in a Changing World: planning now for your garden's future | Pet Friendly Landscaping.
Seasonal Enhancements | Landscaper, The Barn Landscape + Architecture (2023-2024)
- Styled 24, 6.5-foot birch logs of 4 planters with delicate clear wire lights spaced ½ inch
- Laid Poly-Sand, Joint Sand,& Crushed Bluestone finish with wet look & natural stone sealer/ protectors to pavements
- Ensconced low-voltage landscape lighting
- Designed 4-season containers using florals and other enhancements
Health Recovery Period (2022-2023)
• Cared for health and well-being
Seasonal Plant Specialist, Wright Landscaping, Inc. Lake Bluff, IL (2021 - 2022)
- Orchestrated container care for 9 clients, from succulents to hydrangeas, all flourished
- Composed information included in the company’s website blog articles
- Implemented bespoke plant care using science-based best management practices for all horticultural applications
- Managed buckthorn and other noxious woody weeds
Arborist Trainee, Arborsmith, Ltd, Lake Bluff, IL. (2019 - 2020)
- Served as a crew of 2–5, depending on the site’s needs
- Drenched Trees with Paclobutrazol to keep shorter and enhance green color for over 15 clients
- Implemented best practices for care and longevity of trees and shrubs of over 50 clients
- Injected Propizol to protect oak trees from Oak Wilt for over 10 clients
- Expanded pruning skills, further mastered by learning techniques for the best plant health & landscape aesthetic, undoing improperly damaging cuts
Seasonial Landscape Supervisor, Wright Landscaping, Inc., Lake Bluff, IL. (2019)
- Maintained and planted 10 clients' planters, 4 in Corten steel in coordination of the Landscape Designers' intentions
- Coordinated and collaborated plant placement, proper watering, and the soil used with a team of 3
- Monitored and inspected all landscape aspects for 15 client properties
- Enacted meticulous pruning for client's properties
- Performed spray technician duties
- Diagnosed maintenance issues in the landscape as well as any pest or disease
Landscape Supervisor, Landarch Systems Inc, Vernon Hills, IL. (2018)
- Supervised 6 crews of 3 performing maintenance services on high-end properties
- Controlled plant quality for 15 clients' annual pots and in-ground seasonal enhancements
- Acted as a spray technician to 63 regular maintenance clients and 10 construction accounts
- Performed precise curated landscape maintenance tasks, edging, planting, pruning, mulching, composting, and topsoil
- Executed plants for 15 clients' annual seasonal pot & in-ground enhancements to achieve wow landscape containers
- Led coworkers and crews in best management practices of landscape installation meeting 63 regular maintenance clients' deadlines
- Supervised & monitored Projects ensuring instructions were followed
Landscape Intern, AbbVie Prairie Medical Building, Grayslake, IL. (2017)
- Compiled a list of 5 existing native plants to utilize while adding more to the final design
- Provided a pros and cons list of 3 companies to subcontract work out to present to the client
- Proposed possible design plans of native plants for a 300-foot-long rain garden bed
- Researched 3 companies for the best quality and value, the function of the site being paramount
- Collaborated with clients on their aspirations for the site, ascertained their wants and needs
- Arranged a list of invasive & non-natives to remove & a list of the existing plants to keep
- Systematized with contractors and our clients to reach solutions.
Seasonial Lawn Care Specialist, TruGreen, Lake Forest, IL (2017)
- Expanded knowledge and skills in turf care and weed identification.
- Improved experience with cultural conditions for turf thriving or declining.
- Operated a 300-Gallon pickup truck-mounted skid sprayer with a lawn application sprayer
- Served 40–45 houses a week applying fertilizer, pre- / post-emergent herbicide, and grub control
- Implemented skills of turf, ornamental, and general standards spray license
Grounds Manager | Horticulturist, Sunset Ridge Country Club, Northfield, IL. (2012 - 2017)
- Performed flower budget decisions by $6,103+ yearly
- Reduced installation time from 6 hours to 1 hour for premade winter containers
- Increased summer container plantings by 95% from 20 to 39 planters
- Expanded flowerbed designs from 1,703² to 1,770²
- Optimized seasonal displays from leggy petunias to artisanal creations expertly taken care creating WOW, what is that inspiration
- Refreshed annuals as needed to keep Display Beds and Containers looking fantastic
Additional Experience
➢ Volunteering
Garden Club Volunteer, Historic Wagner Farm, Glenview, IL (2017)
- Assisted selling of $1,565 worth of produce at the farmer's market
- Articulated knowledge of identification of weeds, vegetables, herbs, and fruits to 8 volunteers
- Facilitated in donating 400 pounds of produce to local food pantries
- Revamped 5 spring planters to summer & fall designs
- Conducted harvesting preparations for the farmers market/ food pantry, from picking to preparing and packaging
- Coached volunteer coordinator on plant suggestions to revitalize the main perennial beds surrounding the property
➢ Associations
Member, International Society of Arboriculture (2016 - Present)
Member, American Horticultural Society (2016 - Present)
➢ Other Work Experience
Pollbook Judge, Lake County Clerk Sullivan Community Center (2017 - Present)
• Processed 1,980 mail-in ballots over 3 days at the Lake County Clerk's office
I invite you to please see my attached resume for a better-formatted experience
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-anderson-garrity/ | Schedule a phone call at calendly.com/kevinandersongarrity/30min
Date Available
Updated