Adept Horticulturist with 20 years of 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 so far. In addition, I have 10 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
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 Certificate in Landscape Design
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 20 years of 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 consulting 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:
● Supervised 6 crews of 3 performing maintenance services for high-end properties
● Operated flower budget decisions by $6,563+ per year
● Decreased installation time from 6 hours to 1 hour for premade winter containers
SKILLS
Horticulture • Plant Identification • Landscape Design • Landscape Maintenance• Client Relationship Management • Effective Communication• Creativity • Emotional Intelligence• Adaptability • Critical Thinking
CONTACT INFORMATION
kevinandersongarrity@gmail.com• https://calendly.com/kevinandersongarrity/30min•
Do you know anyone who works with companies dedicated to inclusion and on-the-job training, particularly where creativity, knowledge, and critical thinking are valued? Please pass this along to anyone who might help me land my dream job! In gratitude, thank you for your help.
If there is any way I can use my network to help you, please let me know.
Work History
Work History
Part of a multi-person layoff (2024-present)
- Peruse University Illinois Extention Quartly Gardners Corner articles that cover a range of timely horticultural best practices.
- Read Growers Talks/Green Profit Ball Buplishing, The American Gardner American Horticultural Society, and Arborist News International Society Of Arboriculture to keep a pulse on what's happening in our industry.
- Increasing communication and comprehension in Spanish by practicing on Duolingo 20–45 minutes daily something committed to for 5+ years now
Seasonal Enhancements, Foreperson, The Barn Landscape + Architecture (2023-2024)
• Laid Poly-sand, Joint Sand,& Crushed Bluestone finish with wet look & natural stone sealer/ protectors to pavements.
• Designed containers for all 4 seasons using florals and other enhancements
• Incorporated Perennials, Ground Covers & Woody Ornamentals for small to large scenery
Seasonal Plant Specialist, Wright Landscaping, Inc. Lake Bluff, IL (2021 - 2022)
• Enhanced and maintained landscape displays for 4 of our high-end clients
• Assessed client's properties while implementing horticultural solutions
• Implemented bespoke plant care for all horticultural applications
Arborist Trainee, Arborsmith, Ltd, Lake Bluff, IL. (2019 - 2020)
• Served as part of a crew of 2–5, depending on the site’s needs
• Drenched Trees with Paclobutrazol to help keep them short & enhance green color for over 15 clients
• Implemented our industry’s best practices for over 50 clients
Landscape Supervisor, Wright Landscaping, Inc., Lake Bluff, IL. (2019)
• Maintained & planted 10 client planters, coordinating with a Landscape Designer
• Coordination and collaboration of necessary items & tasks within our team of 3
• Monitored and inspected all landscape aspects for 15 client properties
Landscape Supervisor, Landarch Systems Inc, Vernon Hills, IL. (2018)
• Supervised 6 crews of 3 performing maintenance services for high-end properties
• Controller the plant quality for 15 clients’ annual pot & in-ground seasonal enhancements
• Acted as a spray technician to 63 regular maintenance clients & 10 construction accounts
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
• Researched 3 companies for best quality & value, with the function of the site being paramount
• Proposed possible design plans with native plants in the rain garden 300-foot-long bed
Lawn Care Specialist, TruGreen, Lake Forest, IL (2017)
• Grew knowledge & skills in turf care & weed identification.
• Honed experience with cultural conditions for turfs thriving or declining.
• Served 40–45 houses in a week.
Grounds Manager & Horticulturist, Sunset Ridge Country Club, Northfield, IL. (2012 - 2017)
• Operated flower budget decisions by $6,563+ per year
• Completed proper pruning & care of the club’s 20+ crabapple trees
• Decreased installation time from 6 hours to 1 hour for premade winter containers
Additional Experience
Owner, Anderson-Garrity Consultants, Vernon Hills, IL. (2016-Present)
• Creating artisanal container displays & planting up to 100ft square foot ground installations
• Engage clients on plant selection that fits design parameters and site & performs well in our climate.
• Provide Residential landscape design & consultation while serving Discerning private clients.
➢ Volunteering
Garden Club Volunteer, Historic Wagner Farm, Glenview, IL (2017)
• Raised $1,565 worth of produce at the farmer’s market with a group of volunteers
• Cultivated knowledge & identification of weeds, vegetables, herbs, & fruits with 8 volunteers
• Helped donate 400 pounds of produce to a local food Pantry
➢ Associations
Election Judge, Lake County Clerk (2017 - Present)
Member, International Society of Arboriculture (2016 - Present)
Member, American Horticultural Society (2016 - Present)
➢ Other Work Experience
Check-in Judge, Lake County Clerk Sullivan Community Center (2017 - Present)
• Processed 1,980
I invite you to please see my attached resume for a better-formatted experience
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-anderson-garrity/ | and my portfolio https://kevinandersongarrity.portfolio.site/ Schedule a phone call at calendly.com/kevinandersongarrity/30min
My preferred mode of 1st contact is Email my 2ed is Calendly so we can both show respect for each other's time and availability.
Date Available
Updated