We call our team “The Garden Geeks” because that’s just what we are. Our customers know that when they work and speak with our staff, we are not just “selling” plants but providing the best information possible to make sure you walk out educated about your new plants and are equipped with confidence to get your garden growing.
Meet Michelle – Third-Generation Plant Geek-in-Chief
Michelle is the third generation of her family here at Lakeview Nurseries, but she’ll be the first to tell you that plants are not just her career—they’re her lifelong obsession. She’s been known to give talks on perennials and landscaping to anyone who will listen (garden clubs, community groups…sometimes even her neighbors who just came over to borrow a rake).
Her articles and garden advice have appeared everywhere from local newspapers to trade shows, and she’s served in leadership roles across the green industry, including President of the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association and a gubernatorial appointment to the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture. Translation? If it grows in New England, Michelle probably has an opinion on it.
Meet Alec – General Manager and Plant Expert
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep Lakeview running smoothly, the answer is usually “ask Alec.” Officially, he’s our General Manager. Unofficially, he’s the man of many, many skills—from wrangling greenhouse production in early spring to making sure the whole store hums along once the season is in full swing.
Alec’s story is one of our favorite Lakeview legends. Nobody actually remembers hiring him. As the tale goes, Alec—who grew up just down the road—wandered into our greenhouses one day after school. A new staff member mistook him for after-school help and put him right to work potting plants. Instead of correcting anyone, Alec just kept showing up…and never really left. Twenty-plus years later, we’re all glad he didn’t.
Meet Rick – Living History & Plant Problem Solver Extraordinaire
If Lakeview Nurseries had a time capsule, Rick would probably be inside it—because his story spans over 30 years of shaping, building, and growing this place. With a background in lumber and construction, Rick became our General Manager and oversaw three decades of growth and expansion. Most of the structures you see that aren’t original to 1954, Rick built them. The ones that are original? He updated them. Basically, if it has a nail in it, Rick’s probably swung the hammer.
Though he “retired,” don’t let that word fool you. Rick can’t sit still. After a stint designing landscapes for a local company, we begged (yes, begged) him to come back part-time. These days, he’s the guy we turn to with the toughest plant questions. Challenging problems are his jam—and his encyclopedic plant knowledge still blows us away.
In 2024, Rick welcomed his first granddaughter, Amilia, into the world. Proud mom Jessica is a licensed Landscape Architect, so it looks like the family’s green thumb is carrying on to the next generation.
Meet Phil – Forester, Personality and Plant Matchmaker
With a background in forestry and customer relations, Phil brings a unique mix of plant knowledge and people skills to Lakeview. Around here, he’s known for boosting staff morale (his good humor is basically contagious) and for making sure customers leave with the right plant for the right spot. Think of him as a matchmaker—except his love stories end with perennials, shrubs, and happy gardeners.
Phil’s also a big softie when it comes to pets. If you bring in a fur baby, don’t be surprised if he bends down to say hello before he even notices the plant in your cart.
Meet Shayna – Pleasent Smiles and Customer Connections
Shayna has been part of the team for a few seasons now! You may recognize her as one of the first of the Garden Geeks to greet you when arriving at Lakeview. Her plant passions are rooted in Native Plants, as they are the most supportive to Native Wildlife. (She is an animal lover at heart). Her pleasant demeanor, and caring attitude really help the front flowers stay blooming beautifully.
Meet Jacquie – The Pollinator Geek
Before joining Lakeview, Jacquie worked for a landscaper and designer, honing her skills in creating outdoor spaces that are both functional and beautiful. Last year, she completed her Pollinator Stewardship Certification through UMass Amherst. She is BUZZING to provide her knowledge to help support and save Native Pollinators and Native Bees.
Bee on the lookout for her pollinator education classes, as well as her monthly “Pollen Grains” newsletter.