Our Garden Center boasts 2 ponds brimming with ducks, goats for our guests to feed, and even a solar chicken coop. We offer everything you need to enhance your landscape and garden. We are truly a one stop for plants, trees, landscape design, and lawn maintenance services. So whether you’re looking to plant a single tree or you need help designing and landscaping your residential or commercial property, the professionals at FGS are available to serve you.
FGS was originally started by Chapel Hill resident JoAnn Davis. It is now owned and operated by Scott and Marsha Pearce who have managed the day to day operations since 2010.
Scott grew up in Lakeland, Florida and lived there until moving to North Carolina in 2008. He owned, operated and sold a lawn and pest management company in Lakeland prior to his move. Scott managed For Garden’s Sake from 2010 to 2015. He and his wife, Marsha, then purchased For Garden’s Sake and it’s been an adventure ever since. Scott’s degree in Business and Professional Leadership has come in handy over the years managing three divisions of FGS. He loves spending time and traveling out West and in the NC mountains with Marsha. When they are not traveling, he loves spending time with his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, as well as his two sons. Scott is an excellent musician and uses his talents when he has the opportunity (and time). His favorite movie of all time is a tie between Father of the Bride and Christmas Vacation. During conversations, he can quote one-liners from both at precisely the right moment, leaving most everyone in stitches. If he could do anything else in life that might be a “bit” less stressful, he would be a bartender.
Email: scott@fgsdurham.com
Marsha grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and then moved to Lakeland, Florida as a teenager. Marsha began her career in the Purchasing Department at Publix. She and Scott co-owned their lawn and pest management company in Florida. She spent many years at home with their three children until 2012 when she began part-time at FGS. Now, she wears many hats at FGS, but primarily is the visionary behind the scenes. She doesn’t meet strangers and loves trying new things. She refurbishes old furniture, loves working with wood and being outside. Her favorite new pastime is spending it with their granddaughter, Halle, and she imagines them getting into all sorts of trouble with Halle’s mom in the future. If she isn’t working or playing with Halle, she will be found binge watching Downton Abbey or The Crown for the 13th time, sketching her next idea while enjoying a Moscow Mule.
Email: marsha@fgsdurham.com
Hannah is from Ohio but has been in North Carolina since 2007, along with her two cats. She graduated from NCSU with a degree in Zoology, and has since worked her way through the animal field (vet med and rescue), then the people field (medical examiner’s office), and now the plant field. She’s a beginner plant parent and is learning how to overcome her “black thumb.” Succulents are definitely her favorite — the weirder looking the better! She says “Waterfall” by B.I represents her best.
Email: hannah@fgsdurham.com
Shannon is originally a California girl, but she has established a beautiful home in Apex, NC. Numbers come easy to her, and she proved it by earning her Masters in Accounting at Brigham Young University. In addition to helping us navigate the accounting waters, she has spent a lot of her personal time helping other organizations with accounting. She enjoys knowing that using her skills frees others to do what they love with less stress! Shannon spends her time away from here involved at her church, running, or just hanging out with her two lovely girls at the pool. Shannon runs on sunshine!
Email: shannon@fgsdurham.com
Sydney was born and raised in Raleigh, NC. She recently graduated from North Carolina State University (GO PACK!) with a degree in Communications and a focus in Public Relations. Her background includes serving up deliciousness at Pelican’s Snoballs and taking care of littles as a Nanny. Sydney was drawn to FGS’ friendly work environment and of course, the beautiful property. Who wouldn’t love looking out their window at the gorgeous lake and Garden Center?! Her willingness to jump into any project with Marsha and Lizzie, fresh ideas and perspective, and impeccable taste in nail art makes Sydney the perfect addition to the office vibe. In her spare time, you can find Sydney diving into a Colleen Hoover book while lounging at the beach!
Email: sydney@fgsdurham.com
John is what we like to call a john-of-all-trades; if a project needs done, he is the guy to call. Before joining the FGS team, John had many adventures. He spent a summer interning with Jim Henson, filling in for Caroll Spinney as a Big Bird foot puppeteer for marketing shoots; played in a banjo and kazoo band for college commencement ceremonies during the 80’s; is a certified Underwater Basket Weaving Instructor; has a side-business building caskets; and has completed a tight-rope walk across the Mohawk River in NY, where he also spent some time living as the pioneers did in the Erie Canal Village, teaching visiting school groups how to make apple cider. When he isn’t at FGS, you can usually find him building treehouses or whittling ocarinas. HIs favorite television show is The Red Green Show.
Email: grounds@fgsdurham.com
Caleb started working at For Garden’s Sake in Spring 2022 and his presence has been a game changer for the landscape team. We absolutely love his uplifting attitude, kindness, and patience. He studied at Durham Tech in Fire Science but now he spends his days supporting our teams and fixing the wide variety of equipment we use across the company. Caleb lives in Durham with his wife, Ashley; their two dogs, Maynard and Tink; their cat, Ozzy; and their snake, Huey. If he could travel anywhere in the world, he would go to Alaska. When he’s not in the shop, you can find Caleb playing drums, cooking up delicious meals to enjoy with Ashley, four-wheeling, or sitting out on the porch with a glass of bourbon in hand.
Email: caleb@fgsdurham.com
Jack is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but moved to NC in 2016. Jack studied Horticultural Science, Turfgrass Science (yes, that’s a thing), Management and Spanish at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He has worked in the Landscape, Golf Course and Design industry since 2002. Jack joined our team in 2017. On the weekends, you will find Jack enjoying a round of golf or disc golf, playing volleyball, relaxing at the beach and lake or just chilling with friends in his new home. His drink of choice would be a Brandy Old Fashion and well, who can go wrong with that?
Email: jack@fgsdurham.com
Doug is from Rocky Mount, NC, now living with his wife and son in Holly Springs, NC. He graduated from NC State with a degree in landscape architecture and a minor in horticultural science. Doug began his career at the JC Raulston Arboretum maintaining the gardens. He also spent a few years working for the NC State Parks system as a parks planner. He joined the FGS team in 2013 managing the garden center and became the in-house landscape designer in 2015. Doug spends his free time gardening, restoring furniture, playing guitar, surf fishing, and enjoying great food. His favorite food is a ribeye or Eastern Carolina BBQ, of course!
Email: doug@fgsdurham.com
Billy grew up in Philadelphia, PA. He made his home in Raleigh, NC, after receiving his Master’s in Landscape Architecture at NC State. Before making the decision to go to grad school, Billy worked as a solar technician in the Triangle. His easy-going personality took him to live out of the Mystery Machine Van for 10 weeks as he traveled in Australia back in 2017. If Billy is not at his desk creating beautiful designs, he is frolicking outdoors, especially at the beach or the mountains. You may also find him in his garden, playing a game of soccer with friends or traveling with his fiancé, Kim, hunting for future wedding venues! His favorite book is The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. A must read if you haven’t!
Email: billy@fgsdurham.com
Josh is from Snow Camp, NC and has worked at FGS for 2 and a half years. He has completed the horticulture program at Alamance Community College and has been working in the field for over a decade. He and his wife Lindsey are high school sweethearts celebrating 9 years together! Their son, Kai, enjoys soccer and Josh helps coach the team. Josh enjoys fishing, surfing, and taking trips to the mountains and beach with his family and playing in his band, Murdub. He loves poke bowls and sushi. His biggest fear? The unknown. We can all relate, am I right?
Viridian was born in Veracruz, Mexico, but she grew up in Hillsborough, NC. She lives in Durham with her son, Navid. Viridian has an Associate in Arts and is currently working towards her Spanish Facilitator certification. Her Spanish-speaking skills are quite handy for us at FGS! She loves superheroes, but can’t choose a favorite. When she has free time, Viridian likes to play superheroes with Navid, read, work in her garden or watch movies. Her favorite book is, naturally, The Secret Garden. Viridian is thoughtful, kind and her smile always brightens our day!
Email: viridian@fgsdurham.com
Dylan is a graduate of Penn State University where he majored in Plant Science with a concentration in Turfgrass. He worked previously in golf course and athletic field maintenance. He and his beautiful wife currently live in Chapel Hill with their new puppy, Sadie. Dylan loves being outdoors and enjoys hiking, camping, fishing and archery. When he isn’t fishing, which would be all the time if he could, he enjoys watching history-based movies. His two favorites are Saving Private Ryan and Dances with Wolves.
Email: dylan@fgsdurham.com
Andrew was raised in Wilson, NC and recently relocated to Raleigh with his chocolate lab, Waylon. He started with FGS in September 2022 and we are so happy to have him on the team! Andrew enjoys hunting and fishing. If he won the lottery, he would open a bar on the beach. Within the last four years, Andrew has really developed a love for plants and some of his favorites are Camellias, Castor Bean, and Bleeding Heart.
Email: andrew@fgsdurham.com
Amourly lived in Raleigh before moving to Cary with their husband and fur babies. They are a UNCG graduate with a degree in Elementary Education and Nonprofit Management, but decided teaching elementary school was not for them. However, their go-getter personality was perfect for working in sales and administration and as an instructor. When enjoying time off, they love to relax, explore the Triangle, and hang out with loved ones. Their favorite snack of all time? Lay’s Ranch Potato Chips and Pace’s Hot Salsa. Yes, you read that correctly! 100%.
(Formerly AmberLeigh Blevins)
Email: amberleigh@fgsdurham.com
Mariah has been promoted from being the pottery queen at FGS to the Garden Center Manager and we are thrilled to welcome her to the leadership team. Originally from Mid-coast Maine where she grew up with 7 other siblings, Mariah has now been in Durham, NC for the past three years. She spent most of her career in grocery retail, but her love for plants and the green industry brought her to us. Mariah’s love for all things green grew out of spending summers working in landscaping. Her hard-work and exceptional communication skills, strong leadership skills, and the way she makes every customer and staff member a priority made the transition from Pottery Lead to Garden Center Manager a breeze. When she isn’t at FGS, she is cooking, gardening, camping or hiking with her husband. Her laugh is contagious to everyone especially with her favorite drink, a Greyhound cocktail (with vodka instead of gin) in hand!
Email: mariah@fgsdurham.com
We are so happy to welcome back a familiar face to FGS! Sean worked at the Garden Center from 2016-2018 as the Garden Center Manager. He loves everything about For Garden’s Sake from the staff to the atmosphere, he’s always having a great time. He moved to California for a while but came back to the triangle to be closer with his family which landed him back at FGS as the Administrative Assistant. When Sean isn’t working, he is typically found watching any thriller/ suspenseful movie. If you really want to get him talking just mention the original Willy Wonky and The Chocolate Factory movie as that is his all-time favorite!
Email: sean@fgsdurham.com
Joey grew up in Greensboro, NC, and lives in Graham, NC. Before finding his passion for houseplants, Joey worked extensively in the service industry. But he discovered what he really enjoyed was working with plants, and helping people find the perfect plant for their spaces. This made him a perfect fit for our FGS Houseplant Department Sales Lead. When Joey isn’t ordering or tending to the houseplants in the Garden Center, he spends his free time hiking, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian mountains. He loves touring botanical gardens and discovering new music, particularly music that makes you want to move your feet! His favorite books are the Harry Potter series. If he isn’t reading, you might also find him watching Schitt’s Creek while sipping on his favorite cocktail, a Paloma!
Email: joey@fgsdurham.com
Amber is from Hendersonville, NC. She grew up on a farm and was always playing in the woods. Her parents taught her plant ID at an early age. She has a minor in Horticulture, volunteered abroad in sustainable agriculture and has worked in the industry for nearly twenty years. Previously she has worked at the Biltmore Estate, The North Carolina Arboretum, in horticultural therapy, as a florist, and has run garden programs in schools. Amber has been a home gardener for many years and has more house plants than she can count! She enjoys spending time with her family, preferably outdoors, and is a long distance open water swimmer. She loves yoga, cooking, traveling and hoarding cats. Three words we use to describe Amber are friendly, adventurous, and sincere.
Email: amber@fgsdurham.com
Teresa grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia before relocating to Chatham County and joining the For Garden’s Sake team. She has always loved the great outdoors, spending time in the sun, and learning about plants. She loves tropical plants most of all. When she is not at FGS, you can find Teresa reading or taking care of her plants and garden. If Teresa won the lottery, she would build a greenhouse and install a heated pool!
Email: teresa@fgsdurham.com
Morgan is a plant care enthusiast, she started out as a hobbyist and quickly became obsessed with houseplants! She worked in the houseplant department at the previous garden center that she worked at and knew that this is what she was interested in doing long-term. She was hired at FGS as a Plant Care Associate and also began cashiering. She has worked at For Garden’s Sake since March 2023 and has loved every moment of it! When Morgan is not at work, she spends her time taking care of her many plants, fish tanks, Crested gecko, cat, and dog. She loves being surrounded by life and has incorporated that into her home. When she has some free time, she prefers spending it in nature either kayaking, camping, or off-roading. On rainy days, she enjoys playing her Nintendo Switch. She loves Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings; her dog is named Dobby Baggins 😉
Email: morganb@fgsdurham.com
Aaron is a natural resource professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, with a concentration in Forestry. He has worked at FGS since March 2023 as a PCA, Aaron is a hard worker and a team player who is always willing to go the extra mile. He is also a creative and innovative thinker who is always looking for new ways to improve the Garden Center. Aaron is excited to continue his career at FGS as the Pottery and Hardgoods Department Lead! When Aaron is not working, he enjoys spending time outdoors playing video games, reading, watching movies, fishing, making things out of leather, and disc golf! He is also an avid fan of fantasy and adventure movies and books, and some of his favorites include A Knight’s Tale and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Email: aaron@fgsdurham.com
You guys know and love her, the one and only… Debbi! Debbi has been working with us for TEN years now, she is truly an all-star and we don’t know what we would do without her. She has always been a houseplant lover and has about 65 plants in her house. If she isn’t up at the Garden Center showing off all the plants, she is most likely teaching one of our amazing classes down at the Robin’s Nest showing them off there! Her favorite class is making Spring Containers and she gets so excited when she gets to hang out with her “groupies!”
Email: debbi@fgsdurham.com
Judy cannot call one particular place “where she grew up” because she lived in multiple coastal cities in the US and Japan. Judy has placed roots in Cedar Grove, near Hillsborough, NC where she lives with her husband, dogs, cats and Budgie Birds. Before working in Garden Centers and becoming our houseplant guru, Judy was a Certified Dental Assistant. We are so glad she chose plants over teeth! If you can’t find Judy tending to all the houseplants, she is likely spending time with her grandchildren, fishing in her lake, playing with her animals, tending her garden, or watching Yellowstone. If she could visit anywhere in the world, she would travel to Block Island, Rhode Island and hunt for hidden hand-blown glass orbs. Yes, this is a real thing!
Email: judy@fgsdurham.com
Do you love working with a team that works hard, but likes to have fun at the same time? Working here allows you to enjoy a beautiful, natural environment every day. At FGS, we prioritize caring for our employees as much as we do caring for our customers. You will feel like a part of the FGS community, and you are given opportunities to train, learn, and improve your skill set in any of our divisions.
Would you be the perfect fit for one of these positions?
Doug has yet again worked his magic. His designs incorporated so many plants from my childhood, memories of my parents and grandparents. Friends bring friends to see our backyard gardens. We have gotten so many compliments on the front yard as well. All are looking forward to seeing it flourish. Jack was amazing. He was here making sure everything was done correctly, and when he didn’t think something was right he jumped in to help, even helping dig the dry creek bed by hand. Thank you. So much. That this special place I first knew with Mrs. Davis back in 1999 has made my garden dreams come true means everything to me.”
