Core Values Rock

At Tonkadale, we get to come to work and do what we love every day! You can feel it in the air when you walk through the greenhouse. This atmosphere didn’t come about by accident. It takes a creativity, hard work, respect, and passion to cultivate this environment and accomplish our mission: to enrich lives by creating plant inspired experiences as we connect everyone to beautiful spaces. Each decision we make contributes to the overall experience, and each decision is informed by our core values.

Read on to learn more about what these values mean to the Tonkadale team, and to learn about our love of plants and our excitement for the upcoming season.

Andie

Andie has been working at Tonkadale for 3 years. Her first line of work was as a greenhouse assistant. With her education and background in graphic design, she quickly moved into the position of Design and Media Specialist, but still works in the greenhouse with the plants whenever she can!

Favorite Tonkadale Core Value…

“Fun, Fresh, and Focused. It’s fun to say and I love the fast-paced, ever-changing environment, always moving things around, and introducing new product and fresh ideas.”

What are you looking forward to in the coming winter season?

“Summer. Just kidding! I am looking forward to Christmas music and making spruce tops with all the beautiful, fresh greens!”

For the love of plants…

“I love all the odd ones. I like to collect plants and bring home new ones I have been excited about for a while. Its also fun taking care of them, going through the process of trial and error.”

Kelly

Kelly has been at Tonkadale almost 2 years. She was inspired to apply for the position of Office Coordinator because Tonkadale is one of her “most favorite places.” She loves the business side of the greenhouse and being part of the team to build the ecommerce site.

Favorite Tonkadale Core Value…

“My favorite core values are Obsessed with Success and Ridiculously Passionate. I witness on our team and share the passion and excitement in the products and plants we sell. When we get to share this passion and knowledge with customers it contributes to their success.

What are you looking forward to in the coming winter season?

“I love when the tree lot is set up. It’s magical.”

For the love of plants…

“I think of plants as living art. I love how they add depth and richness to our living spaces and outdoors.”

Megan T

Megan T has been working at Tonkadale since this last spring. Tonkadale has long been her favorite plant shop in the cities, and when she saw a seasonal position open she knew it would be a great fit. She says “Now I get to help people prep for their gardens and spread the joy of plants each day I work at the registers and assist with curbside orders!”

Favorite Core Value

“My favorite Core Values are Always Approachable and Courageous and Kind. I started working here just as COVID-19 hit the state, and I could really see these values in each of my coworkers during an unprecedented time. I think these values are what makes Tonkadale such a welcoming and knowledgeable place, and it makes me look forward to each shift.”

What are you looking forward to in the coming winter season?

“I can’t wait to see how the team evolves the holiday displays. Seeing all that beauty in the cozy greenhouse atmosphere makes the cold weather much more bearable! I’m also looking forward to learning more about popular winter greens.”

For the Love of Plants…

“Something changes in a room when you add a plant, or two (or way more!). Plants take a home and make it feel alive. Watering them, or weeding a garden, teaches so much about observation and patience. I planted my first community garden this year, and seeing tiny seeds develop over time, and eventually making it to the dinner table, gave me such a sense of accomplishment and joy. Not only are they pretty, plants also teach us more about ourselves and the natural world around us.”

Mike

Mike has worked at Tonkadale for 3 ½ years. He is officially in the greenhouse department, but his love of the earth has earned him the opportunity to lead sustainability efforts and Tonkadale. He’s also involved with the facilities department, logistics, and organization of work flow. Mike says his favorite part of his job is “working with so many great people and feeling as though my contributions matter to them as we all do big things to make people’s lives better.”

Favorite Core Value…

“Always Approachable – it reminds me that we are really here for our customers and that’s the most important thing we do. I find it very fulfilling to make customers happy.”

What are you looking forward to in the coming winter season?

“I’m hoping we have a BIG season. I look forward to seeing everyone work so hard to make it special for everyone.”

For the Love of Plants…

“Plants are so diverse and beautiful. I love that they are alive and have so many benefits, too. There is something quite peaceful – and peace-inducing – about a plant.”

Megan N

Hey, it’s me! The one writing to you almost every week. I’ve been at Tonkadale for 6 years. I am the Perennials Department Manager, but as with all year-round employees in the greenhouse, I wear many hats. I am on the marketing and media team, write many of the blogs you read, and work closely with Andie to bring you the info you want and need in various different forms. I also work in design leading up to the winter holiday season, and you’ve probably seen me present a seminar or a few!

Favorite Tonkadale Core Value…

“Courageous and Kind. This year has thrown many a curve ball, and while always important, courage and kindness are needed now more than ever. It’s how I love to approach my day and all the lovely people in it - my coworkers and our guests.”

What are you looking forward to in the coming winter season?

“This winter season I’m most looking forward to the joy all the holiday things (like spruce top pots) bring. I see it in the faces of our customers and hear it in their voices as they delight over adding pretty, festive items that bring that holiday spirit to their homes.”

For the love of plants…

“I love the calming effect plants have, the life they breath into any room, and I love the way indoor plants and outdoor gardening is bringing people and families together. Whether it be through houseplant communities where people share their passion for indoor plants or families planting and enjoying their outdoor gardens, anywhere there is something green and growing is a space where people can gather and be together.”

Thank you to you, our customers, for letting us share a bit about who we are, both personally and as employees of this place we call Our Greenhouse Home.