Experienced Arborists and Horticulturists
Rita Diekemper
Founder
Education & Industry Affiliations:
- Treasurer of the Landscape & Nursery Association of Greater St. Louis (LNAGSL)
Specialties:
Design, plant selection, maintenance, supervision and client service
Why I like my job:
I enjoy the challenge of creating unique gardens to reflect the individual style and needs of each client.
Craig Schrock
President & Owner
Education:
- Studied Horticulture at Meramec Community College
- Studied at Missouri Botanical Garden
- Certified NCMA Installer
- Certified ICPI Installer
Specialties:
- Landscape Design and Estimating
- Installation of Custom Designed Landscapes, Patios and Walls
- Landscape Lighting
Why I like my job:
I Love the process of meeting new clients, designing and implementing their new landscapes. Also, helping employees grow their careers in horticulture is always fun to see.
Zach Guilliams
Installation Manager
Education:
Studied Horticulture, Nursery and Landscaping at Southern Illinois College
- Hardscape and Lighting Installation
- Equipment and Vehicle Maintenance
Why I like my job:
It is highly rewarding starting an install job from the beginning to the end.
Kyle Wehner
Maintenance Manager
Education:
Studied Horticulture at St. Louis Community College
Specialties:
- Selective, Topiary, and Rejuvenational Pruning
- Mixing perennial landscape bed design
- Native, edible, and culinary garden design
- Soil Rejuvenation
- Landscape design
Why I like my job:
I love working outside and watching the plants transition throughout the seasons. The ability to teach my coworkers and clients about horticulture field.
Ian Ebrceht
Turf Manager
Education
Vocal Performance/B.A. in music at Lindenwood University
Specialties
- Heavy equipment operation and commercial mowing for 17 years
- Proficient plant and weed identification
- Turf applications and maintenance
Why I like my job?
I very much enjoy the instant gratification of turf mowing, as well as transforming struggling lawns into lush, beautiful landscapes. Being able to work with clients on a personal level and help them achieve the results they are looking for is rewarding.
Robbie Walter
Landscape Designer
Education
B.S. Landscape Architecture, University of Kentucky
Specialties
- Landscape, hardscape and lighting design
- Estimating
Why I like my job
From ideas to installation, I enjoy creating beautiful and functional outdoor solutions tailored to our clients.
Samantha
Landscape Designer
Education
Associate in Applied Science - Horticulture
Certificate of Specialization - CAD
Specialties
- Landscape Design
- Water Mitigation
Why I like my job
I value working closely with clients to blend creative thinking with a pragmatic approach. I take pride in delivering tailored solutions that bring their landscape visions to life.
I am dedicated to the art of outdoor living and transforming ordinary landscapes into extraordinary environments. My mission is to design and build functional, beautiful spaces that invite you to step outside and stay awhile.
Lani Carson
Decorative Pots Specialist
Education
⁃ Studied Horticulture at St. Louis Community College
⁃ Studied at Missouri Botanical Garden
⁃ Certified Pest Applicator
Specialties
⁃ Worked in the horticulture industry for 6+ years
⁃ Four-Season container displays
⁃ Plant selection
Why I like my job
I love creating unique container designs that bring color, beauty, and life to every space. It’s incredibly rewarding to combine creativity with my horticultural knowledge to create displays that clients can enjoy throughout the seasons.
Debbie Fritts
Company Accountant
Education
⁃ Associates of applied science degree (computer applications) Jefferson County Community college
⁃ Studied accounting degree program at Maryville University
⁃ Master gardener/ master naturalist
Specialties
⁃ Work experience is in General accounting, but gardening gives me joy
Why I like my job
Before being an employee, I was a client. Now as a member of the team I do all I can to add to the crews outstanding efforts, also my fellow employees are always helping each other.
Dakota Sutton
Maintenance Crew Lead
Education:
Certification in Controlled Environmental Agriculture
Specialties:
-passionate about plant science
-maintaining landscapes to the high standard of GOG
Why I like my job
I enjoy being able to express myself through creating beautiful landscapes
Nick Schmidt
Maintenance Crew Lead
Education:
Studied Biology at Southern Illinois University
Studied Horticulture at St. Louis Community College
Specialties:
-Coordinating and executing garden maintenance
-Working with clients to meet their needs
Why I like my job
By working outside with plants and likeminded people, I get to experience comradery while connecting with nature every day.
Derek Albright
Maintenance Crew Lead
Education:
Bachelors in horticulture/agribusiness at SEMO
Specialties:
Detailed landscape maintenance
Why I like my job
It is nice to see a clean finished landscape that you know the customer will be proud of and will serve their needs for the season.
Rich Rodway
Install Crew Lead
Education
Studied Horticulture at St. Louis Community College
Specialties
Landscape installation, maintenance, and lighting
Why I like my job
I love the variety working in the landscape industry offers. Every day brings something different, and I enjoy being able to work outdoors, stay active, and see the results of my hard work come to life. I take pride in my attention to detail and my passion for creating beautiful landscapes.
Dylan Bradford
Install Crew Lead
Education
⁃ Master Gardener Program - Meramec Community College
⁃ Certified NDS Professional Drainage Contractor
Specialties
⁃ Hardscapes
⁃ Patios
⁃ Drainage
⁃ Walls & More
Why I like my job
I work with amazing people, get to meet awesome clients and every day is something different
Scott Fischer
Install Crew Lead
Education
⁃ OSHA 10 safety certified
⁃ Keystone patio and retaining wall training
⁃ Excavator experience
Specialties
Over twenty-five years working in ground maintenance, hardscaping, irrigation, water features, and natural boulder walls.
Why I like my job?
I love being creative every day and designing beautiful landscapes that our clients can enjoy and appreciate for years to come.
Gardens of Grace provides the St. Louis area with a broad-range of Landscaping Services.
