Rita Diekemper
President, Founder & Co-owner
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
Co-Owner & Operations Manager
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.
Ann Lakin
Business Manager
Education:
- Associate of Applied Science Degree (Horticulture) - STLCC
- Studied Management Degree Program at Webster University
Specialties & Interests:
Fostering a positive company culture is something I love to do. In a supporting role, I'm able to contribute to the development and team building at Gardens of Grace. I'm passionate when it comes to customer service. Our goal is to delight our customers by exceeding their expectations.
- Board member of the Landscape & Nursery Association of Greater St. Louis (LNAGSTL)
- Member of Gateway Professional Horticulture Association (GPHA)
- Former Habitat Advisor for the Bring Conservation Home Program
- Volunteer for Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Groups
- Citizen science member that conducted phenology study at Glassberg Conservation Area
- Volunteer Lead for the Director of Parks & Recreation for Jefferson County
- Certified Park aide volunteer for Don Robinson State Park
- Volunteer of Shutterbee Citizen Science Program led by Webster University
Why I like my job:
I LOVE my Job! I get to use my skills, talents and experience from 38 years in the business profession along with my education and passion for plants and design every day! My personal values align with Gardens of Grace and that's important to me. The owners are caring and supportive and the crew members and leads here are the most hard-working individuals I ever met. We continuously push ourselves to exceed our customers' expectations and that is rewarding. We work hard but manage to find the time to laugh and have fun.
Zach Guilliams
Install Crew Leader
Education:
Studied Horticulture, Nursery and Landscaping at Southern Illinois College
Specialties:
- Accounts Payable & Employee Payroll
- 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. The transformations are even better when the client sees the finished product.
Mark Brady
Turf Manager
Education:
BS Plant Science, emphasis in Turf Management- University of Missouri, Certified Commercial Pesticide, ApplicatorGCSAA (Golf Course Superintendent Association) class A Certification
Specialties:
Plant Selection and Maintenance Practices, Irrigation and Drainage Design, Soil Characterization and Erosion Management, Advanced Weed Management, Integrated Pest Management, and Practices, Buying Smart and Selecting Alternative Methods, Supervision and Client Services.
Why I like my job:
I enjoy building client relationships, working with my hands, and having my office outdoors.
Marcus Clayton
Maintenance Manager
Education:
- Associate Degree in Horticulture - Cincinnati State
- Bachelor Degree in Business Administration - Wilmington College
Specialties:
- Plant healthcare, species selection, design, pollinator gardens and mentoring.
Why I like my job:
- Creating and maintaining conducive spaces for people is always rewarding. I love client engagement and teaching others about plants, soil science, ecological impact and everything horticulture related.
Gardens of Grace provides the St. Louis area with a broad-range of Landscaping Services.
