Meet the Plucker's

We are very fortunate to have attracted, over time, the finest team of people any organization could hope for. Collectively, those who are lovingly referred to as Pluckers, members of the 'Plucker Palace', demonstrate their passion for growing and knowing the plants we offer. In addition, they enthusiastically seek any and all ways of carrying out gardening tasks, problem solving and creative design work with a joyful, fun-loving attitude. They make this nursery a wonderful place to work and to visit and extend that experience out and about Northern Michigan. It is our pleasure to work with each and every one of them. With that, we proudly introduce:

Polly Hudson - from the very beginning!
The "Polly" in Polly's Planting & Plucking, she dreamed of beautiful gardens with the eye of the painter she is. She began this business back in the early '80's using her own vehicle and gardening tools. Steadily and energetically she crafted a dynamic company that drew terrific people in for summer jobs creating beautiful gardens all over the North. Polly is the best boss anyone could ever ask for. Upbeat, with a compassionate ear, high energy and yet sensitive to the hopes and dreams of her 'kids', she is the original "Mother Plucker!" When she decided to retire and pursue another path in life, she looked within the Plucker family to carry on her legacy. She did so in order to care for her staff and her clients in such a way that no one would be let down. Our hope is that we have accomplished this mission in a way that makes her proud. She is a great mentor and dear friend and truly a class act. Words cannot express the love and admiration we have for you, Polly. We love you for all you have done and for who you are!

Kim and Bob Buntin , since 1997, the new Mama & Papa Pluckers
When Kim & Bob were given the opportunity to buy Polly's Planting & Plucking, it didn't take them long to make a decision. Kim had worked along side Polly for more than 10 years as her right hand woman and surely knew where her passion was. As for Bob, he is the best partner she could have asked for, in every single endeavor. It was never a question whether it would ever work.
What a wonderful, crazy, challenging ride it has been! Kim & Bob's dreams of carrying Polly's spirit and legacy forward have never wavered. They have poured our minds, energy and oceans of sweat equity into this organization. They are so proud of each and every member of our Plucker family that strives to honor our mission every year. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for helping to realize dreams and allow us to dream bigger! You are simply the best ever, anywhere.

Maxine Stradling - since 1996, Specialist
Our favorite snowbird! Luckily, Maxine returns very early each spring to lovingly nurture our plants so they reach their greatest potential. She thoughtfully carries on a staggeringly diverse job in the 'back stage' of the Palace making it look easy. She never disappoints with her dazzling creativity in our custom potting on site each summer. We look forward to her return each spring for years to come.

Kelly Schreiber - since 1998, Service Division Manager
Our resident fireball, Kelly is always in high gear. She deftly manages to care for the wishes and needs of our service clients, an awe inspiring undertaking, with a delightful "can do" attitude. Kelly is a terrific coach for her service team, from hiring through years of training. She is generous of spirit, has a terrific attitude and brings "fun" into every day. Simply amazing. We love you kiddo!

Lee Brewbaker , MCN - since 2000, Grower, Nursery Sales
It took Kim two years to convince this man that he wouldn't be bored or underutilized here. We are thrilled to have succeeded and boredom has never been a problem, has it Lee? You've brought with you deep, comprehensive plant knowledge, discerning eye for the best, great wit and a stunning capacity to grow great plants. We are lucky you morph from chief grower at Lochwynde Farm into a dynamic retail salesperson people love to visit each season. Hats off to you for it all.

Christopher Benson - since 2001, Office Manager/IT Manager
Chris is Kim's right hand man and brother! He continues to awe all of us with his ability to manage and steer us "Pluckers" while adapting & refining our processes to reflect our vision of being the best at what we do. No detail is too big or too small for his thoughtful attention. There are few who possess his knowledge, persistence or dry wit. He brings superior techie talents to a decidedly untalented group. We cannot imagine life without him.

June Newson - since 2001
June moved to this country from a very different environment. Coming from the tropics to a place with six months of snow has not dampened her enthusiasm. June quietly carries on her gardening duties with the high standards of a perfectionist! We can count on her to do what should be done, when it should be done every time. She is an excellent teacher and mentor for our young people too. June is hard at work outside of Polly's as well, studying in adult education classes, receiving both her driver license and U.S.A. citizenship this past year. You make us so proud!

Tracey Sloan - since 2002, Assistant Service Division Manager
Tracey (a.k.a. Mighty Mouse) possesses such a passion for all things horticultural that she is a force of nature in the Plucker family. It is infrequent that one can find a team player who grasps what needs to be done so instinctively and graciously steps in to accomplish the task. We not only appreciate the hard work behind the scenes but her artful design and installation of all things "Polly's" and we mean ALL! She comes by Mighty Mouse very deservedly, we love you kiddo!

Nancy McCarry - since 2002, Design Specialist
If ever there is a "Martha" among us, it is Nancy. She creates awesome, unique, fabulous, custom pots and boxes all spring. During the summer she lends her considerable talents to our fresh cut flower arrangements, whether a small gift to yourself or a gala event. She brightens our existence by being here. Thanks Nancy for all of your hard work and beautiful vision.

Sarah Price - since 2003, Service Division Team Leader
Sarah can be counted on for her dependability, organizational skills, sweet nature and extreme good humor to bring sanity and smile to our world. She is always defining ways to better accomplish our goals of being the best in service in Northern Michigan. We do so appreciate her hard work, constancy and loyalty to the Plucker family.and we love your dogs!

Jenna Maguire - since 2004, Service Division Team Leader
Truly one of the family (a sweetheart of a niece to Kim, Bob & Chris), Jenna has been with us for several summers between college. She demonstrates calm, unflappable attitude in a chaotic life, while happily creating beautiful things. She gives great attention to details and gets things done so consistently; she has garnered a team leader position deservedly. Bravo!

Jason Thatcher - since 2004, Maintenance and Nursery
Jason is appreciated by each and every one of us for handling a huge and constantly changing To-Do List. He is always quietly solving problems, smoothing out the wrinkles and supplying everyone what they need (often before they know they need it!) His carpentry, mechanical and "invention" skills have made Jason an indispensable part of the team, and made it very clear on a daily basis that we could not live without him. We look forward to a very long friendship Jason. Thanks for it all!

Paulette Bellmer - since 2005, Accounts/Safety/Assistant Office Manager
We have never had the good fortune to acquire a more able, flexible, outstandingly talented person for what we thought was an accounts position. In a very short time, we have realized the gift from the heavens she is to this organization. She accomplishes more projects, with sincere warmth and gentleness to all, than we thought were possible. We all thank Paulette for the tremendous efforts you put into your job!

Greta Cherette - since 2005, Service Division Team Leader
We fell in love with Greta the moment she crossed our threshold! She brings a terrific attitude, great smile and tremendous work ethic to this place each and every day. She has taken every challenge in stride and exceeded in all that she has done. Our clients have the best advocate for their site in Greta! She is so nurturing, diligent and humorous to boot! Who else can we laugh so much with? We love you Greta, you'll always be part of our Plucker family.

Dave Mayberry - since 2005, Service Division Team Leader
Dave joined us after moving to Harbor Springs from Idaho where he owned his own landscape maintenance firm. We feel blessed that he chose us as the team he allies with from day to day. He is appreciated by all for his calm, steady approach to his craft. We enjoy your quick wit, acerbic humor and helpful nature, brother! We're glad you chose Polly's!

Lauren Olsen - since 2005, Service Division
It is always gratifying to attract such special people to our clan by the sheer magnetism of the rest. We welcomed this quiet, hard working, fast learning young person into our Plucker family gladly. Lauren possesses the drive to constantly learn and apply that knowledge in all that she does. She has become indispensable because of it. We're sure you're going to go far. Thank you Lauren!

Ashlee Coulson - since 2006, Service Division
It would be hard to find a person like Ashlee very often. This girl thrives on hard work, the more impossible the project, the better. We work to keep her busy! Our team leaders really appreciate her enthusiasm and willingness. Ashlee, your something else!

Jodie Stradling - since 2006, Service Division
Jodie came on board after learning about us from friends. I'd say we got the best deal! Jodie has risen in talent, value and respect since her first day on the job! She brings so much to our days with her upbeat, go-to-it attitude, hard work doesn't faze her and she can be counted on to make a game out of it. She possesses the wisdom of an old soul that smoothes out the rough spots of chaotic days. You're a gem kiddo.

B.J. Grant - since 2006, Retail Sales
B.J. was here hours after a call went out that we were short staffed and needed some help. She got her feet under her and saw what needed to be done just as quickly. She loves a good joke and is infectious with her good humor and helpful banter. Let her know how much we all enjoy her.

Deborah Miller - since 2006, Retail Sales & Design
Deborah is the epitome of how you'd like a customer to see your business! She was here a lot with her many and diverse projects and loved us. So much so, she requested to be a part of it all. We gladly accepted and got to work (and I mean work) with a terrific designer with the most awesome, out-going attitude! Deborah, I thank you so much for being who you are and having go many great ideas!