Spring Meadow Nursery's Freedom Shelley finds joy in plants

Photo courtesy of Spring Meadow Nursery

Greenhouse Management: How did you get started in horticulture?

Freedom Shelley: I actually began as an engineering student at Michigan State University, but I reflected on what I enjoyed most in high school, which was my agriculture and plant science classes, so I made the decision to pursue a different degree and began my horticulture journey. The joy I have watching plants begin as little seedlings or cuttings and growing into full-grown plants is so fascinating to me and makes me feel accomplished seeing them from start to finish.

GM: What do you do as an assistant growing manager at Spring Meadow Nursery?

FS: I began as an intern and was able to work in all the departments to get a better understanding of the operations and daily tasks of the production team. When I finished my internship, I applied to be an assistant growing manager. Now, I have been here for a little over four years, and I manage 9 acres of greenhouses. I also manage our biological control program, our no-trim evergreen shrubs and our pre-bud hydrangea program.

GM: What is your favorite part of the job?

FS: My favorite part of my job is the yearly changes. Each year, we have new plant introductions, so learning their growth habits and the best environmental conditions for them to grow in is intriguing. Another favorite part of my job is learning how to manage different pests from year to year because the growing season is never the same. That is where I come in with our biological control program and devise the best course of action with the help of my IPM colleague who handles the spray program — to apply biologicals, to spray or do we do both? Another favorite part of my job is being able to interact with many professionals in the industry and bouncing ideas off each other and seeing if we can incorporate anything new to our daily jobs.

GM: What are the benefits of using biological controls?

FS: One of the main benefits is the pests we have are no longer resistant to chemical sprays. You cannot become resistant to something that eats you. Another benefit is no personal protective equipment is needed when applying them, and there is no reentry interval, which is the opposite with a spray. We are able to apply biologicals right alongside our crew as they are working at any point in the day. We are also able to use softer chemistry sprays. This means these chemicals are less harmful to the environment and pollinators. It also means that the chemicals will not kill all our biological populations, so we can maintain those populations throughout the season.

GM: Do you recommend biological controls to other growers?

FS: Yes, absolutely. Honestly, starting a biological control program is quite easy. With the help of biological control representatives, determining the main pest(s) you want to focus on and creating a simple biological control/cost calculator, an operation could easily start a simple program. In addition, we have found here at Spring Meadow that weekly applications of biologicals is essential to maintaining and sustaining a biological control program. It is easy to train growers, crew leaders, interns and crew members on application methods, and I highly recommend having a designated employee to do weekly applications.

GM: When you’re not working, what are some of your hobbies?

FS: I like to travel and embrace new experiences. My favorite place I have traveled to was Belize when I studied abroad in college, and a close second favorite place would have to be Jamaica. I also enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. However, most of the time, you can find me with my family, friends and dogs.