Amanda Clark  Garden Center  Manager

Growing up on a farm near Dover in Southeastern  Minnesota , I believe, led to my love of plants and everything associated with them.  I was active in helping with the family farm and the many gardens that we raised.  I became active in the Olmsted County 4-H program at a young age and that continued to foster my love for gardening.

I decided to focus on my interest for plants and landscaping and graduated from Minnesota Riverland Technical College in 1996 with a degree in Landscape, Golf Course and Grounds Maintenance.  From there I worked for several garden centers in the Rochester area and continued to expand my knowledge and experiences with hands on training.  For the past 6 years I worked for ShopKo Stores, Inc in Rochester, which is a retail company based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, as a Customer Service Manger/Garden Center Manager. 

In 1998, I became a Certified Professional through the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA).  Then in 2002, I decided that I wanted to give back to the community and continue my education so I became a Master Gardener through the Minnesota Extension Service.  This program has been both gratifying and a challenge, but I am encouraged that I am able to give back to the community and to be able to focus on the youth.

I am excited to be moving to the Chaska area and am looking forward to this change in my life.  I look forward to exploring the Cities and developing friendships with those who I come into contact with.  Two of my favorite past times are gardening and reading, and I hope to be able to find some time to do a little of both in the upcoming season.  Overall, I just look forward to being back in the horticulture business full-time and all of the challenges and pleasures that I am sure to be faced with.  

Ultimately, I am excited that the The Mustard Seed team was willing to give me a chance at this position and I look forward to working with all who are on the team.  I know that God has a plan for me and I am open to whatever he has for me.