Seasonal Staff Spotlight: Joe & Kyree
Where would we be without our amazing staff? This month we’d like to highlight two of our seasonal employees: Jo and Kyree. Both plant enthusiasts, hard workers, and faithful team members, these two bring a widely different set of skills to the [planting] table. We’re pumped to introduce them to you!
Jo
Originally from Miami, Florida, Joe studied Environmental Science and Sustainability at Florida International University. With over five years of experience in horticulture, his career has taken him from medicinal plant nurseries and nature parks in Florida to ecological restoration work in Boston. In 2024, he moved to Durham where he now works full time in plant procurement for a luxury landscaping company. In his free time, he works on the weekends caring for the many plants and customers at Durham Garden Center.
At our Garden Center, Joe especially enjoys connecting with customers of all skill levels, sharing plant knowledge, and learning from fellow enthusiasts. The biggest thing he’s learned since coming to North Carolina and working at DGC is all about deer-resistant gardening (a non-issue back in Florida).
A passionate plant lover, Joe grows leafy greens, peppers, and medicinal herbs on his balcony. His favorite perennial is Joe Pye Weed, a towering native that attracts pollinators—especially the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, North Carolina’s state butterfly. If he weren’t in horticulture, he’d dream of being a food critic, combining his love for cuisine and exploration. In the meantime, Joe has spent his summer lobbying for a staff-and-customer slushie machine—because who wouldn’t want a cold treat on a hot weekend?
Kyree
Kyree has called Raleigh home for the past eight years. Driven by a natural curiosity and deep connection to plants, he became a certified turf manager through the University of Georgia. Kyree’s work experience includes running his own lawn care business and proudly helping launch a lawn care program at a nonprofit that supports individuals facing employment barriers.
At DGC, Kyree brings that same passion and dedication to the team. When asked about his favorite part of the job, he doesn’t hesitate: “My coworkers. We have a solid team—everyone is knowledgeable, shows up, and works hard.” One of the biggest lessons he’s learned while working at DGC is the importance of slowing down and being present. “Working with plants is a healthy reminder to take your time. Whether it’s watering or pruning, there are no shortcuts—just like in cutting the grass.”
Kyree takes pride in all aspects of the work, even the smaller tasks that might go unnoticed like washing the delivery truck! If he weren’t working with plants, Kyree imagines he’d be working with cars. He’s fascinated by machines and always eager to learn how they work—especially when something breaks down.
Outside of work, Kyree’s love for plants continues to grow—literally. Working at the garden center has reignited his passion for houseplants. Whenever plants break off, he takes home the cuttings and gives them new life so he never has to buy plants anymore.