Growth is a very essential part of the natural world. Plants, animals, and all sorts of creatures grow in an effort to expand and explore the world. Growing, learning, and adapting to new environments is something we as people must do in order to thrive.

My personal growth has been rooted in my passion for recreating places and transforming spaces from a young age. Through following my passion for design, horticulture, and the urban environment, I found myself pursuing a future for the betterment of the spaces we live in.

With a last name like Gardner, I have always had a guiding light in what I should be doing on this earth and I count myself lucky for that. Having grown up in Upstate New York and transplanted to the NYC area within the past 3 years, I’ve come to assimilate, adapt, and begin anew to my surroundings - just like the plant material John Mini provides to our beloved spaces across the metropolitan area.

Like all plants, keeping attached to your roots proves to be especially important. As I have continued to grow with John Mini I make sure to bring my past lessons and experiences with me, to help with the challenges that are part of working as a foreman for outdoor installations. Having studied landscape architecture and been involved with set and stage construction and management, I enjoy the production and assembly of beautiful spaces that help define a place for its users.

Horticulture and design offer us many lessons and working in the green industry you learn new things every day. Whether it’s maintenance or care-related topics, problem-solving techniques, or coming up with new ideas - there's something refreshing about working on the ground and with people.

New York City and the surrounding area have transplants from all around the world. Whether you are pursuing a new life, a new job, a new family, a new community, a new friend, a new home, or a new plant  – we are all rooted in our pursuit to grow.

Keenan Gardner, Outdoor Install Foreman