Our Story

Hi- I’m Sam, the Mindful B behind Mindful Botanica™, LLC. In January 2018, I started this company with a passion for plants and a desire to share my love of gardening with the world.

I began work as a landscaper while pursuing my undergraduate at Eastern Michigan University. What I originally thought was only going to be a one-time summer job turned into a multi-season affair with the Green Industry. My love of plants and the natural world fueled my studies to create beautiful spaces for others to enjoy.

I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology in December 2017 and Mindful Botanica™, LLC was born shortly after. During that first year, I worked alongside and was advised by my mentor, Linda, the now-retired owner of Homewood Gardens, LLC. In the spring of 2018, I became an MSU Extension Master Gardener. Each year, I uphold the program's volunteer and continuing education requirements to remain an active member. Growing Hope and Natural Area Preservation are two of my favorite local organizations to volunteer an extra set of hands.

February 2021, I earned my Permaculture Design Certificate from Ecoversity, LLC, under the instruction of Penny Livingston and Stephen Brooks. Summer 2021 I became certified as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator with a sub category in Ornamental Plants. While chemical herbicides and pesticides are never my first choice when addressing garden problems, when appropriately used, these may be the most effective options under special circumstances.

I had the opportunity to study at the University of Michigan for one year, learning the basics of Landscape Architecture among some of the best in the field (2022-2023).

In fall 2024, we begin a new chapter for us~ Mindful Botanica CR, expanding our work to southwestern Costa Rica. Wesley Mata is a passionate Tico that shares my vision to create & maintain beautiful spaces that also play a larger role in supporting wildlife during a changing climate. Wesley has a background in landscaping and a knowledge of tropical plants and is ready to take on clients in this region of the central America.

Mindful Botanica™, LLC is a member of the following: Association of Professional Gardener’s, the American Rose Society and the American Dahlia Society.

At Mindful Botanica™, LLC, we have a passion for plants, the planet, and all the creatures (seen & unseen) inhabiting the garden.

The Mindful approach to gardening follows the scientific method, incorporates integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, aligns with the permaculture principles and aims to create and maintain spaces for all life to thrive.

We care very deeply about the current climate crisis and decline of our pollinator populations; aiming to play the role of "earth allies" in all that we do in the garden. Whether designing new spaces or recommending a disease preventative treatment for your plants, we do so with the best practices toward the earth in mind. As Stewards of the Earth, we care for and protect our green and flowering spaces, as well as the insects and animals inhabiting them.

One of the best ways the average homeowner can become an “earth ally” is to plant native plants in their gardens. When using plants that are native to your region, you enhance local biodiversity, providing greater benefits to local pollinators, birds, and wildlife.