Meet Beth! She not only shares her smile at Sargent’s North, but also her incredible depth of knowledge about perennials, annuals, and all things gardening. Beth is a true pillar of our team, trusted by both coworkers and customers for her expertise, kindness, and passion for plants.
Learn more about Beth in this edition of the Buzz Blog!
Beth Philbrick
Title: Retail Perennial Manager – Sargent’s North
Year Started at Sargent’s: 2008
How did you get into horticulture, and what led you to specialize in perennials?
“In 2004, a friend encouraged me to take the University of MN Master Gardening course, and after a few years of volunteer work, I was well on my way to gardening in Minnesota. But I had a lot to learn. Our children were leaving home, and I thought it would be good for me to find work again. Sargent’s seemed like a good fit, and I decided to give it a try and learn more about the gardening world. As far as perennials go, I had a meeting with Nick one day in 2012 and was informed that I would oversee perennials! And just like that, I became a perennial expert overnight. :)”
What are some of your all-time favorite perennials to work with, and why?
“Nepeta is extremely tough, has a long bloom time, and is easy to grow. Russian sage has great texture and color. Lavender is one of my favorites because of its color and fragrance. Gaillardia (blanket flower) has a very long bloom time, starting in early summer and continuing through fall. Caradonna Salvia is an all-time favorite. Its rich, deep violet color is hard to beat. None of these plants are bothered by animal life!”
What is your favorite part about working at Sargent’s?
“I love the staff! We have a lot of fun together and respect for each other. Nick’s jokes are the best!”
Are there any underrated or underused perennials you wish more people knew about?
“Linum is a lovely perennial that I stumbled across a few years ago. It’s a bright blue color and opens in the morning, but often closes in the afternoon. It also reseeds and is a great wildflower.
Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake master) is a wonderful native that often gets overlooked. It makes a great backdrop because of its height and pairs well with many plants.”
What’s in your own garden right now that you're especially excited about?
I enjoy the Lenten Rose this time of year because it’s the first thing to bloom. The Nepeta Walker’s Low never disappoints, and I’m particularly happy to finally have the butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) growing in my garden.
What is something unique about you that few people are aware of?
“I enjoy singing choral music.”
Visit Sargent's to find some of Beth's top perennial recommendations, and more
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