Lily is one of our bright and smiling faces in our production department! She is a friend to people and animals of all kinds and shares her passion for plants with the team. Lily works hard to keep our sales floors beautiful by caring for and transporting annuals and perennials. We appreciate her diligent work and are excited to share her spotlight!
Lily Antinozzi
Title: Production Annual Lead
Year Started at Sargent’s: 2023
What sparked your interest in horticulture, and how did you end up at Sargent’s?
“I have always had an interest in plants and nature. My mother and I would plant flowers every year, and I think that’s where it started. I took an interest in houseplants and started researching on my own. Before I joined the Sargent’s team, I tried working in surgery and retail, and then I decided to apply to Sargent’s. I never thought I would get an opportunity to work in an industry I had such a passion for, so this is definitely my dream job so far.”
What do you enjoy most about working in greenhouse production?
“I love the people I work with, and I really enjoy watching the natural relationships between animals and plants happen before my eyes. I get to learn something new about a plant or a little creature almost every day. I also love that I am usually the designated animal wrangler when my coworkers find spiders, toads, frogs, or rodents. I am hoping for a snake one of these days.”
Is there a favorite plant you most enjoy working with? Or a least favorite one?
“I love Lupine! I will be getting a tattoo of it someday. I could go without Bevans Geraniums. I prefer native geraniums much more.”
Do you have any advice for someone starting their own garden at home?
“Don’t be afraid to fill up your landscape and don’t forget about the natives. Make sure your garden beds are full, too! Research companion planting, and all of the local fauna to help them out. Strategic planting for our pollinators is crucial. Don’t forget to plant all of your favorites too and make your garden your own safe place.”
What's one behind-the-scenes detail in production that might surprise people?
“Definitely how hard we work! We are always running around, moving crops or unloading new plants, getting orders ready for the stores, and making sure Landscape and Garden services have their plants ready for plantings. There is a lot more we do than simply keeping the plants alive.”
Outside of your role here, what hobbies or pastimes keep you busy?
“I have a lot of hobbies. I have been getting into taxidermy and learning to butcher my own quail, tan, and prepare animal hides. I love to paint, do other crafts and DIY, and of course, gardening. I also love to collect cool knives, and things from nature like rocks, bones, feathers, etc.”
What’s something unique that people might not know about you?
“My home is a zoo, as my husband says. I care for many pets at home. I have 2 snakes, a blue tongue skink, a chameleon, 3 frogs, 3 geckos, 2 tarantulas, 2 mice, 2 cats, a fish, and I also breed insects to feed my reptiles. I will be starting a new flock of quail soon as well. The list will get longer over time. I have many other reptiles and birds in mind that I would love to care for and befriend one day.”
