Donald Sessions
Cochranville,PA
Summary
Professional gardening specialist with strong track record in landscape design, plant care, and garden maintenance. Known for effective collaboration with teams and adaptability to changing project needs. Skilled in soil management, pest control, and sustainable gardening practices. Reliable, results-driven, and focused on achieving beautiful, healthy outdoor spaces.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Property Manager
Upland Farm
10.2015 - Current
- Property management of 100-acre estate and horse farm; maintain landscape plantings and gardens; design plantings and plantings, prune, fertilize; all aspects of grounds maintenance including snow removal, trail maintenance, mowing, tree maintenance, and equipment management; supervision of seasonal employees, and work with contractors.
Sole Proprietor
Bella Gardens
09.2012 - 10.2015
- Design, installation, consultation and maintenance for residential clients; installation of retaining walls, stone veneer, paver patios; tree and shrub plantings; fine garden and perennial garden design; supervision of seasonal employees.
Outdoor Display Gardener
Kennett Square Golf and Country Club
09.2011 - 09.2012
- Maintain landscape plantings and gardens in various areas of the golf course; assist in installation of rain garden and stream restoration; planting, pruning, fertilizing, applying herbicides; weeding, mulching and other tasks as necessary.
Indoor Display Gardener
Buffalo Zoo
05.2008 - 08.2010
- Maintain tropical plants in a variety of exhibits in indoor rainforest; manage greenhouse; manage pest problems through IPM program; also involved in all other aspects of grounds maintenance including equipment operation, planting, pruning and maintenance of plants and turf; supervised volunteers and interns.
Section Gardener
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
08.2004 - 05.2008
- Design and maintain outdoor annual walk and Shrub and Perennial Gardens; supervise volunteers in garden maintenance; design and maintain indoor tropical plant displays; propagate plants for indoor and outdoor display; teach horticulture classes; supervise volunteers including adults and youth.
Education
Professional Gardener Training Program - undefined
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA01.2002
undefined
The New York Botanical Garden
New York, NYundefined
Erie County Community College
Buffalo, NYundefined
Buffalo Botanical Garden
Buffalo, NYAssociate degree - Graphic Design/Commercial Art
Bryant and Stratton
Amherst, NY01.1995
Skills
- Garden design and maintenance
- Equipment operation
- Pest management
- Greenhouse Experience
Other Information
- Continuing Education - Attend a variety of horticultural conferences and seminars on topics including rain gardens, native landscaping, ponds and water features, woody plants, invasive plants and landscape lighting; attended the Garden Writers Symposium; attended the annual conference for Association of Zoological Horticulture.
- Television – appeared on local news program promoting the Buffalo Botanical Gardens and providing garden tips for viewers
- Radio – weekly on-air segment in 2009 for local radio station addressing seasonal garden tips
- Writer - Wrote article for “American Rose” magazine on the Longwood Gardens Rose Trials; wrote for and appeared as an expert in local newspapers and magazines; wrote monthly column answering questions for local radio station website; wrote for Buffalo Botanical Gardens member newsletter on annual shows and garden projects
Timeline
Property Manager
Upland Farm
10.2015 - Current
Sole Proprietor
Bella Gardens
09.2012 - 10.2015
Outdoor Display Gardener
Kennett Square Golf and Country Club
09.2011 - 09.2012
Indoor Display Gardener
Buffalo Zoo
05.2008 - 08.2010
Section Gardener
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
08.2004 - 05.2008
Professional Gardener Training Program - undefined
Longwood Gardens
undefined
The New York Botanical Garden
undefined
Erie County Community College
undefined
Buffalo Botanical Garden
Associate degree - Graphic Design/Commercial Art
Bryant and Stratton
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