Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Messman.
Hi Lynn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Minneapolis, I was lucky to have a grandma and mom who were passionate gardeners. That’s when I realized dirt under your fingernails wasn’t a bad thing! My earliest garden memory is of my grandma’s. I fondly remember planting seeds and flowers with her, using the tiny shovel and pink garden gloves she gifted me. My love for gardening took root there. Over the years, I spent as much time as possible in my own gardens, planting and, yes, killing things! I battled deer and rabbits. I tried every plant imaginable, with varying degrees of success. I even added a koi pond to my backyard and learned to hand-feed the fish. Gardening became my obsession – a place to not only relax but also to create.
After 30 years in the hospitality industry, I was ready for a change. A friend asked, “If you could do anything, what would it be?” I replied that I wanted to start a gardening business. She then asked, “Then why don’t you?”
So, I did. In 2015, I left the corporate world, put on my overalls and garden boots, and launched Gardens by Lynn. I set aside some business funds, telling myself it was all I had to make the business work. Once the money was gone and progress stalled, I’d have to go back to a “Big Girl Job”.
My plan was to focus on three key areas and excel in them: ongoing garden maintenance to keep clients’ spaces looking their best all summer; creating seasonal planters for both commercial and residential clients; and designing and installing gardens, focusing on transforming tired, overgrown spaces without heavy-duty installations like boulders or walkways. Many people don’t need landscapers; they need someone dedicated to flowers and pollinators!
I started with cold calls to businesses with planters, offering “Buy one season, get the next free.” I priced them low to get my foot in the door, generate social media photos, and offering referral incentives.
I started alone, but my brother’s friend joined the next year. Two more people joined the following year, and now we have a team of 12.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business with only an eight-month work season, while also being self-employed, can be daunting! The initial three years were the most challenging. While I faced numerous rejections, my background in sales helped me avoid taking them personally, which was incredibly beneficial.
Looking back, the slow start was actually advantageous. It allowed me the time to gradually learn everything, including agricultural regulations, licenses, employee and contractor management, purchasing the right tools, learning about shrubs, trees, native plants, and different soil types, creating logos, designing uniforms, understanding and ordering plants in the correct quantities, figuring out pricing, billing, taxes, building a website and social media presence, and networking, to name a few.
If I had been faced with all of these things right away, I don’t think I would have been able to keep up. I made a conscious effort to avoid pushing myself too hard and instead focused on steady, sustainable growth. That approach truly was the key to my success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Gardens by Lynn. LLC?
We specialize in revitalizing neglected gardens, focusing on bringing them back to life without extensive installations like boulders or walkways. Many clients don’t require full landscaping; they need someone who specializes in flowers and supports pollinators. I’ve observed that many of our clients had initially contacted landscapers, but those companies often weren’t interested in flowers and gardens. This is where I’ve distinguished myself, as I’m happy to work with existing plants and prioritize the floral elements over hardscaping.
We are renowned for outstanding customer service and our team of seasoned, passionate gardeners! Our collective knowledge is unmatched. We are incredibly proud of our 5-star Google rating. We pride ourselves on being not just workers, but also trusted garden consultants.
My gardens have been featured on several garden tours, including the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Private Garden Tour, the University of Minnesota Master Gardener Garden Tour, and the Minneapolis Garden Club Garden Tour. I’ve also been featured in Lake Minnetonka Magazine and Midwest Design magazine.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Surround yourself with people who share similar passions and demonstrate outstanding work ethics. While I may be the leader, my team is what makes the business thrive. I wouldn’t be where I am today without finding and hiring the best people possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gardensbylynn.com
