MEET OUR STAFF
Dan Segal, Owner: Dan and his wife Sarah have owned The Plantsmen since 2006. Dan has worked with native plants for over 20 years, in California, the Mid-Atlantic, and New York. His areas of expertise include ecological restoration, residential landscaping, plant propagation, plant bio-geography, and the study of native plant communities. His experience collecting and propagating over 1000 species of plants is a big part of what makes The Plantsmen Nursery unique among other nurseries and landscape companies.
Sarah Segal, Owner: Sarah has been a part of The Plantsmen since the beginning. She works mostly behind the scenes, in the home office and with local community outreach. More recently she has been helping out with fall plant care to help get the nursery ready for winter. You may have seen her behind the office counter, or at Plantsmen events making sure our customers have been greeted and can find what they’re looking for. Also, if you have been lucky enough to try some of our home-made baked goods or teas over the years on weekend mornings, then you've tasted some of Sarah’s TLC.
Bridget Gaines, Horticulture and Nursery Director:
Bridget (a.k.a. ‘The Hammer’) has been with The Plantsmen since 2008. Her warm passion for plants is impossible to miss, and has been cultivated with over 20 years of experience in various facets of horticulture: horticulture therapy, retail/wholesale nurseries, landscape installation and design, garden maintenance, organic vegetable farming, medicinal plants and flower design. She received her B.S. from Virginia Tech in horticulture therapy and has developed her managerial skills over the past decade. Bridget’s plant and people skills are a perfectly natural fit in her cornerstone role with The Plantsmen.
Doug Gage, Senior Landscape Foreman and Stone Mason:
Doug has over 25 years of experience in horticulture and stonework, and he’s one of the nicest, most easy-going guys you’ll ever meet. He started landscaping in 1987 while studying horticulture at The University of Minnesota. After graduation, Doug worked in the twin cities for over 12 years doing landscape and stone work. In the late 90's he owned a landscape and masonry company, which he ran for over 10 years. In 2009 Doug moved to Ithaca, and joined the Plantsmen family in 2011. Doug is exceptionally knowledgeable in woody plants, plant maintenance, all things stone, puppy dogs and more. His unflappable, always-positive attitude makes him fun to work with and a team favorite among our staff.
Cody Seamans, Landscape Crew Leader: Cody has been working with The Plantsmen since early 2012, having apprenticed under Doug Gage as a landscaper and stone mason. Cody has an Associates Degree in Studio Art and Design, and also studied at SUNY-ESF, and his background and education show up in his landscape work. He has been a quick study with landscaping, showing a natural touch and attention to detail that make projects come out beautifully. He is quietly passionate about our local environment, native plants, and the work he does.