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| Our Crew
Bloch’s Farm has been blessed with stable, long-term employees who combine old fashion values and morals with new and forward ideas. The staff here at Bloch’s is trained in the latest trends and techniques in horticulture, floriculture and landscaping. We strive to continually offer the superb customer service that our staff is known for with a generous touch of hometown hospitality. Bloch’s Farm is proud to employ full-time growers/horticulturalists/master gardeners and our staff has unparalleled expertise in landscape design, landscape construction, tree installation, and plant care.
 Ashley Henke, Horticulturalist & Grower
My name is Ashley Henke and I am the horticulturist and grower here at Bloch's Farm. I grew up on a farm myself, and it was on the farm that I learned what hard work was about. In high school, I decided to further my education in the horticulture field. I went on to school and graduated from college in December 2005 with two associates’ degrees in horticulture. One degree emphasized on Greenhouse Operations and Floral design, and my second degree focused on Nursery and Landscape Maintenance and design.
I have previous experience in almost all areas of horticulture as well as working in the retail sales arena. I started working in spring of 2006 at Bloch’s Farm, and I have progressed to the position of horticulturist and grower. Working here has been a pleasure for me because dealing with plant materials has always been a passion of mine. I continuously work at growing healthy stable plants. At Bloch’s Farm I encourage everyone to think about natural and “green” treatments for their gardens. There are many new earth friendly substitutes for different pesticides and harsh chemicals. We are continuing to make these products available for you to use in your own landscapes and gardens.
I am always looking at ways to educate the customer and area gardeners. We have started a seminar program for customers as well as some hands-on workshops for both adults and children. One other way of educating, the public is threw our weekly Grower Talks article in the local newspaper, The Feature section. This article has various tips, tricks, and suggestions of different plants.
I enjoy working with retail customers and landscape clients and answering any questions they may have. My job at Bloch's involves many aspects of horticulture. My favorite part of this job is working as part of a team and helping you the customer be satisfied.
I am here to help answer your plant and landscaping questions. You can talk to me at the nursery or email me. I do have a very busy schedule here at the farm, but I assure you that I will get back to you as soon as I am able. E-mail: ashley@blochsfarm.com Marie Murphy, Assistant Horticulturalist/Grower
Hello, my name is Marie Murphy. I am the new Assistant Horticulturist at Bloch’s Farm. I went to college in Green Bay at  Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and graduated in 2008 with an associate’s degree in landscape horticulture with a certificate in plant health care. Growing up on a dairy farm I learned a real appreciation of the outdoors and the land itself. I wanted a job were I could work to make this world a more beautiful place. Working at Bloch’s is a wonderful experience for me. Everyday is something different and challenging! It is very exciting for me to be able to put to good use all the things I learned in school. I enjoy all aspects of horticulture but my focus is definitely plant health care. I am very passionate about correct pruning, fertilizing, and the proper use of chemicals in the landscape. I am also very interested in the identification and treatment of plant diseases and insect problems. My favorite aspect about Bloch’s Farm is the people, everyone here is very experienced and supportive, I have learned a lot working with them. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment helping customers with all there landscape needs. There are always new ideas being put into practice here from our ‘go green’ slogan to new plant varities, art, and our displays that change almost weekly. So come in often to see all the exciting things going on at Bloch’s Farm! Any questions please email me at marie@blochsfarm.com  Melissa Netzer, Lead Landscape Designer
As lead Landscape Designer for Bloch’s Farm, my days are varied and challenging; and I love every minute. My job is a mix of Horticultural Science, Design and Graphic Art, Communications and good old fashioned sweat. I have the pleasure of working with a team of talented and professional people, and the most wonderful clients. Together we create and enhance the beauty of our outdoor spaces. We push out the walls and make special places to take our life, and the people we love, outside.
My career started in my parents’ garden where I loved gardening with my Dad while growing up. Many hours were also spent in the woods, by a creek behind our house and in the mud. An appreciation of native areas and the plants in them was born. When given the chance, I’ll still pick going for a hike in the woods over almost any other activity!
While attending college at UW Eau-Claire, I studied communications. After taking time off to get married and while raising our family, the outdoors still called; this time in the form of getting out in my own yard to create flower, vegetable and native gardens. I was also called on by neighbors and friends to help plan their yards. My passion was ignited.
I began attending classes and seminars on plants and design, drawing and irrigation, hardscaping, drainage, native species and shoreline restoration….anything I could.
In 2001 I had the good fortune to work and study under a Landscape Architect for an entire season while at a nursery in the Fox Valley. Since then, I have been working as a professional Landscape Designer and become a member of the Landscape Design Association of Chicago where I continue to attend classes and seminars to stay up-to-date on the very latest in this diversified field.
My favorite plant would have to be ornamental grasses. They are beautiful from the moment they begin to unfurl in the spring. Grasses have great structure, come in a variety of colors and shapes, and stay standing through the winter. Talk about versatile and useful all year long! Happily, Bloch’s Farm carries a wide variety of grasses for every taste.
Please contact me with design questions, or to set up a design appointment, at melissa@blochsfarm.com or by calling Bloch’s Farm.
Kathy Egbert, Maintenance Crew Leader 
I have been at Bloch’s Farm for 11 years now. It has been an incredible experience to watch the business grow and to have been a part of the progress. My position at Bloch's Farm is Maintenance Crew Leader. As Maintenance Crew Leader I ensure that my client's gardens are beautiful and are not burdensome to the client. My division is a key part in the business at Bloch’s Farm. My crew and I ensure that your gardens and landscapes are healthy, maintained and that all of your plant materials thrive year after year. I am so happy to have found my niche at Bloch’s Farm. John and Sue Ellen are wonderful people to work for.
I am here to help answer your plant and landscaping questions. You can call or email me at kathy@blochsfarm.com. I check my emails daily and will respond as quickly as possible. Jen Waters, Office Manager
My name is Jen Waters aka "Jenny from the Bloch" and I am the office manager at Bloch’s Farm. I have been at Bloch’s for 6 years now. Prior to my position as office manager I lead the landscape team and had the wonderful opportunity to work with the landscape crew.This experience allowed me to learn the business from the ground up and from the inside out. I loved working on crew, especially the feeling at the end of each day and when we finished a landscape job. Wow! What a sense of accomplishment! I love the daily challenges involved in my current position too, even in the off season there is never a dull moment! John and Sue Ellen are just wonderful to work for. They encourage personal growth and value each and every employee. I had the opportunity to design the Bloch’s Farm website. It has been a great learning experience. Please tell me what you think of the site comments and suggestions are always appreciated. The staff at Bloch’s Farm is just amazing. I enjoy working with all of my friendly coworkers. I grew up in Green Lake. I moved away a few times but I always ended up coming back. I just love the area! In 2005 I became a certified Administrative Assistant. I live in Green Lake with my husband Joe, our new little girl Jadyn and our two dogs Dusty and Mazy. Joe and I love to landscape around our house too! I enjoy beautiful flowers, spending time with family & friends, and relaxing around Green Lake. I look forward to meeting you the next time you visit or call Bloch’s Farm!
Please email me if you have any questions or concerns at jen@blochsfarm.com
K.C. Simmers,Creative Director / Lead Mechandiser
I’ve lived in Green Lake since my husband James and I moved here after graduating from UW-Stout in 1990. My background is in fine art and graphic design. Add to that the fact that my mother and grandmother instilled in me a love of nature and gardening and you have the makings of Bloch’s Farm creative director and lead merchandiser. We try to provide our customers with a variety of quality garden products, including works produced by local artists and artisans. Bloch’s Farm has also been keeping up with the times by making ourselves available to our customers through our website and more recently, through Facebook and Twitter. I’ve loved coming to Bloch’s Farm long before I started working for John and Sue Ellen. It is and inspiring place to work and I try to create displays that are equally inspiring to our customers. Email: kc@blochsfarm.com | |
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