Meet The Evandale Team
Running the world's southern most plant production nursery wouldn't be possible without a hard working group of passionate people.
With more years combined industry experience than we care to count, every member of the Evandale Garden's team is dedicated to delivering a quality product season upon season, year upon year.
Nathan Piggott: General Manager
Originally from Christchurch, Nathan began his horticultural career as a school boy at Bayliss Nursery, rising through the ranks at Bayliss before taking on the assistant manager's role at Evandale Gardens in 2010.
In 2013 he took on the general manager's position and in recent years has overseen many significant business and infrastructural developments in addition to the daily operations of a busy production nursery.
When not indulging in his passion for plants, Nathan can be found on Southland's scenic golf courses and spending time with his family.
Lucy Collings: Office Manager
Our office manager extraordinaire, Lucy is a proud Southerner born and bred. A career in radio sales and promotions preceded Lucy's move to Evandale Garden's in 2005, starting in a data entry capacity before advancing through the ranks to manager.
When not keeping the team in check, Lucy loves a spot of show jumping and dressage, and indulging her passion for travel.
Cameron Thomson: Production Manager
The longest serving management team member, Cameron started at Evandale Gardens during his high school days in the position of part time tray washer. His potential was recognised, trays gave way to seed sowing then seed sowing gave way to assistant production manager.
He's been in his current role since 2015, overseeing increasing production numbers year upon year.
Watching sport and playing social cricket keeps Cam out of trouble during his spare time.
cameron@evandalegardens.co.nz
Jess Lowen: Sales Manager
Rural gal Jess grew up on her family's Southland deer farm before moving to Dunedin to study and work as a qualified chef. However the South called her home and in 2012 she started at Evandale Gardens in the potted colour department.
Jess joined the sales team in 2015 and has recently accepted the exciting challenge of sales manager.
Two young children keep Jess on her toes after work hours.
Mikaela Galey: Sales Representative
Another proud southern lass, Mikaela joined the Evandale Gardens team back in 2015, cutting her teeth in the flowers department before taking on herb responsibilities also.
As her title suggests Mikaela has recently joined the sales team so you'll most likely get her on the phone if you call up and she'll be out on the road, calling in from time to time too.
Mikaela can certainly talk flora but she knows a fair bit about fauna too - she's a trained vet nurse. Her days off see her making the most of our enviable Southland surroundings, hunting the hills and fishing the rivers.
Karl Herman: Growing Team Manager
A Southland lad with a passion for the horticulture industry, Karl starting at Evandale Gardens at the young age of 13 doing after school jobs. He worked his way through every department including sales and marketing and preceded Cam as the production manager. Without putting an exact number on it, Karl has been a part of the Evandale team for over 25 years.
When he's not at work sharing his wide knowledge of plants, he's dancing up a storm with his rock n roll group, involved in musical theatre and enjoying quality family time with his wife and four daughters.
karl@evandalegardens.co.nz