Chris Olsen: Landscape Designer
Chris attended Oxford University in England, studying landscape architecture, landscape principals, and philosophy and graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in business.

In partnership with his father, Chris obtained a landscape maintenance company called Doramus and established Horticare Landscape Company. After only ten years, the company grew into five divisions: chemical, maintenance, landscape, nursery, and irrigation. In 2003, Chris opened his second home and garden store called Botanica Gardens on Rebsamen Park Road. In September of 2005, Chris chose to pursue other endeavors in his life and sold Horticare. Chris is now working solely at Botanica and working as the manager.

Chris has been active in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation—designing and installing the landscape for the “Build for a Cure” Projects in Little Rock. In addition, he has been active in the Multiple Sclerosis Society, RAIN, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, and the Arkansas Lung Association.

Chris’ design works have been featured in several of the Symphony Design Houses, At Home in Arkansas, The Arkansas Times, AY Magazine, Health and Living, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Real Living, and Better Homes and Gardens. Chris was also featured in Arkansas Business 40 under 40, representing businesspeople who are on the move in their respective fields.

While working at Horticare, Chris's exceptional designs were the recipient for the Peoples Choice Award at the Arkansas Garden Show for nine years. Outstanding use of color is a trademark of Chris’ talents. Chris dares to be different with his unique designs.

Chris has been associated with KTHV Channel 11, where he is featured on the morning, noon, and evening segments in the Weather Garden, and has appeared several times in Arkansas Living: Holiday Style with Chris Olsen. Prior to his work at Channel 11, Chris was featured on Arkansas View on KKYK WB22.

Pat Isbell: Nursery Manager

What keeps the garden center looking great and running smoothly is Pat. She is the nursery and the office manager. Somebody has to keep Chris in line and she does her job well. Pat truly is a valuable asset. Pat obtained a Business Degree from the University of Central Arkansas and retired after 20 years with SBC/Cingular Wireless. Pat assists in running the day to day operations, customer relations and billing, as well as helping with custom pot design.

Angie Sunderman: Sales and Design Associate

Angie has been with Botanica Gardens now for a few years. She came to us from another local garden center and has real added alot to our store. She has obtained an Art Degree with a Masters in education at UALR. Angie is totally in charge of the outdoor section of our great store and is one of our top designers in potted containers and silk arrangements. We love having her on board with us.

 

Beth Kimbrell: Nursery Salesperson

What can we say about Beth. You will just have to meet her in person for yourself. She is lovable, full of energy and like Chris Olsen almost always happy and full of life. She loves people and therefore has become a great member of our sales force. Beth is only part time but we enjoy having her here at Botanica Gardens as much as we can.

Joe Church

Joe has become so important to the everyday operations of our store. He definitely is a multi-tasker. He opens the store, waters, a great salesperson and even works sometimes on our landscape crews. You can call him "Jo Jo" as Chris now calls him. Joe is the man!!!!!!!!!!

Cyndi Hansen: Store Designer and Interior Designer

Cyndi is the most talented merchandiser we have ever had. Cyndi came to us after years of being with Leisure Arts here in Little Rock. At Leisure Arts she was in charge of their design department. Soooooooooooo talented..........................She is a interior designer, stages displays throughout our store and does awesome live floral and silk arrangements. Also an artist and photographer you can purchase some of her work right here at Botanica Gardens. Thanks to Cyndi for making our garden center the best in the state of Arkansas and for that matter probably in the U.S.A..............:)

Jeremy Burris: Landscape Foreman

Jeremy has been with Botanica for about 1 year. A very experienced landscape foreman is who he is. Very much a people person Jeremy is always seen working hard with a big smile on his face. Chris liked him right away the first time Jeremy walked in the store with his strong positive outlook on life and his strong work ethic. If you want the job done right then Jeremy is your man............

David Pickens: Fix-it-man and Sales Associate

David is a highly experienced landscaper that helps out not only with the landscape department but also with the store and nursery. If something needs to be fixed or any problem that needs to be solved we go to David first. Intelligent and talented.... this man can do anything.....

Jason Tyler: Landscaper

Jason is strong, determined, and very detailed. Jason works closely with Jeremy on his crew and really takes great pride in making your home and landscape look it's best. Jason has years of landscape experience and truly makes all of our working hours less stressful.