[SNEAK PEEK] Leading Women of Horticulture: Alexa Patti

Editor's note: March is Women’s History Month in the U.S., and March 8 is International Women’s Day.

That’s why for the second year in a row, we’re focusing our March magazine on the excellent women doing great work in our industry through the GIE Media Horticulture Group's Leading Women of Horticulture article and video series.

We’ve been interviewing women at all levels of the nursery and greenhouse business about their work and experiences in the green industry. Their stories are amazing and inspiring. Enjoy these sneak peeks before you read the full articles later this month. 

Photo courtesy of Alexa Patti

Alexa Patti, head grower and nursery manager at Little Prince of Oregon Nursery

“I’ve never known someone as young as Alexa and with as short of a horticultural career who absolutely knows her stuff,” says Mark Leichty, director of business development for Little Prince of Oregon Nursery. “From the very first day I met her, I kind of recognized Alexa as a savant of sorts who brings to the table an extraordinary amount of knowledge on how to grow plants.”

Patti’s approach to team management is rooted in individualized support and professional development. She views her role as a facilitator of her employees' long-term success, both in and out of the nursery. By prioritizing the person over the position, she fosters a culture where team members feel valued as individuals, not just names on a spreadsheet.

“My whole job is to make sure that people have the information, tools, and knowledge to do their jobs successfully,” Patti adds. “And I do a lot of self-reflection. If somebody is missing the mark or they're struggling, I always look at whether I have given them the tools, knowledge, information, and training to be successful, rather than, well, they're not doing it right.”

A workplace built on mutual respect and personal investment creates a self-sustaining community where employees take natural pride in their collective success. “When you take care of people, people will take care of you regardless,” Patti says. “And if you take care of people as actual individuals, then they will make sure the company does well.”

And stay tuned for how the "bloodhound" head grower sniffs out problem areas — literally. (Her sensory intuition for plant pathology borders on the supernatural.)