Meet Louise Sloan | Head Gardener and Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Louise Sloan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Louise, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Red Chair Gardens started as an offshoot of my love for gardening. After I chose to leave the active duty Navy, I found myself drawn to playing in my yard with gardening. It was a hobby that I could take with me when my Marine Corps husband changed duty stations, would allow me to be home with my children, and brought me joy.

Once we settled in Michigan in 2017, I found myself uprooted and not sure what I was going to do with myself. While trying to figure out my next steps, I completed the Michigan State University’s Extension Master Gardener program. This course unlocked a trove of knowledge and a desire to garden as much as possible. I took a part-time job with a large landscaping firm on a lark to see if I’d enjoy working in the field professionally. And I did—I loved all of it.

Due to family reasons, I stepped away from that job. Word had gotten out among friends, though, who asked if I could help plant their containers or if I’d be willing to fix problem areas in their yards. It came as a bit of a surprise that people were willing to pay me for this work, and it occurred to me that maybe I could have a small side-gig while still being home with my children.

Fast forward to now: I’m working on building a larger presence in the Bloomfield Township area so I can turn the side-gig into a full-time job. I held off on expanding my clientele until I completed my certificate in Nursery and Landscape Management at MSU. I had considered purchasing an established company, but after soul searching and researching what purchasing would entail, I decided to develop my own clientele list. I enjoy that I can help others find the beauty in their gardens while being able to create a schedule that allows me time with my family. This summer, I added a part-time employee to the mix which has added to my work-life balance. Having an employee has opened my eyes to how a business can enrich not only my life, but can also have a direct impact on those who work alongside me. I’m excited about the future of Red Chair Gardens—both for our team and for the gardens we are invited to design, revive, or maintain.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My path to gardening was not a straight one, but rather one that hid surprises around every bend. I started my career as a Naval Officer after graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1999. During my time on active duty, I learned many skills I still use today: leadership, communication, teamwork, creativity. These traits also helped me for the years I spent teaching English both at the community college and high school levels. As much as I loved teaching, it just didn’t meld with obligations I had in my home. I knew I had to create something that worked on both fronts—something that would allow me to exercise my brain and something that would allow me to be there for my children.

I am fortunate that I have a husband who has been supportive of my choices. Graham was actually the one who encouraged me to take the Master Gardener and Landscape and Nursery Management classes. We joke that he is the primary investor in Red Chair Gardens, but I am well aware just how lucky I am that his sacrifices and work ethic make my explorations possible.

Because I come from a non-traditional background, I treat gardening different than the average landscaping company. Each garden is an individual reflection of the home owner. I respect the wants and needs of my clients, while educating them about sound horticultural practices. Gardening isn’t always just the beautiful containers I love to create. Sometimes, the most satisfying work is what I call “real” gardening: the clearing of an overgrown space to reclaim order or to uncover what was once a real showpiece. It’s exciting to help homeowners, especially the elderly, revive a space that has fallen to the wayside for myriad reasons. Red Chair Gardens is committed to helping everyone achieve the garden that represents who they are. We know that not every one has the ability to take on a huge project all at once, and we will meet clients where they are. The best part of doing that? It’s the joy I see in clients’ faces when they see positive changes in their gardens.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I’m a transplant to Michigan, I’m still learning about all this area has to offer. Our family often travels in our own backyard.

Of course I’m drawn to the many gardens in our local area. Cranbrook House and Gardens offer a yearly annual display in the large walled garden as well as an expanse that lends itself to exploring. Our family is lucky to be close to this treasure. I adore Meadowbrook Hall for the story of the estate, the miniature house on the grounds, and the gardens master gardeners excel in maintaining. I’d be remiss if I forgot to mention the masterpiece that is the Oudolf Garden on Belle Isle. Piet Oudolf is a world renowned designer whose gardens teach all of us what’s possible using plants that also benefit the natural world. I am anxiously awaiting the reopening of the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory to ooh and ahh over the treasures inside.

When I’m not dragging my kids through gardens, we try to experience Detroit proper. We’ve had fun on the people mover (to the amusement of real locals), seeing exhibits at the Detroit Institute of Art, and taking in the seasonal happenings at Campus Martius Park. We try to take in a Red Wings game every year, too. The kids know I have a real weakness for ice cream, so we hit up Stroh’s Ice Cream Parlour to top off our side trips or to commemorate school events. Graham and I love sneaking away to The Moose Preserve for a cocktail—I highly recommend the Lemon Basil Hayden Old Fashioned.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Michigan State University has been an integral part of my gardening career. Its Extension services opened my eyes to the science of gardening and allow me to share that knowledge in my continuing volunteerism as an Extension Master Gardener. I continued that education as a returning student on a Post-9/11 GI Bill at MSU to complete my certification in Landscape and Nursery Management. Our advisor, Marcus Duck, helped me and all of the students find internships and follow-on jobs to suit individual needs. I was inspired by the work of Alison Mackinder and Sara Fahy at In the Garden during my internship. They are amazing gardeners and prove how a small team can do great things.

Website: https://www.redchairgardens.com

Instagram: @redchairgardens

Facebook: Red Chair Gardens

Image Credits
Louise Sloan