Our team of friendly gardening experts is ready to help you with great service, helpful suggestions, and product recommendations.
Our Staff
Our returning and new team members are ready to set you up for success in your gardening endeavors. Look for staff “picks” throughout the store and see what we love to garden, decorate, and use to accomplish the tasks at hand.
Beth
Beth is a native plant enthusiast, vegetable grower, frequent volunteer tree planter, and longtime home gardener. In recent years, she was a Master Gardener Volunteer through the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County. Whether you are new to gardening or looking to refresh your established plantings, Beth can help set you up for success!
Brad
Brad is a retired Buffalo Public School teacher in Horticulture for special needs students. Currently an adjunct instructor of Horticulture at Niagara County Community College and starting his 8th season at Urban Roots. He is looking forward to helping existing gardeners continue to create the garden of their dreams, and to assist those new to gardening to get the best start possible.
Bridget
This is Bridget’s 17th year at the shop, and she is still excited to come in to work. Bridget loves to help people find the right plant for the right place and loves to introduce folks to native plants, some of which can thrive in tricky locations. Shade perennials and shrubs are also some of her favorites. Bring your questions and curiosity, and she will be happy to talk!
Filly
Kel
Kel is excited to be returning for their second season. They love being surrounded by fellow plant nerds, sharing knowledge, and getting their hands dirty. Kel is looking forward to learning more about perennials this season, especially natives. Ask them about caring for your favorite veggies, herbs, and houseplants.
Kevin
Kevin has been with Urban Roots for over ten years, helping customers find the products they need, loading vehicles with mulch, and explaining how to care for the plants they’re interested in. He aims to support everyone with their questions, and if he doesn’t have an answer right away, he’s confident he can work with the team to figure it out. He’s looking forward to a great season with all the wonderful plant lovers and new gardeners alike.
Rachel
Rachel is back for her ninth season at Urban Roots! Rachel’s introduction to gardening was growing heirloom veggies in containers on a second-floor apartment porch. Now, she’s one of our resident experts in growing edibles in small urban spaces. If you see her in the yard, ask her to point out her favorite rose of the week!
Shayla
Shayla’s horticultural journey began early, fueled by a love of all things green. She has worked as a produce farmer in Colorado and later as a technician in Buffalo, gaining extensive experience with houseplants, growing methods, and pest management—though veggies and herbs are her true passion. She’s especially inspired by creative farming in small or unexpected spaces and loves learning from others’ ideas. Working with plants keeps her grounded and connected to the changing earth, and she enjoys showing her kids that not all beauty comes from a store shelf.
Sian
Sian is entering her fourth season at Urban Roots and is excited to hear about everyone’s gardening plans. She has a master’s degree in forest ecology and previously worked as an inventory arborist for about a year. She’s a big fan of trees and is more than happy to help customers choose the right species to bring home and learn how to keep their new tree healthy through both the growing and dormant seasons.
Spencer
Spencer is in his second year at Urban Roots and enjoys working outdoors, being part of the community, and helping customers. This season, he’s looking forward to expanding his knowledge of native plants and learning how to care for them effectively.
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Your city. Your store. We are a cooperatively-owned, for-profit retail garden center, offering plants and plant-related supplies. We are open to the public and are committed to the betterment of our West Side neighborhoods and to the City of Buffalo.