Amanda Lehna

Horticulture professional with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Iowa State University and hands-on experience in greenhouse production, plant propagation, landscape design, and botanical research. Skilled in crop monitoring, environmental control systems, plant nutrition management, and client-focused landscape solutions. Combines scientific plant knowledge with field experience to support high-quality plant production and sustainable landscape installations.

Passionate about plants, ecosystems, and cultivating landscapes that support biodiversity and ecological resilience.

Founder - Personal Gardener & Freelance Design at Botanical Horizons LLC (2025-04 – Present)

Founded and operate a horticulture-focused landscape design business specializing in native plants, biodiversity, and chaos gardens, & permaculture

• Founded and operate a horticulture-focused landscape design business specializing in native plants, biodiversity, and chaos gardens, & permaculture
• Design residential landscapes that integrate ecological principles, pollinator support, and sustainable planting strategies
• Conduct on-site consultations including site analysis, plant selection, soil evaluation, and conceptual design planning
• Develop planting plans that incorporate native perennials, shrubs, and trees suited to regional growing conditions (Zone 7–8)
• Coordinate installation logistics including sourcing plant material, scheduling contractors, and managing project timelines
• Educate homeowners on plant care, seasonal garden maintenance, and ecological landscape practices
• Build relationships with local nurseries, contractors, and community organizations to support landscape projects and horticultural outreach

Landscape Design & Sales at Ivy Creek Landscapes (2023-10 – 2024-12)

Managed residential landscape installation opportunities through the full sales cycle

• Managed residential landscape installation opportunities through the full sales cycle
• Responded to new leads within 24 hours and scheduled in-person consultations
• Conducted site visits including photography, measurements, and conceptual sketches
• Prepared project estimates using LMN while verifying labor, material, and subcontractor pricing
• Maintained detailed client communication and prospecting records using Salesforce CRM
• Coordinated project handoff with project managers and facilitated pre-construction walkthroughs
• Developed new business through networking events and outreach to commercial properties

Landscape Designer & Sales at Granite Hills Group (2022-07 – 2023-10)

Qualified incoming leads and evaluated project feasibility within company service scope

• Qualified incoming leads and evaluated project feasibility within company service scope
• Met with homeowners and builders to develop landscape concepts and design solutions
• Produced landscape designs using Dynascape CAD software
• Prepared proposals for landscape installations including plantings, irrigation, lighting, and hardscapes
• Sourced plant material and hardscape products from regional suppliers
• Collaborated with operations managers and installation teams to coordinate project execution
• Built relationships with builders and property owners to expand residential and commercial landscape projects

Assistant Grower - Germination & Propagation and Finish Bedding Plants at Metrolina Greenhouses (2021-03 – 2022-07)

Monitored plant health through regular crop scouting, irrigation, and environmental management

• Monitored plant health through regular crop scouting, irrigation, and environmental management
• Evaluated plant quality including cutting performance, foliage growth, and root development
• Monitored pH, EC, and environmental conditions to optimize plant growth
• Applied pesticides according to regulatory guidelines and label requirements
• Assessed plant performance and responded proactively to crop health issues

Cultivation Technician at Green Thumb Industries (GTI) (2020-03 – 2021-03)

Performed plant maintenance including topping, transplanting, cloning, and pruning

• Performed plant maintenance including topping, transplanting, cloning, and pruning
• Monitored environmental conditions and mineral nutrition for optimal plant growth
• Maintained accurate inventory records using Biotrack tracking software
• Followed 5S operational standards to maintain organized and efficient grow facilities
• Collaborated across clone, vegetative, and flowering production departments

Undergrad Research Assistant at Iowa State University (2017-08 – 2019-12)

Assisted with horticultural research trials evaluating plant growth and nutrient management

• Assisted with horticultural research trials evaluating plant growth and nutrient management
• Collected plant growth data including fresh weight, dry weight, plant height, and growth index
• Conducted SPAD chlorophyll measurements and petiole sap nitrate analysis
• Collected soil and water samples for pH, EC, and moisture testing
• Managed hydroponic systems and laboratory equipment for research trials
• Documented experiments through photography and database records

Greenhouse Specialist at Corn Crib Nursery (2018-06 – 2020-03)

Assisted with production of spring bedding crops in a commercial greenhouse environment

• Assisted with production of spring bedding crops in a commercial greenhouse environment. Sowing Seeds, planting plugs, propagating cuttings.
• Performed crop maintenance including watering, fertilizing, weeding, and pinching, regularly testing water and mixing chemicals
• Monitored plant material for nutrient deficiencies, pests, and diseases and released biological insects
• Maintained plant quality standards for retail and wholesale distribution, kept the greenhouse clean and tidy between production and retail

Grower Intern - Germination & Propagation and Bedding Plants and Houseplants and Orchids at Green Circle Growers (2018-01 – 2018-05)

Assisted with large-scale greenhouse production of bedding plants, Foliage plants, & Orchids

• Assisted with large-scale greenhouse production of bedding plants, Foliage plants, & Orchids
• Operated greenhouse technology including irrigation booms and automated seeders, fertilizer mixing systems
• Monitored climate conditions using PRIVA environmental control systems
• Conducted small production trials and presented results to company leadership

Bachelor of Science in Horticulture & Greenhouse Operations and Management – Iowa State University (2016-09 – 2019-12)

Certification in Culinary Arts – Eastern Iowa Community College (2013-09 – 2016-05)