Michael Partusch, VNLA Certified Horticulturist,, ISA Certified Arborist,, VDAC Commercial Applicator License categories 1A & 3A, American Red Cross First Aid, AED, CPR Certified

Michael P Partusch

b.16 Nov. 1982

Michael brings over 20 years of horticulture experience including seeding / propagation, design & installation, as well as adult and youth education. As Horticulture Manager at VMFA, he is a member of Virginia Nursery and Landscaping Association (VNLA), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP), International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS), and American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS). Michael holds a Commercial Spray License in Agriculture (1A) and Ornamental (3A) because while he does not like chemicals, he does like to stay current and educated about their usage. He is also CPR/AED/First Aid Certified by the American Red Cross.

His experience includes Sustainable Agriculture Horticulturist for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden where he grew thousands of pounds of fresh organic produce with the dedication of a phenomenal family of volunteers for donation to FeedMore. He was also an adult education instructor for classes on growing for yourself from seed to harvest.

Previously as Horticulture Education Coordinator for Paul Smith Children’s Village at Cheyenne Botanic Garden, he had the pleasure of educating children Pre-K thru grade 6 with fun and inspiring curriculum-based lessons on the world around us. He helped to create a safe and inclusive public garden space for visitors of all ages and enjoyed working with a large volunteer force ages teen to 90+.

Michael has been owner and operator of Little Cottage Greenhouse and De Colores Greenhouse & Gardens; both passion projects focusing on natives, heirlooms, and organic growing practices.

He loves what he does and is passionate about planting for pollinators & connecting people to the dirt beneath their feet.