Profile Type: Dining

Both born and raised in North Carolina, Ryan and Namaste were greatly influenced by their parents love of gardening and indoor/outdoor plants. They learned that you can never, ever have too many plants!!!

Namaste grew up in the foothills spending much of her time exploring the outdoors. She developed a love of plants as a kid, seeking serenity within grounds she ventured. Her love for plants grew more and more, as she grew older. Her countless frolics to her favorite gardens at Reynolda Village in Winston-Salem, was significantly influential. Some days were just too nice to go to her near by high school, so she ended up at these gardens instead……..and never got caught! She has worn numerous hats in the horticulture biz over the years. Being a grower and watching a plant grow and flourish, especially from a seed or cutting, has been most fulfilling for her. It is the simple things that makes us happiest. She has been in the horticultural industry for over 20 years. Namaste is the grower…….and the plant fanatic.

Ryan is from the Sandhills area. He was born with a hammer in one hand and a fishing pole in his other hand. His love of the outdoors and nature keeps him inspired and motivated to create. Ryan has a construction business focusing on all aspects of home renovations. In his spare time, what he really enjoys is creating his own unique pieces of woodwork. He builds tables, stools and benches, either traditional or rustic style. He loves to make wooden swords and hammers, along with beautiful custom canoe paddles. From furnishings, to toys and arbors, he can produce anything. He is an artist in his own right. Ryan is the creator….which means Namaste has a list of never ending projects.

Together with Namaste’s horticulture background and Ryan being a highly skilled carpenter, they decided to build a greenhouse. Designed from scratch, this one-of-a-kind greenhouse was built from salvaged sliding glass window inserts and cull lumber. In an attempt to find arrowheads in the creek bed, Ryan collected buckets on top of buckets of river rock for the footpath. Now, that is how to build a greenhouse on a shoestring budget! Along with their greenhouse, they try to keep honeybees. They bought their first hives in 2017. It has been a challenge, but very rewarding when you see a honeybee harvest pollen and nectar from your plants. The best part, though, is when you get your first taste of that honey! Outside of work, they still both love being outdoors in nature with their children, the birds, the trees and all the other wild things.