Bob Van Cura - President

Bob has been playing in the soil from the time he could walk (and tracking it into the house). He started in the industry in 1985 and graduated from Ohio State University in 1992 with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture, with an emphasis in greenhouse production. He is accredited as an Ohio Certified Nursery Master Technician and currently chairs and has served on the board of directors for the Garden Center committee for OFA, an international association of industry professionals. In addition to many years in retail and working as a grower for 6 years, Bob has designed hundreds of landscapes for people over the past 16 years. He came to work for Maple Lee when they opened what is now A Proper Garden in 1996. Even after all these years, every day presents a new set of challenges and excitement that keep Bob energized about being a part of such a fascinating business.

Chris Gueli, Director of Development

Chris is new to us having recently been a Domestic Litigator for a number of years. He is enjoying the change of pace, the fresh air, and the friendly faces. Chris has two daughters who both are competitive figure skaters.

Kris Prengaman - Customer Service

Kris has lived with her family in Delaware for 18 years after a lot of moving from place to place. Every home has had a garden put in as soon as the boxes were unpacked. She has killed many plants over time, but through trial and error has learned a lot about gardening and helping things grow. These days they do pretty well. She loves to talk about gardening with beginners and experts alike, because it's fun to help people get started and there is always so much more to learn. Perennials are her favorite - that's where you can usually find her at A Proper Garden.

Kris France - Front End Coordinator

Kris holds an Associate's degree in Arts and Applied Sciences, from Columbus State University and lives in Delaware County with her husband, Jim. You will often find her in the front of the store up by the registers. She is an avid gardener who also loves animals. She is the local savior of lost hummingbirds who get trapped in the store. Kris also loves to greet the canine regulars and always has a doggy treat for man's best friend. She has a kitty-cat Chelsea and a grown up daughter, Nicole.

Kelly Smith

Kelly has ten years of experience in horticulture and landscaping. She is our tree and shrub expert and can also help you to design your yard. Kelly is responsible for our theme gardens and invites everyone to come take a look at her handiwork. She lives in Columbus with the company of her four dogs.

Charlotte Tramayne - Container Gardening

Charlotte has been working in the industry for seven years. She likes both the plants and the people. She really enjoys helping people with their planting needs, and finds her job a good outlet for creativity. Charlotte has been a resident of Ohio throughout her life. In addition she enjoys downhill skiing in the winter and gourmet cooking year round.

Beth Burdick - Conservatory Coordinator

Beth holds a Bachelor's degree from Cornell University in Horticulture. In addition, she has been in the field for 7 years. She resides in Columbus and enjoys the scenic drive up the Olentangy River, especially in fall. She loves gardening and cannot wait until she has a yard. Because of this, the windowsills of her apartment are full to bursting with houseplants.

Andy Bates - Facilities Associate

Andy resides locally in Powell. He is our part-time jack-of-all-trades. He helps with customers, maintenance and deliveries.

Ann Marie Casale - Customer Service and Floral Design

Annemarie can be found up by the registers with a smile and cup of coffee. She enjoys her job because of the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. When not at work, she does party planning and floral arrangement, and of course loves to garden. Annemarie lives with her husband and two young boys who keep her very active.

Will Riddle - Construction Engineer

Will has a good mechanical background, and keeps us up and running as our handyman. He recently moved to Ohio from North Carolina. He is married and has an eleven-yearold son. In addition, he likes spending time outside and loves the outdoors.

Debbie Combs - Silk Floral Designer, Merchandising and Display

Debbie can be found at our design counter, in the front of the store several days a week. She has been in the floral industry for 40 years, 20 of which were spent owning her own shop. She currently resides in Marion with Rich, her significant other. She also has a son, Logan and a dog named Bob.

Kristyl Shoaf

Kristyl lives in Delaware along with her along with her two young children and husband . She is an enthusiastic gardener who loves the outdoors. You will often see her up in our gift shop or at the register.

Hanna Tefend - Conservatory Coordinator

Hanna is a Worthington resident as well as a mother of three. She chairs the Grounds Beautification Committee at her local elementary school of Worthington Hills. She enjoys gardening and is a graduate of OSU. As well as having been a teacher, she also used to run an antique booth with her mother. She loves decorating with a passion and enjoys seeing beauty in all things.