Meet Our Team
Jennifer McDonald
“She reminds me of me a long time ago. I am very impressed.”
~ Martha Stewart
I’m Jen, and I began gardening six years ago after watching too many Nancy Meyers movies. As a home stylist and lover of outdoor entertaining, I longed to set the ultimate scene with a swoon worthy garden that produced beautiful vegetables, loads of herbs and picture perfect flower bouquets, while wearing white linen pants (goals).
I grew up in Napa Valley, CA with hills and vineyards as my backdrop. My father had a full, productive garden and I remember spending afternoons sitting on an overturned bucket, watching him pluck tomatoes and snap peas from their vines. I loved eating whatever he was harvesting.
For the last fourteen years, I’ve called Houston home. I’ve learned through trial and error what grows well in this climate, which affords us a fantastic opportunity to grow year round. I was featured in Martha Stewart’s television series, “Getting Down and Dirty with Martha,” Season 1, Episode 8 where I impressed Martha (no easy task) with my fourteen raised bed kitchen gardens and growing methods.
Today, I’m a regular expert contributor to publications including Martha Stewart, Homes and Gardens, The Spruce, Southern Living and AD. I’m certified as an Organic Vegetable Garden Specialist, as a Texas Nursery & Landscape Professional and in Native Landscaping through NPSOT, Native & Pollinator Society of Texas.
I enjoy connecting with families and individuals who want to find magic in gardening. Let’s dream a little and turn that dream into your very own Nancy Meyers garden. Wear your linen or wear your workout pants. Just don’t wait. This is a lifestyle that you deserve to enjoy now!
Jill Oliver
I come from a long line of gardeners, beekeepers, pecan-tree farmers, flower and vegetable growers spanning four generations. A true love of gardening runs deep in my roots.
Today I continue the family tradition with my own 400-square-foot kitchen garden and greenhouse in Hunters Creek, and I'm also a beekeeper and gardener at my property in Round Top, Texas, where I grow herbs, flowers, vegetables, and native plants and trees. Like my father and great-grandfather before me, I understand how essential bees are to a thriving garden ecosystem, incorporating pollinators and native plants for self-sustaining, bountiful harvests.
As a garden designer since 2019, I've installed hundreds of beautiful gardens throughout Houston and Round Top. My commitment to horticultural education was recognized with the Ann Lyon Crammond Award from the Garden Club of America, and I'm a member of River Oaks Garden Club.
Let's get started on your dream garden today! I would be honored to help you create your own beautiful space to grow what makes you happy.
Nicole Shah
Hi! I'm Nicole, and my garden is my happy place. Gardening is more than a passion—it's what truly nourishes my body and spirit. When I moved to Houston in 2001, I never imagined I would trade my lawyer briefcase for a gardening apron. My son was the catalyst for this transformation. I wanted him to experience the magic of growing things, just like I did as a child in West Virginia, and it became especially important with his food allergies to learn about fresh, healthy eating.
I feel honored to help clients set up successful raised bed gardens to grow tasty veggies, abundant herbs, and stunning cut flowers. It’s a privilege to witness the transformation that happens to clients in their gardening journey. Gardening is a refuge, teaching patience, discovery, and connection.
Besides inspiring others to grow, I hope to inspire others to follow their passion. Following my passion led me to co-found Garden Girls with two other phenomenal women. I am incredibly proud of our team and shared commitment to designing beautiful, productive, and meaningful spaces while educating others to become confident gardeners.
When I’m not in my garden, you might find me serving on the board of the Braeswood Place Community Garden or volunteering with my daughter at the West University Senior Center. I am also an avid cook and travel enthusiast. I use my garden harvests to make spicy salsa and vibrant pesto. And when I travel, my family knows we'll be seeking out local gardens, where I point out plants and wonder aloud if they could thrive in Houston.
My dream is for every household to grow something. Let’s nourish ourselves and nature and spread gardening joy!
Kelsey Gentry
As a native Houstonian, I spent my childhood savoring the fresh flavors of herbs picked straight from my dad’s backyard garden. After leaving a career in the medical field to embrace the full-time role of mom, I took on a new challenge—building my own garden. Through trial, error, and plenty of lessons learned the hard way, I discovered the joy, complexity, and unpredictability of gardening. Now, I delight in teaching my three young children how to nurture their own patch of green, with fresh tomatoes, blueberries, and blackberries often serving as their on-the-spot snacks.
As a garden coach, I am dedicated to helping clients cultivate gardens that not only thrive but also nourish the broader ecosystem—from native plants to pollinators, pests to beneficial insects. My mission is to inspire families to embrace the beauty of growing their own food while deepening their appreciation for the natural wonders that surround them.
Lindsey Johnson
My name is Lindsey Johnson and I’ve been a gardener for about 15 years. Since I’ve lived on my own, I’ve always tried to grow something or other because my parents were very big into their gardens; especially my dad and stepdad.
Since joining Garden Girls, I’ve learned so much in such a short period of time and my garden is thriving beyond belief. I even harvested my first zucchini this year! It's been such a joy to take this knowledge and share it with clients in our coaching sessions. I love seeing their faces light up when they harvest their first tomato or have that "Aha!" moment about gardening.
My favorite thing to grow is peppers because they do so well in the heat and I love a spicy dish!
Testimonials
“I had such a wonderful experience with Garden Girls! Jen, Jill and Nicole are so amazing! Communication was easy and execution was perfect-I love my garden!”
~ Kim L.
“Garden Girls helps me set up and maintain my garden. They're always quick to answer my questions and help me with any issues that come up. I love my gardens and learning how to tend to them!”
~ Dierdre C.
“I would 100% recommend the Garden Girls! The ladies not only have a "green thumb"... they have a green hand!!! The veggies I harvest as delicious. With their help and guidance, my garden is pretty easy to maintain and I get so many compliments on my garden. I share lots of buy produce with friends and family.”
~ Ashley L.