While her name suggests she was born for a career in horticulture, Sarah Diggs took a detour through the gray-blue hues of the U.S. Navy before finding her true calling in the greenhouse. As Loma Vista Nursery’s propagation manager, she uses that military precision to oversee the delicate birth and early growth of every plant that takes root.
What first drew you to horticulture as a career? How did you find your way to Loma Vista Nursery?
I came to horticulture in a bit of a roundabout way. During my time in the Navy, I had countless opportunities to appreciate the beauty of being out at sea—but that beauty consists mostly of blues and grays. After long stretches onboard, I often felt disconnected from the natural world. When we returned to shore, I found myself craving the full spectrum of color again, especially green. When I decided to leave the military, I chose horticulture as my new path. Later, when my husband’s work required us to relocate, I began searching for a place where I could put my degree to use. Loma Vista Nursery stood out as the premier opportunity in the area.
Sarah Diggs, Loma Vista Nursery’s propagation manager
What are your responsibilities as propagation manager?
My team and I handle the plant material that enters the nursery, such as seeds, plugs or propagules. We also take cuttings from existing stock to propagate into new plants for future production.
What does a typical “day in the life” look like for you during peak growing season?
Flexibility is essential in this industry, especially during the fast-paced spring season. On any given day, my team and I might be pruning, fertilizing, taking cuttings or planting. We must be able to pivot between tasks and respond to whatever needs immediate attention. No two days look identical, which keeps the work engaging and rewarding.
Growing in the Midwest can be unpredictable. How do you help ensure Loma Vista Nursery’s plants are hardy for the Midwest climate?
Hardiness begins with sourcing. We select genetics proven to withstand regional temperature swings. Because we propagate and grow them in our local environment, our plants acclimate to the Midwest’s specific challenges from day one. By the time they reach a landscape, they have already successfully navigated our local weather patterns.
What has been your proudest moment or favorite project since joining the team?
My favorite projects involve mastering difficult species. Some plants are notoriously stubborn when it comes to rooting. Finding the specific timing or environmental balance that allows a challenging variety to thrive is incredibly satisfying. It feels like a significant win for the entire production team.
Sarah Diggs says “right plant, right place” is still the foundation of successful gardening.
What is the most common piece of plant care advice you find yourself giving to others?
I am sure any home gardener or industry professional is tired of hearing it, but “right plant, right place” is the foundation of successful gardening. It can be tempting to tuck a full-sun plant into a shady corner, but doing so leads to extra maintenance and disappointment. We are all used to instant gratification, but taking the time to understand your landscape and climate makes a significant difference. Thoughtful planning upfront sets both the gardener and the plant up for long-term success.
When you aren’t out in the fields or in the greenhouse, how do you like to spend your time?
My husband and I stay busy and spend time outdoors together. We both share a love of foraging. Some of our favorite wild woods to look for are nettles, wild plums and elderberries. After purchasing our first home, we were excited to have the acreage to explore homesteading. We have had chickens for a while now, but this year we are adding honeybees into the mix. They will be a perfect fit with the food and flower gardens we are building.
With a large garden comes the task of preserving the bounty. I enjoy filling our pantry with the results of our hard work. I also prefer to keep my hands busy. Even when I am watching a movie, I am usually crocheting a rug, cross-stitching a pillowcase or embroidering tea towels.
What is the most satisfying part of seeing a large order loaded for delivery?
There is a sense of accomplishment in seeing those trucks pull away. You know those plants, which we may have handled as tiny, uprooted cuttings, are now strong and ready to perform in a landscape. It represents the successful conclusion of months of careful work.
What is the one “pro secret” about plant health practiced at the nursery that landscape professionals and home gardeners should know?
One of the most effective tools for plant health is air circulation. In the nursery, we space plants specifically to prevent stagnant air. Good airflow serves as a natural defense against fungal issues and pests. While gardeners often plant closely for immediate fullness, giving a plant room to breathe ensures better health over time.
About Loma Vista Nursery ‒ Midwest Wholesale Plant Grower
Celebrating 35 years in business in 2026, Loma Vista Nursery grows a variety of healthy perennial plants, trees and shrubs for independent garden centers, landscape contractors and wholesale distributors. Review our plant catalog for detailed information and to pre-order.
Visit our website to learn more about our nursery, including our processes, plant varieties and business values. For assistance with orders or plant-related questions, please call (785) 229-7200 or send an email to sales@lomavistanursery.com. Our team of plant experts is happy to answer questions and provide information about the reliable varieties we grow.
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