Theresa Kyriazes Bio
I began my career in the plant industry way back in 1980 as a salesperson for a local floral shop. The flower shop had 3 growing greenhouses and 2 display houses with an emphasis on bedding and tropical plants. Tasks included waiting on customers, designing floral arrangements, making corsages and taking care of plants while finding solutions to customers needs. I remained employed there during holidays and as a greenhouse consultant for nearly 20 years. This is where I learned my customer service skills. 
When I began working at the Lincoln Park Conservatory in April of 1984, they placed me in greenhouse production where I primarily worked in the Chrysanthemum section. This is where I learned the fundamentals of growing. I was one of the two head designers for our four seasonal displays and quickly earned the respect from the seasoned veterans working with me. In 1991, I was transferred to Garfield Park Conservatory where I was transitioned in as the new Chrysanthemum grower as the former was retiring. While at Garfield, I was able to continue to design major flower shows as well as lead tours, and become the public liaison for the conservatory by going to schools and nursing homes and instructing them on different horticultural subjects. After a major freeze at the conservatory, they threatened to shut the conservatory down. Because of the awareness of the Conservatory by our community outreach, the Garfield Park Alliance was formed, where I played a key role in instituting our programs which now enable classrooms to come to the conservatory to learn and discover.
I left the Chicago Park District to open a floral business. My shop was named Flowers by Theresa “not your ordinary petal pusher”. My main focus was on wedding flowers where I would assist the Bride in creating “the most important day of her life”. When I got married, I did my own wedding flowers. I closed my business after the birth of my son, now 8 years old.
In Oct of 2008, I was hired as the Head Grower at the Oak Park Conservatory. I still love growing the Chrysanthemums but also enjoy designing the displays. In 2010 when we renovated our Tropical room, I was honored to have the responsibility to redesign it.
I am currently attending classes at Triton College to pursue a degree in Landscape Design.
I love to take care of plants and I love working with people. I really do have the best job in the world!
Head Grower, Theresa Kyriazes, answers anything and everything about houseplants and gardening. Email her at TheresaK@oakparkparks.com to have your gardening questions answered.
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