5 Minutes With … Kara Harris
Kara Harris is business manager at Madison Garden Center dba Barrett’s Showplace Gardens in Adrian, Michigan.
What brought you into the green industry?
As a child, I would often come to the store with my grandmother while she shopped for garden vegetables and plants. I remember feeling so excited to visit — it was a highlight of the season to see all the beautiful plants and help her in the garden each year. When a position opened here, I jumped at the opportunity. I thought, “Wow, I could work somewhere that combines two things I love — accounting and gardening.” I had no idea back then how much my role would grow. Now, seven years later, I’m proud to serve as the business manager. This year marks our 70th year at this location — a milestone that fills me with pride and excitement. As we honor our roots, I’m equally eager to see how we’ll continue to grow and evolve in the years ahead.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
For me, it’s empowering my team to do what they do best. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching each team member grow in confidence, expand their knowledge and evolve into trusted experts in our industry. Seeing their success and passion firsthand is what makes this work so fulfilling.
What has surprised you about garden retail?
How deeply fulfilling it is. After more than 20 years in accounting, I never experienced the sense of purpose and connection I feel at the end of each day here. I genuinely look forward to coming to work — not just to support my team, but to interact with our customers. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how happy people are to visit us, whether they’re shopping, seeking advice for a gardening issue or simply stopping by to say hello. That sense of community has been the most unexpected and gratifying surprise.
If your career had gone a different direction, what do you think you would have done?
Before shifting gears into accounting, I had my heart set on becoming a biologist. I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world, especially plants — an interest that started in childhood and has stayed with me ever since. Even though my path led to business and numbers, that early love for biology and the outdoors never faded. In many ways, working in the garden retail industry has brought those two passions — science and structure — back together.
What’s something few people know about you?
Most people don’t know that I originally began my education in biology before switching to accounting. It’s a bit ironic — and a little full circle — that I’ve ended up in the green industry after more than 20 years in public accounting. I eventually moved into private practice, and when I joined the garden center, it was as an assistant to the controller. Within a few months, the controller retired and my role quickly evolved. When Matt Carpenter purchased the store in 2022, that evolution continued, and I stepped into the position of business manager. These days, my work spans everything from back-office operations to helping on the front lines — depending on the needs of the day and where I can best support my team.
Favorite plant to grow? Why?
Marigolds are hands-down my favorite. It all ties back to childhood memories of helping my grandmother in her garden — she always planted marigolds along the borders and in her planters. At the time, I didn’t understand why, but as an adult, I learned just how beneficial they are. Marigolds attract pollinators and other beneficial insects while also helping to deter garden pests. They’re not only practical, but also incredibly cheerful, long-blooming and low-maintenance. I love the variety they offer — this year, I’m especially excited about the French marigold ‘Strawberry Blonde’, with its unique pastel pink, rose and yellow bicolor blooms. It’s a stunning twist on a nostalgic favorite.
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