About Knecht’s Nurseries and Landscaping

Welcome to Knecht’s Nurseries and Landscaping! We proudly offer high-quality, Minnesota-hardy trees, shrubs, and perennials and a wide selection of annuals as well as landscape design and installation services.

We started growing trees in 1988 and added our garden center in 1999. Our MNLA certified staff is committed to personal service, continuous improvement, and fostering a sense of community through our passion for plants. We hope your visit to Knecht’s Nurseries and Landscaping will be a rewarding experience!

Meet Our Staff

Jim Westlund MNLA-CP
Owner, Landscape Division Manager
 

I started at Knecht’s in February of 2005 and took over ownership in 2022. I’m a graduate of Northfield High School and Dakota County Technical College. I enjoy working with people and being outdoors. I look forward to every job — whether large or small!  In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, motorcycling and bicycling.

Tracy Bahr MNLA-CP, AA Landscape Horticulture
Office Manager
 

I joined the Knecht’s team in 2016 and my role here has continued to evolve since then. I am involved in every aspect of the business, from accounting to management to plant care. I’m particularly interested in problem solving, and I use that drive to meet every challenge, be it plant or business related. 

Heidi Brosseau MNLA-CP
Landscape Designer
 

I have been a part of the Knecht’s experience since the spring of 2001.  While I have worn many hats, I am currently blessed with the opportunity to share my plant knowledge, creativity, eye for balance, and industry professionalism as Knecht’s Landscape Designer! Many of you got to know me during my years as a dedicated member of the Knecht’s Retail Team, where I would design “on the fly” and help our visitors find the best plant(s) to suit both their site and their needs.  As a designer I continue this mission, and look forward to being a part of the  first step in creating an outdoor experience you can enjoy and be proud of for years to come!

Bernie Emery MNLA-CP, AA Landscape Horticulture
Retail Manager
 
I started here at Knecht’s in 2012 while on an internship through the horticulture program at DCTC.  I have always had a love for the outdoors and gardening.  My husband and I have a huge vegetable garden and our own greenhouses! I hope to be able to answer any gardening questions you may have and look forward to meeting our customers.
 
Simone Schneegans MNLA-CP, BA English Literature
Assistant Retail Manager
Simone and Asclepias
 

I’ve been with Knecht’s since 2018 and I love this place more every year. I’m particularly obsessed with cottage gardens, pollinators, and dark foliage. Among the many roles I play at Knecht’s, container design, writing blogs, and perennial care are my favorites. I love talking plants and spreading joy through gardening, and I consider it a personal mission to get other people excited about the ways that plants impact us and everything around us. 

Taylor Rasmussen MNLA-CP, MS Biology
Production Manager
 
I started at Knecht’s in 2018 on the production crew and I’ve since helped out with many aspects of the business. I focus mainly on tree care and keeping our inventory organized. I’m also the go to person for wildlife questions that come our way. My wife and I have a huge garden full of native and pollinator friendly plants and in 2021 we added a low-maintenance pond, which we dug out by hand. I’m passionate about native communities and preserving wildlife for future generations. Always happy to talk with other people who have a passion for natural things!
 
Todd Marnie, Patrick Braucher, Amy Willkomm
Veteran Staff
Jim and Todd

We are so fortunate to have such dedicated and knowledgeable employees. These hard working people are the backbone of our staff and we don’t know what we’d do without them!

Area's largest Garden Center. Home of Peak Performance Trees.

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