What’s your favorite plant to grow?
I enjoy growing tomatoes, which is funny because I don’t enjoy eating them. Only as a sauce or as soup. When I started at Farmscape, tomatoes were one of the most intimidating crops to grow, but now I really enjoy the challenge of navigating the different pests, diseases and pruning them. I love that there’s so many different colors and varieties and shapes. Tomatoes are a client favorite, so there’s always a bit of pressure when growing them, but it comes with a big reward when you get a really big and beautiful tomato harvest.

How did you get into farming?
I’ve kind of always had the influence of family members around me that had green thumbs. My grandma would grow herbs and pots on her patio, and my sister and my mom are also gardeners. I started working with plants when I was 14 and I would work out in my sister’s store and bounce between the greenhouse, nursery and floral department.
I never actually grew vegetables myself until I moved to LA. I always wanted to have a garden, and got on a waiting list to join a community garden. I waited many months to get a plot. Once I got it, I was instantly hooked. I really wanted to figure out a way to make a career of gardening, because I love it so much.

What do you like about working at Farmscape?
One of the huge selling points for me coming in was the environment and the people. I hear it a lot from other people too, “this is the best job I’ve ever had”. It’s nice to work with people that have similar interests and the fact that we’re growing food keeps it interesting and fun. Plus you get to learn so much from other people. I also really enjoy the creative aspect of this work. I see the gardens like a blank canvas that we get to paint and fill in. I love seeing the gardens come to fruition throughout the season.

What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?
I have a really long name. Taneya Glenda Ariel Marie Hilding Parks. My mom just wanted everyone to feel included. I had a grandpa, Glenn, my sister wanted my name to be Ariel, so that got thrown in there. Marie was my grandma’s name. Hilding is my grandparents’ last name. And then Parks.