Welcome Aboard, Lisa Hilgenberg

6/15/24 — We are happy to welcome Lisa Hilgenberg to Intrinsic Perennial Gardens as the Intrinsic Introductions Genetics+ Supply+ New Plant Trial manager. Lisa joins Brent Horvath’s breeding team after a 15-year career at the Chicago Botanic Garden, most recently as the head horticulturist of the Fruit and Vegetable Garden. Two years were spent working with perennials in the Farwell Garden. While raising her family she built a successful real estate career on the North Shore of Chicago viewing countless private gardens, learning the importance of the role nature, gardens, and durable plants play in the quality of people’s lives.

A native Minnesotan, Lisa has a BS in Geology, minor in French, and Professional Horticulture certifications. She is an instructor at the School of the Chicago Botanic Garden and is media trained, a speaker and garden writer. In her new role, Lisa will help facilitate supply for existing licensees, provide focus for the breeding program, and manage the trial plant distribution and communications. In addition, she would be happy to answer any questions about growing tomatoes.