Ryan Phillips
Bio:
Ryan Phillips is the Owner of Ty Ty Nursery in Ty Ty, Georgia.
Since he was a young man, Ryan Philips know that he wanted to work with plants in his career; they’ve always been his passion. As a teenager, Ryan ran a landscaping business in his local community and was soon after hired at a plant nursery when he was 15. After completing high school, Ryan attended Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Tifton, Georgia. Looking to expand his education further, Ryan went on to attend the University of Georgia, where he became a member of Pi Alpha Xi, a horticulture honor society.
During his studies, Ryan got a job at Ty Ty Nursery, a plant nursery located in Ty Ty, Georgia. Ryan has been at Ty Ty Nursery for more than 10 years now and recently purchased the business, becoming the Owner. Ryan hopes to pass Ty Ty Nursery off to his children one day.
What is your hobby?
Although I spend all day working with plants, I would still consider gardening to be a hobby of mine. When I’m not at Ty Ty Nursery working with plants, I’m at home tending to the family garden.
What do you love about your hobby?
It’s hard to say exactly what I love so much about plants and gardening. There’s something calming about working with soil and nurturing the plants as they grow. Not only is it therapeutic just looking after these plants, but it really brightens up your yard. You can create a garden entirely unique and can plant a wide variety of bushes, trees, flowers, and more.
When did you really become interested in gardening?
My interest in plants and gardening really became apparent during my teen years when I was in high school. I began a landscaping business because I had a passion and a talent for yard work and gardening. It was a good first experience and I soon after found myself working at a plant nursery. This was my first real experience working at a plant nursery and I loved it so much I eventually bought one!
How would you say your hobby has changed your life?
Well, it’s essentially given me a career, which helps me provide for my family. When I’m gardening outside of work, I find it very calming as well. Days can be hectic and busy at Ty Ty Nursery and, although I love what I do, it’s nice to have my own private garden to tend to at home. Not only that, but gardening and doing yard work is something that can be done as a family or with friends. It’s a great bonding experience.
What advice would you give someone looking to get into gardening?
Just do it! Go and get your hands dirty and start planting. Do some research first to find out when you should be planting and what will work best for your garden and your climate conditions. You’ll need to invest in some gardening tools as well. Go and pick up a tough pair of gloves, gardening sheers, and a trowel. There’s more stuff you’ll need as your garden evolves but those things are a good start.
What is a recent purchase you’ve made that’s helped with your hobby?
I recently picked up a pair of knee pads. If you spend long hours out in the garden, you’re probably spending a lot of time on your knees, which can get painful. I’d recommend some knee pads to those who are serious gardeners or if you’ve got bad joints.
To learn more about Ryan Phillips and Ty Ty Nursery, please check out these links:
https://patch.com/georgia/atlanta/tyty-nursery-how-grow-atlanta-s-iconic-blueberries
Ty Ty Nursery’s Tips on How to Approach the Spring Gardening Season