Meet Our Team at The Country Barn
At The Country Barn in Elkton, KY, our greatest strength is our people. From seasoned managers with decades of gardening knowledge to friendly associates who love sharing plant care tips, our staff is here to make every visit a welcoming and rewarding experience. Whether you’re shopping for Proven Winners® annuals, Endless Summer® Hydrangeas, or browsing our Plant a Pollinator selections, you’ll find expert advice and personal service to help your garden thrive. Our team’s passion for plants, gardening, and the great outdoors ensures that every customer leaves with confidence, inspiration, and the right plants for Kentucky’s growing conditions.
David Weaver – Plant Manager
With 30 years of gardening experience, David is a cornerstone of The Country Barn team. As Plant Manager, he brings a lifetime of knowledge and a true love for watching plants grow and come to life. His favorite plants are Supertunias, which he admires for their fragrance, beauty, and ease of growth.
David’s go-to gardening advice is simple but powerful: “Don’t water the leaves of plants—water the soil.” This wisdom reflects his hands-on approach and decades of experience caring for plants. Beyond gardening, David enjoys being outdoors, where his passion for nature and growing things truly shines
Anna Weaver – General Manager
With 30 years of gardening experience, Anna leads The Country Barn as General Manager with both expertise and heart. Her favorite plant is lantana, which she calls “the most heat-loving plant for Kentucky summers.” She knows from experience that full-sun hanging baskets need to be watered every day, a tip she gladly passes along to customers.
For Anna, gardening is more than work—it’s a way to relax and recharge. Beyond her time in the garden center, she loves to bake and especially enjoys making her grandkids happy with homemade treats
Lori Newswanger – Garden Center Manager
With 11 years of gardening experience, Lori brings both leadership and passion to her role as Garden Center Manager at The Country Barn. Her favorite plant is the Limelight Hydrangea, which she appreciates for being both low-maintenance and beautiful.
Lori’s top gardening tip is especially helpful for container gardeners: “Use plant food for container gardening at least once a week, or every time you water.” She loves gardening because it allows her to watch things grow and come to life, a joy she happily shares with customers. Outside of gardening, Lori enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities that keep her connected to nature
Kaylyn Martin – Garden Center Manager
With 10 years of gardening experience, Kaylyn brings a warm enthusiasm for plants and people to her role as Garden Center Manager at The Country Barn. She especially loves houseplants, noting how “they brighten up your home” and create a welcoming atmosphere indoors.
Her go-to gardening tip is practical and preventative: “Don’t water the leaves, water the soil.” She reminds gardeners that keeping leaves dry helps prevent disease and keeps plants healthy. For Kaylyn, gardening is a way to feel close to nature. Outside of work, she enjoys hunting with her husband, one of her favorite hobbies
Lois Ann Martin – Garden Center Employee
With 8 years of gardening experience, Lois brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for nature to The Country Barn. Her favorite plants are roses, which she admires for their beauty and their ability to bloom all summer long. She often shares her go-to gardening tip: “Water early in the morning before the sun gets too hot.”
For Lois, gardening is about more than plants—it’s about staying close to nature. She finds joy in the outdoors, whether it’s tending to flowers, hiking, horseback riding, or simply soaking up the fresh air. At The Country Barn, Lois enjoys connecting with fellow plant lovers and helping customers find the plants that will bring beauty and joy to their own gardens
Marilyn Horning – Garden Center Employee
Marilyn has 9 years of gardening experience and a true appreciation for plants that are both tough and beautiful. Her favorite is echinacea, which she loves for its hardiness and striking blooms. Marilyn’s go-to tip is a classic one: “Don’t water the leaves, water the soil.” She notes that keeping leaves dry helps prevent disease and keeps plants healthier.
For Marilyn, the joy of gardening comes from seeing the results of her efforts. She also loves spending time outdoors, where she feels most at home surrounded by nature
Emmaline Buckholder – Garden Center Associate
With 10 years of gardening experience, Emmaline is a dedicated Garden Center Associate who enjoys sharing her love of plants with customers. Her favorite flowers are peonies, which she treasures simply because “I just like those beautiful flowers.”
Her go-to gardening tip for container plants is to use plant food regularly—about once a week or every third watering—to keep them healthy and thriving. Emmaline loves gardening because it allows her to watch things grow and come to life. She also enjoys working outside with plants, where she feels most at home
Carlee Martin – Garden Center Employee
Carlee has 5 years of gardening experience and brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to The Country Barn team. Her favorite plant is perennial hibiscus, which she loves because “they put on quite a show in the late summer.”
Carlee’s gardening advice is especially helpful for container gardeners: “Use plant food at least once a week, or every third watering.” She enjoys gardening because it allows her to see the results of her efforts and connect with the outdoors. Beyond gardening, Carlee has a love for music, horseback riding, and spending time outside