Our Crew

Meet the passionate team behind Fiddleheads, dedicated to growing and inspiring our community every day!

Sam Brown

Proud Owner and co-founder of Fiddleheads Garden Center. Sam Brown is also a licensed landscape architect.

Hello, friends (or should I say fronds)! Welcome to Fiddleheads Garden Center! I'm Sam Brown, the proud owner and co-founder, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that you’re here with us today. Let me share a little bit about myself – my love for plants started at the age of three, thanks to my wonderful Mema, who sparked my passion for all things green. That early connection stayed with me and led me to earn a degree in landscape architecture from UGA. After graduation, I had the privilege of designing landscapes in the Atlanta area, a trail system and other projects in Missouri, and even some amazing parks right down the road in Atlanta. But after years of office life, I felt the pull of plants calling me to be even closer to nature so Fiddleheads was born.

Here at Fiddleheads Garden Center, we’re all about more than just selling plants – we’re here to help, share some truly beautiful flora, and, most importantly, brighten your day! We want to make your experience here as special as possible, so feel free to stop by, introduce yourself, and let us guide you through the wonders of our garden center. We’re always evolving with the seasons, so there’s always something new to discover with every visit. We can't wait to see you soon!

  • Crystal - Greenhouse Manager/Landscape Designer and Install Manager

    Crystal is a Dalton native. An Abraham Baldwin Agricultural
    College alumni, where she earned a degree in Landscape Design
    and Horticulture. Crystal has worked in several horticulture fields
    including landscape floriculture, mass bedding plant production to
    wholesale shrubs and tree production/sales. She has been with
    us here at Fiddleheads for nearly a decade. She manages the
    greenhouse/ outdoor staff while also helping customers bring their
    landscape visions to life from start to finish. Outside of work,
    Crystal finds most joy spending time with her husband Nick and
    daughter Lily. They enjoy traveling and competing in various
    equestrian events.

  • Carrie - Marketing and Inventory Specialist

    Carrie has been an integral part of Fiddleheads Garden Center since its beginnings in 2011—not as an employee, but as one of its biggest supporters. Sam opened Fiddleheads about a year after the two were married, and Carrie has been championing him and the Fiddleheads team ever since. In 2023, after 21 years of teaching elementary and middle school students in Dalton Public Schools, Carrie decided to retire from her teaching career. Sam had been encouraging her to join the family business for years, and she was finally ready to take the leap.Today, Carrie leads the inventory and marketing departments at Fiddleheads, but she can often be found lending a hand in other areas of the store, whether it’s in the gift shop or tending to plants in the greenhouse.

    When she’s not getting her hands dirty at Fiddleheads, Carrie enjoys being a devoted soccer mom to Brice and Finn, both avid travel soccer players, and adventuring to national parks all over the country. Carrie and Sam's two boys are also a daily presence at Fiddleheads, making it a true family affair.  

  • Peyton - Head Fiddle Farmer

    Meet Peyton, ourFiddleFarms Market Coordinator. Her primary training for farming and the greenhouse came throughout her life on her family's farm at the hands of her grandfather. After working a high stress job with the military, she was seeking something more fulfilling for her future...which was the beginning of the creation of the winter market's here at Fiddleheads. When not at work, you can find Peyton at the gym, reading with her cats (Ripley and Rooster), or cheering on the Dawgs! 

  • Sophia - Greenhouse Assistant Manager

    Meet Sophia! An open-minded soul who believes everyone deserves the joy of having a few green companions, whether indoors or out. Often found getting creative with pens, dyes, and everything in between, she sees potential in even the most unusual things. With a belief that every experience—good or bad—is a chance to grow, she aims to bring smiles and laughter to everyone she meets. You’ll most likely find her in her happy place, the greenhouse, where she enjoys a variety of tunes while connecting with her leafy friends.

  • Jess - Bookkeeping and Hospitality

    Jess gets her hands dirty a little differently every day that she's here and loves that about her roles at Fiddleheads. Some days she's behind the computer creating financial reports and working on inventory and others she's greeting you behind the register or helping you with your plant needs out in the greenhouse. Outside of Fiddleheads, she loves driving her kids, Eden, Jericho and Karis, all around the city as they pursue their extracurricular activities, walking, traveling to as many new places as she can possibly drag her family, and sharing her sourdough creations with family, friends, and the Fiddleheads team!

  • Eilyn - House Plant Extraordinaire

    She fell in love with Fiddleheads Garden Center back in 2019 and has been a part of our team ever since. With her extensive knowledge of houseplants, she’s your go-to person for any questions or tips to keep your greenery thriving. Outside of work, Eilyn loves attending local music shows, adventuring with friends, and supporting our vibrant community. Fun fact: every time you see Eilyn, she might have a brand-new hair color—she’s all about keeping things fresh and fun!

  • Alyn - The Retired Utility Player Guy

    Alyn and his wife are enjoying retired life here in Dalton. One day he was shopping for pine straw and is now a handyman and greenhouse worker for Sam and Crystal. Alyn enjoys long walks with his wife and two dogs; traveling; and volunteering at the Humane Society.

  • Ella - Hospitality

    Ella strives to put a smile on the face of everyone who walks through Fiddleheads. Whether it’s by telling a joke or greeting customers, she always does her best to bring joy to those around her. You can find Ella assisting at the cash register or helping a customer with a specific need, always aiming to provide the best service possible. Outside of Fiddleheads, Ella enjoys long hikes, running, and even skateboarding. You’ll often find her either exploring nature or at home reading a book with her cat.  

  • Greg AKA Bobo - Greenhouse Associate/Repair Guy

    Greg, Graaaaag, and Bobo are different names yet only one person answers to those at FGC.  He is Sam's dad who has darkened the doors since before those doors opened to the public.  He once ran a furniture and hardware store in Chatsworth that was in the family for 87 years.  After retiring from this labor of love, he transitioned to a job of public service for 20 years in one of the most despised positions ever known.....the villainous tax assessor.  Greg survived this role which led to his final retirement...or so he thought.  Sam recruited him to help get Fiddleheads off the ground in 2011 and he has stuck around ever since.  He has never shied away from a conversation and can talk plants till the cows come home.  He is an avid fisherman and loves to travel to see the wonders of nature all over.  He has repaired and built so many different things at the store over the years while adding his experience of retail from back in the day.  Come have a chat and talk about veggies with him.

  • Denise AKA Mom

    Denise, Sam's mom, was a beloved figure with a remarkable legacy. A dedicated educator for many years, she never anticipated that she would eventually lend her helping hands to her son at his garden center. From the early days before the doors opened to the public, she was there, and once they did open, her warmth and endless support were evident to both customers and staff. More than just a welcoming face at the door, Denise could be found potting plants, assisting at the register, or unloading trucks. Despite standing just a frog hair over five feet, her strength and energy were larger than life.

    A passionate cross-stitch enthusiast for many years, she even once ran a stitching store in downtown Chatsworth. She had a love for travel, especially for exploring U.S. National Parks, and an undeniable talent for cooking—particularly when it came to some of Sam’s favorite sweets.

    Her strength was most evident during her four-year battle with stage 4 cancer. Despite the toll chemotherapy took on her every two weeks, Denise continued to be a vibrant presence at the garden center, never letting the exhaustion stop her from helping those around her. Though she is no longer with us, her impact remains ever-present. We are forever grateful for her unwavering dedication, hard work, and the love and support she gave to so many over the years.