Gardening was part of the family from the beginning. What began as Josh's own little corner of the vegetable garden, blossomed into an interest in plants that grew throughout his childhood. He graduated in 2000 with an AAS degree in Horticulture. Being in a wheelchair creates obvious obstacles in the garden for Josh, but with a little creativity, a lot of determination, and much help and support from family and friends, physical limitations don't get in the way.

He wrote a column entitled "Enabled Gardening" for Pond & Garden magazine during its final year in print, and regularly contributes articles and photos to the American Hosta Society's The Hosta Journal. He was awarded the AHS Best New Author award at the 2008 American Hosta Society National Convention, and currently serves as Webeditor-in-Chief on the Board of Directors for the American Hosta Society.

Josh and Sue are long-time members of the Eastern Iowa Pond Society and Josh is an occasional contributor to their monthly newsletter, as well as the club's webmaster. Josh speaks frequently on Hostas, water gardening, water plants, and accessible gardening to garden and pond clubs, Master Gardener groups, and other gardening groups and events.

Sue has more than 25 years experience in creating handmade crafts and gifts. Long before opening In The Country, Sue and her mom, JoAnn, traveled all over Eastern Iowa to sell their items at craft shows. Now Sue uses her creative eye to fill the gift shop with unique garden décor, statuary, and homespun gifts.