By Kevin Greer
Lakeside Communications Manager
Kyle Bueter was never a “laboratory guy.” He worked in greenhouses but envisioned doing jobs outdoors after earning his bachelor’s degree in botany from Miami University. When Lakeside offered Bueter the position to join the Grounds Team, he didn’t have to think too hard about it.
“I always tell people working in a greenhouse is basically like a factory with plants and it gets pretty stuffy in there,” Bueter said. “This is what I like doing, being with people and making gardens and being outside.”
Prior to his interview with Lakeside’s Master Gardener Loretta Wilken, Bueter had never been to Lakeside. He and his fiancé took the short drive from Port Clinton in early April 2023 to look around. Bueter was working in a greenhouse in Huron at the time and was ready for a change. It didn’t take long to figure out that Lakeside would be a perfect fit.
“I never knew about Lakeside until I saw the job posting,” Bueter said. “That’s kind of what got me researching it and trying to figure out what exactly it is. When I got here and drove around, I was like, OK, this more of what I’m looking for.”
Bueter is taking on the new role as Director of Horticulture and will manage the Grounds Team after Wilken’s retirement in January 2024. He’ll be planting annuals, pruning shrubs and general garden maintenance. He’ll also oversee administrative duties, like ordering soil and gravel, getting in touch with contractors to do large landscaping projects and budgeting.
“All things grounds are going to be under my supervision,” Bueter said. “There’s going to be a lot to it.”
Bueter had the opportunity to meet many Lakesiders during his first summer and looks forward to meeting more. He says the community offers a lot of input and appreciates those who offer help, whether by volunteering their time or financially. Bueter says he’s always up for different ideas and suggestions and wants Lakesiders to feel comfortable to approach and talk with him.
“There are a lot of people who are very passionate about the gardens,” Bueter said. “It’s a position where you have to be really collaborative with people and go through all the proper channels. We need to make sure it’s being done under Lakeside’s bylaws and regulations.”
Bueter is excited to have the Grounds Team move to the former Marblehead Fire Station next to the Maintenance Building. The Toledo native is working on plans of how to use the space and what is needed as far as shelving, racks, equipment and other things needed to move in there. He hopes to have everything ready by the end of the year. He will also have his own office, but hopes his time inside is limited.
“I’d much rather be out on the grounds with the crew because that’s what I like doing,” Bueter said. “I do think that with the added responsibilities of this position there are going to be days where I’m going to be pulled into the office. It’s good that I have that kind of flexibility.”
Bueter would like to bolster the programs Lakeside already has, rather than make drastic changes. He is working with Director of Education John Mann and V.P. of Advancement and Marketing Gretchen Colon to host a garden week for the Chautauqua Lecture Series and give Get Growing! more exposure with well-known gardening experts. He also wants to revamp and redesign some areas of Lakeside that the team hasn’t had the time to work on.
“We definitely want to look at some areas of Lakeside and breathe new life into them,” Bueter said.
Bueter says he has learned “an incredible amount” from Wilken, not just the horticultural side of things, but also how Lakeside works. She knows all the go-to people for any questions about certain areas. He knows she is well-respected by Lakesiders and that taking her place won’t be easy.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel any pressure,” Bueter said. “I think it’s good. It’s exciting pressure and something I’m prepared to do.”
