`PLANT LADY' OFFERS PLANT MAINTENANCE, DESIGN SERVICE

EGYPT MILLS -- A plant maintenance business, The Plant Lady, has been opened in the region by Debbie Naeter.

"I decided on that name because that's how many people know me," she said. She has been performing this type of on-site work for eight years at Sunny Hill Garden Center Inc.

"I can cite from experience the basic requirements of most tropicals, their susceptibility to disease and infestation, and life expectancy under given conditions," Naeter said. "And I can well assist the homeowner or business manager to assess an existing or future plantscape."

"The priority will be commercial and residential tropical plant maintenance," Naeter said. "I will also do interior plantscape design, perennial and annual garden design and consulting with architects and interior designers." The business will provide sales and service.

The Plant Lady will provide one time service for reviving plants that need extra help and will provide temporary service for customers away from their homes due to vacations.

Naeter plans to extend service within a 30- to 40-mile radius of Cape Girardeau. She operates from her home near Egypt Mills.

"People are more aware of the advantages of plants within the home and workplace," Naeter said. "But they often purchase plants not suitable to their needs and are then disappointed. I can help with their selection, installation and maintenance."

She is a licensed pesticide technician, and is bonded and insured.