Our Staff

Rani Dorman – Owner and Designer

Rani (RAH nee) grew up in Manhattan, but spent every summer upstate, immersed in nature. She later earned a degree in social work from New York University, and continued to be impressed with the healing power of plants.

In 2004, while her children were attending PS 199 on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Rani set out to revive the school’s long-lost garden. In addition to bringing the garden back to life, she established a gardening club in which she taught students and supervised a team of parent volunteers. Now 10 years later, the program at PS 199 continues to thrive.

During the nine years she spent at PS 199, Rani learned all she could about horticulture—voraciously reading every landscaping book she could find as well as attending numerous classes at the New York Botanical Garden. She became the go-to plant expert among her friends and family who always encouraged her to put her talent, knowledge and passion into an official business. Finally, in March of 2011, BUDS was born.

Eve Herman – Business Manager

Eve loved living in Manhattan for 15 years, and now works from her home office in New Jersey. Her first career was in the wine and spirits industry both on the agency and client sides, culminating in the brand manager position for Wild Turkey bourbon. She briefly retired when her daughter was born. For the last 15 years, she’s been working with small businesses consulting and on staff. She is excited to be part of the BUDS team, and loves talking to clients and working on the logistical, financial and personnel aspects of our operation.

Our Gardeners!

Michael Thompson

After a 25 year career in video post-production, Michael tired of the office environment and longed to be outdoors. He returns for his second year with BUDS assisting in the nursery procurement and transportation, in addition to design and general gardening. “I love turning this hectic urban jungle that we call home into a more soothing and beautiful environment, one garden at a time.” When not getting his hands dirty he can be found tearing up tennis courts throughout the city.

Eric Telmer

Eric is deeply passionate about plants, soil, and everything in between. He loves being outside and connecting with people about the beautiful experience of working with nature. Eric believes in the power of plants to impact our well being, and finds great joy in bringing that power to a previously uninspiring, often lifeless space. Be careful starting a conversation about soil, plant nutrition, pests, or any other gardening related topic, because he could talk for hours!

Seth Dorman

Seth has gone from Dartmouth’s Big Green in the Ivy League to planting ivy in the Big Apple. Seth both coordinates the transportation and provides the required heavy lifting for all plants and gardening supplies. When not working with BUDS, Seth continues to search for ways make life less mean and more green.