Interview with Cassie

Interview with Cassie Mathers

Brenda McDaniel here with an exclusive interview from A Hint of Green's Cassie Mathers! Cassie is one of the company's most demanded landscapers, but she has taken time from her busy schedule to answer a few questions for you!

Brenda: Ms. Mathers, it was so wonderful of you to take time out of your schedule for us. I know you are busy working on quite a special garden at this time.

Cassie: It's no problem. (brushes dirt off hands) And please call me Cassie.

Brenda: You've earned a quite enviable reputation for yourself. How did you do it?

Cassie: I'm not sure, I don't think I do anything very special. I speak to my customers, listen to what they want, what they don't want. If they have an idea in their head of what they want, I make my designs compatible with theirs. You'd be surprised how many gardens I've been given credit for when truly, it was the owner that created it.

Brenda: I heard a rumor that you've been known to revisit former clients, to help them should anything happen to their designs.

Cassie: Yes. I mean, I can't help everyone. If someone rips up their own garden because they're tired of it, well... But I don't think someone should be punished because of something that was beyond their control. I had one client that was so grateful, I heard she had a problem with her plumbing, her entire yard had been flooded. This wasn't something she did on purpose. So, when I got off from work, and on the weekend, I'd go back to her place, replanting. She was so grateful.

Brenda: That was really nice of you! Who paid for the plants that you put back in her yard?

Cassie: We split the cost. I stand behind my work. Tara, my sister and owner of A Hint of Green, was furious. But I told her, honestly, she could not tell me what I could or could not do on my own time. I was not going to let that poor woman suffer for something beyond her control. And Tara calmed down quick enough when the calls began to pour in. I think she even increased our prices slightly, but added the same guarantee. The customers have to pay a little more, but they are given some security. If anything beyond their control -- basically anything other than the plants being ripped up or completely neglected -- happens to destroy their landscape, it will be replaced - exactly as it was by the company.

Brenda: That's a wonderful new addition to the contract.

Cassie: I agree. It's part of the reason for our success.

Brenda: I've got to ask you about those dreams you were having.

Cassie: You heard about them? (blushing)

Brenda: Not much happens that I don't eventually hear about. And those dreams are nothing to be embarrassed about. Let me tell you, if I was dreaming about such a gorgeous man, I'm not sure I'd *ever* wake up. (laughing)

Cassie: That was definitely not my favorite part of the day. They really did become addicting. Having such a sexy man that wanted nothing more than to be with me... I couldn't wait to jump into bed at night. (laughing)

Brenda: Who can blame you! I also heard that you were able to visit the mythical Hanging Gardens of Babylon! Was it everything you thought it would be?

Cassie: Yes. And no. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever 'seen'. Absolutely breathtaking. Even in my wildest fantasies I don't think I could've created a more perfect oasis.

Brenda: Is that what you're basing your current design on?

Cassie: Yes. The fountains, statues, foliage, all of it created an air of serenity, a peace unlike any I've ever known before. Of course, Vincent might have had something to do with that too.

Brenda: Possibly.

Cassie: It was a very special adventure for me. One I would never have dreamed possible.

Brenda: It sounds very exciting. Well, I won't keep you from your work. I've heard something truly wonderful will happen as soon as you complete this project, and I know you're anxious to finish.

Cassie: Yes. But not in so much of a hurry that it won't be done right. As anxious as I am, I want this to be perfect.

Brenda: I understand that. Perhaps when it's finished I can come back, maybe report on what you've done with it. Perhaps get you and the elusive Vincent to sit down and give me a joint interview...

Cassie: (laughing) I'm sure I can persuade him to do that. And you will definitely be getting an invitation to our celebration when all the work's completed.

Brenda: I couldn't ask for a better end to an interview! Would you like to close our interview?

Cassie: I'd be honored. For Gryffin Press, this is Cassie Mathers and Brenda McDaniel saying Until next time. And don't forget to write in and tell Brenda you want a full account of our celebration!

Brenda: (laughing) It will be my pleasure.

Cassie: (joining in the laughter) Yeah, I had to add that. I also have to warn you, watch out for Tara, or your report might turn into one giant 'plug' for A Hint of Green'.

Brenda: It was a pleasure meeting you and I can't wait until I come back to see what you've done with your garden.

Cassie: (returning to work with a wave and a smile) You're on the top of my guest list!