BioGardener is a small group of ecologists, horticulturists, backyard farmers, family guys, and all-around good people who enjoy the natural beauty of Central Texas:


Jeremy Walther, Owner
Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M, 2001

Prior to founding BioGardener in 2003, Jeremy worked as a staff biologist for an Austin environmental consulting firm, where he conducted wetland assessments, ecological surveys, and earned a U.S. Fish and Wildlife permit to conduct surveys for the federally endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Although he loved the science, it was rarely practiced, and he began pursuing other interests during his free time. While developing an understanding of native plants by taking on landscaping projects, Jeremy conducted salamander and bird surveys for the City of Austin, and also became involved in alternative fuels, organic farming, and other issues that promote sustainability. Beginning in 2005-2006, Jeremy served as one of the founders and organizers of the Sustainable Shopper’s Ball in Austin. He is currently working on bringing professional-grade biodiesel to rural counties in Central Texas, along with his full-time role as co-owner of BioGardener.


Rich Zarria, Owner
Horticulture, Purdue, 2000

Prior to joining BioGardener in 2007, Rich worked as the sales manager for Native Texas Nursery, Austin’s largest wholesale plant nursery and one of the state’s largest growers of native plants. During his six year tenure, Rich helped turn a small nursery into a driving force of the native plant movement, giving talks all over the state promoting the use of native plants for water and resource conservation. His ability to communicate and network across diverse groups earned him acceptance into the prestigious Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership (TALL) program which selects 24 of the brightest agricultural leaders in the state every two years to address local, state, national, and global issues of agriculture. Tackling everything from food production to education to global economics, the program concludes in April 2008 with a trip to China. As a co-owner of BioGardener, Rich oversees most of the day-to-day operations of the company.


Lester Kevern, Foreman

A native of London, Lester traveled the world most of his adult life before meeting his wife-to-be in India in 2000. Lester brings culture and life experience to BioGardener, along with a solid background in building stuff. He specializes in outdoor construction utilizing re-claimed materials for creating one-of-a-kind chicken coops, compost bins, sheds, fences, and gates. Lester, along with Jose, also leads the BioGardener maintenance crew, and teaches us the value of good tea and big sandwiches. Lester and his wife and daughter are remodeling their home in South Austin, where they tend a growing organic garden and a flock of six chickens.


Jose Gonzalez, Foreman

For over three years, Jose has been the wheels of the growing BioGardener machine, tirelessly making sure all the little daily details are taken care of. A sharp and diligent leader, Jose takes pride in his work and expects those who work with him to live up to his high standards. Prior to BioGardener, Jose worked for an Austin nursery and landscape design/build company, where he learned the basics of irrigation and plant care while managing a large crew. In addition to making sure the truck is stocked with at least two bottles of the hottest hot sauce, Jose, along with Lester, leads the BioGardener maintenance and installation crew. He lives with his wife and two kids in East Austin.

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