It’s hard to believe we’re celebrating 20 years in business this year. Reflecting on where I started—with a garage sale push mower—and looking at the company we’ve built along the way, I’m filled with genuine gratitude. This milestone reflects the dedication of a team, the loyalty of so many customers, and our unwavering commitment to building a sustainable and innovative business. As we reflect on our journey and look ahead to the future, I’d like to share some key achievements and initiatives that have defined our growth and will continue to shape what’s next.
Sustainability Initiatives: A Commitment to the Future
Sustainability has been in action for us since 2020, and we’ve made significant strides in this area. Through thoughtful planning and continuous innovation, we’ve implemented solutions that reduce our environmental impact and enhance the way we care for landscapes.
- Automowers: Automowers can truly create a perfect lawn 24/7. This season will be my 7th year with a robot mowing my lawn, so I can speak first hand about the improved drought tolerance, reduced soil compaction, and naturally healthier turf I’ve experienced with an automower set up on my bermudagrass.
- SmartLink Irrigation Controllers: These predictive irrigation controllers allow us to remotely manage systems and save water by establishing smart schedules based on the unique environmental and horticultural needs of different landscapes.
- Battery Powered Maintenance Equipment: With our final two trucks being outfitted by April 1st, we are completing our transition to battery-powered maintenance equipment across all residential routes in time for spring season. This includes all of our handheld equipment, including push mowers. Over the years we’ve explored various solutions and invested financially in various efforts to keep batteries charged throughout the day. We finally have a reliable in-truck charging infrastructure to ensure our electric equipment is always ready to go, further reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
- Expanding Hybrid Organic Lawn and Ornamental Care: We are continuing to explore and test programs that naturally maintain healthier and aesthetically-pleasing landscapes. Weed-free and green lawns. Ornamental plants that are pest-free and thriving in landscapes. We continue to support organic fertilizers with synthetic weed and insect-prevention products because the transition to organics at scale takes time, but we are committed to continuing to push these boundaries.
Team Development: Growing from Strength to Strength
Our team is truly what sets us apart, and over the past 20 years, we’ve worked hard to build a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Throughout our journey, we’ve stayed true to our values and purpose, assembling a team of landscape professionals who live our values of People First, Love Nature, and Grow Better. While some have moved on to pursue opportunities that better align with their own paths, many continue to grow with us, both as managers and production team members.
One of our most exciting developments over the last two years is the buildout of our Arrive and Thrive Onboarding Program, a structured 30-60-90 day training program for production crews. In response to ongoing customer feedback about proactive services, we transitioned CT from a Property Care Manager to the role of Horticultural Development Coach, working with crews in both classroom and field training to learn best practices for residential landscape maintenance. This dedicated position also allows Property Care Managers to spend more time engaging with customers and focusing on landscape solutions.
In construction, Thomas continues to be a force in retaining and training our crews, empowering them to take true ownership of projects and create exceptional landscapes. His success goes beyond project ownership—he also fosters a culture where employees are proud to refer friends - resulting in a healthy pipeline of people to support our growth.
Expanding Our NeighborGood Program: A Customer Loyalty Initiative
As the cornerstone of our 20-year celebration, we’re excited to announce the development of a Customer Loyalty Program, which will build on our existing NeighborGood program that offers free maintenance services. REFERENCE AND LINK FREE MAINTENANCE HERE. NeighborGood at its core is designed to honor the relationships we’ve cultivated with our customers, while positively impacting the communities in which we work, by offering special perks and rewards. While it’s still in development, we expect the official launch to be sometime in Q3 - most likely an August/September timeframe - and we look forward to offering even more ways for our customers to feel valued, heard, and connected to our team.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the next 20 years, I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished since 2005. It’s not just about revenue or accolades, but it’s about the lasting relationships we’ve built, the sustainability practices we’ve implemented, and the incredible team that continues to push us forward. It’s about the impact Plants Creative has in creating healthy green spaces and improving lives. We’re deeply committed to creating the ultimate landscape company, one that delivers not only exceptional outdoor spaces but also fosters a dynamic and innovative workplace. Plants Creative is building a next-gen landscape company to inspire a generation of workers to join the green industry, offering a place where they can grow, thrive, and find purpose. Together, we will continue to lead with creativity, sustainability, empathy, and a deep appreciation for the power of nature.
Thank you for being an integral part of the last 20 years—your support has helped shape our journey. I always believe the best is yet to come at Plants Creative, and we’re excited to continue growing and thriving together.
Warmly,
Pam Dooley, Owner
