John Newman, President and Lead Designer
John's background in the green industry began in 1986 with the Southeastern United States' most successful developer of multi-family housing, Post Properties Inc. John received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia in 1990. He also received the Post Properties' Doug Bates Memorial Scholarship for outstanding vocational and academic performance in 1988. He is a Georgia Certified Plant Professional (#450). John and his work have been featured in publications such as the Atlanta Journal and Constitution in 1999 and USA Today in 2003. He was also featured on HGTV's Groundbreakers on Sunday October 5, 2008. John currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors of Community Gardens of Henry County.
Jill Newman, Special Projects Coordinator
Jill helps facilitate special events and projects ranging from setup at the shows and festivals that we participate in to designing many of our gorgeous container gardens that are favorites of clients and lucky door prize recipients at local gatherings. Jill studied Pre-Pharmacy at the University of Georgia and has an eye for design and a heart for serving the team and our clients. Jill is also active in the community as she serves in the children’s music ministry at her church and sings in the choir.
Donnie Longenecker, Landscape Architect
Donnie graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Landscape Architecture and a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois. After obtaining his MLA, Donnie worked for a large international landscape architecture firm in metropolitan Washington, DC. He then accepted a position within a large publicly traded development company and was an integral member of a project team that oversaw acquisition and development of resort residential communities throughout the southeastern US. He was responsible for all land planning, design and construction of entryways and amenities. In 2002 Donnie became an instructor in the School of Environmental Design at the University of Georgia – the largest and highest ranked undergraduate school of landscape architecture in the world. Donnie teaches design studio classes in Computer Aided Design, Engineering, Land Planning, Environmental Planning, Recreational Design and Landscape Construction.
Valorie Moore, Administrative Assistant
Valorie graduated from Forest Park High School. Valorie also attended Brewton Parker Baptist College, the Branell Institute and taught pre-school in the south Atlanta area. Valorie is an active volunteer in our community and has worked in administrative positions for over 16 years.
Clay Dent, LEED Certified Landscape Designer
Clay graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree and worked for the UGA Athletic Association while completing his studies. Clay interned with one of Atlanta’s oldest landscape companies in 2010, was on the Dean’s list and received scholarships from the Garden Club of Georgia. Clay is also certified as a LEED Green Associate
Danny Muchler, Team Leader
Danny brings proven leadership experience to the table with ten years as a United States Air Force Crew Chief. Dan owned his own landscape company in central Florida for over ten years and enjoys motorcycles and sports among other outdoor activities when he is not maintaining one of our client’s properties.
Blake Matthews, Team Leader
Blake comes to the table with a diverse background ranging from swimming pool and lawn care maintenance to heavy equipment operations and recently as a professional duck hunting guide in the mid-western US. Blake graduated from Flint River Academy in Woodbury, GA while participating in varsity golf and tennis and is a straight A student at Southern Crescent Technical College in the Environmental Horticulture program.
