Know What’s Below: Why The Greenery Wants You to Call 811 Before You Dig

We’ve built our reputation on transforming landscapes into something beautiful and maintaining them to ensure their lasting beauty. But before any of our crew’s shovels hit the ground, there’s a step that matters more than the landscape design itself: making sure it’s safe to dig in the first place.

That’s the whole idea behind 811 Awareness Day. Every year on August 11th, the Common Ground Alliance uses the date itself 8-1-1 as a reminder to call before you dig. It’s a simple habit that saves lives, protects property, and keeps utility service running for entire communities.

The Risk Is Bigger Than Most People Realize
Nearly 40% of homeowners who dig on their own property skip this step, and it doesn’t take a major renovation to cause a problem. Planting a tree, setting a mailbox post, building a fence, or putting in a new flower bed can all be enough to strike a buried line. Gas, water, electric, cable, and internet lines run underground almost everywhere, and there’s no way to know exactly where they sit just by looking at your yard.

Hitting one isn’t just inconvenient – it can mean injury, a neighborhood-wide outage, or a repair bill that dwarfs the cost of the original project. And in South Carolina, it’s not optional. State law requires you to contact 811 before any digging project, regardless of size.

 “Not only do you risk personal injury, but hitting a utility line can disrupt critical services throughout your community,” says Rick Sotiropoulos, Construction Business Development Director at The Greenery. “That’s why we want to do our part to spread the word on 811 Day, so the communities we serve can stay safe.”

How It Actually Works
Calling 811 connects you to your state’s one-call center – in South Carolina, that’s SC811 – which handles the entire process for you, and it doesn’t cost a thing.

1. Submit your locate request. Call 811 or head to sc811.com at least three business days before you plan to dig. That window doesn’t count the day you file, weekends, or holidays, so a little planning ahead goes a long way.

2. Wait for the utility companies to respond. Each affected utility company sends someone out to mark their lines with flags or paint, using a standard color code so you know exactly what’s buried where.

3. Check your locate request status. Before you dig, confirm that every utility on your request has actually responded.

4. Dig safely, and dig around the marks. Treat every flag and paint mark as a boundary. Hand-dig near marked lines whenever possible, and give yourself a comfortable buffer.

5. Close out your request. Once the project’s done, you can close the ticket which is helpful for keeping records straight if anything ever needs to be revisited.

Small Habit, Big Impact
At The Greenery, we think about this every time we break ground on a project, and we want to encourage homeowners to think about it too. Whether you’re a professional crew or planting a few shrubs on a Saturday afternoon, the call or online request only takes a couple of minutes and the wait takes a couple of days. This is a small trade-off for protecting yourself, your neighbors, and the infrastructure your whole community depends on.

 So before you reach for that shovel, call 811, or submit your request online at sc811.com. It’s free, it’s fast, and it’s one of the easiest ways to make sure your next project starts off on solid ground.

The Heritage Garden at Coastal Discovery Museum

A living tribute to the Lowcountry’s native landscape – designed to educate, inspire, and endure

We believe that growing great people is just as important as growing great landscapes. This year, we had a front-row seat to what that looks like in action – when one of our own stepped out of the office and into the heart of our community. It is fitting that the resulting service project coincides with the 250th Birthday of the United States of America, making the focus on Lowcountry heritage all the more important.

Heritage Garden

For the past three-and-a-half years, Chris Solano has worked at The Greenery, Inc., where he currently serves as controller. After being nominated by Director of Business Development Melissa Brock, Chris was selected to join the flagship Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2026. What followed was a ten-month journey that transformed not just a patch of overgrown land, but Chris himself.

40 Years
of the Chamber Leadership program

$45K+
Raised in donations & in-kind support

130K
Annual visitors to Honey Horn

A Program Built for Change-Makers

For four decades, the Chamber’s Leadership program has been the catalyst for community transformation in southern Beaufort County. From August through May, participants immerse themselves in the region’s vibrant culture, economic landscape, government structures, educational systems, and evolving social fabric. But the program’s most tangible output is its yearly community project. Over the past nine years alone, leadership classes have raised and invested over $200,000 into initiatives that leave a lasting mark on the Lowcountry community.

The Class of 2026 took on one of their most ambitious projects yet.

Heritage Garden

The B.E.E. Project: A Garden Takes Root

Partnering with the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, the Class of 2026 took on an area of the grounds that had become overgrown and in need of attention. Their mission: transform it into a vibrant, sustainable community space that honors the land’s heritage and inspires future generations.

They called it the B.E.E. Project (Botanical Enrichment Effort). Chris has his own name for it: the Heritage Garden at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Both names speak to what was created. It is a place where the natural beauty of the Lowcountry meets the deep agricultural and cultural story of this land.

What the class built: Three custom planters installed and seeded with native plants · New seating areas for visitors to rest and reflect · Land cleared and beautified · Educational signage featuring the history of indigo, cotton, and Carolina Gold rice – the crops that shaped this region’s identity.

The Greenery’s Role: From Vision to Reality

This is where our team’s expertise made the difference. Tim Drake and Todd Parrott of The Greenery, Inc. personally designed the garden space – bringing their horticultural and landscape knowledge to bear on a project that deserved nothing less. The Greenery team played a central role in both sourcing the plants and executing the installation, ensuring the garden would thrive for years to come.

And in recognition of that contribution, The Greenery, Inc. is prominently acknowledged at the entrance to the garden. It’s a small detail that carries a lot of meaning. It serves as a reminder that when local businesses invest in their communities, communities remember.

  • Native plant installations promoting biodiversity and pollinator health
  • Educational signage on indigo, “Three Sisters”, cotton, and Carolina Gold rice
  • Three custom planters with seating and cleared surroundings
  • Sustainable landscaping honoring Lowcountry agricultural heritage
  • Community programming for visitors and local students

A Leader Grows

For Chris, the experience was as much about personal growth as it was about the garden.

“The Greenery invests in growing leaders,” he reflected, “and being part of this program was a chance to live that value outside the walls of our company.” Working alongside 22 fellow ‘classmates’ – each driven, each with valuable opinions, each deeply invested in this community – taught him something that no spreadsheet or strategy session could: how to lead toward a shared vision incorporating various ideas while advancing on the path forward.

The garden at Honey Horn will be visited by roughly 130,000 people each year with guests arriving for the Heritage Tournament, weddings, festivals, and everyday exploration of one of the Lowcountry’s most beloved landmarks. Every one of them will walk past a garden that Chris Solano and his classmates built. Every one of them will have the chance to learn about the land they’re standing on.

“Together, we can grow a garden that tells a story of nature, of history, of community, and of hope.”
– Chamber Leadership Class of 2026

We’re incredibly proud of Chris and the entire Leadership Class of 2026. We are honored that The Greenery’s name and more than 50 years’ expertise are woven into something so meaningful. This is exactly the kind of work that reminds us why we do what we do.

July Is Smart Irrigation Month — Is Your System Costing You More Than It Should?

Every July, the irrigation industry celebrates Smart Irrigation Month. It’s a nationwide reminder that how you water your landscape matters just as much as how often you do it. At The Greenery, it’s a conversation we have with property owners all the time: your irrigation system may be running, but is it working efficiently? And what is it actually costing you?

The Hidden Cost of a Standard System

Traditional irrigation systems run on a fixed clock and calendar. They water on a set schedule no matter if it’s rain or shine, freezing or mild. They lack the ability to respond to what’s actually happening in your landscape. That rigidity comes at a price.

A sprinkler head spraying a sidewalk, a system running through a rainstorm, pipes cracked from an unprotected freeze…unortunately, these aren’t rare cases. They’re the everyday reality of a system that can’t think for itself. Wasted water shows up directly on your utility bill, and deferred maintenance issues compound into costly repairs over time.

July is Smart Irrigation Month

What a Smart System Does Differently

The smart irrigation technology utilized by our teams replaces guesswork with real-time data, and the financial difference is measurable for our customers.

  • Weather-based controllers automatically adjust your watering schedule based on local conditions. When it rains, your system knows. When temperatures drop toward freezing, it shuts down before damage can occur which protects your pipes, your plants, and your budget.
  • Soil moisture sensors take it a step further, watering only when your landscape actually needs it. No more running a full cycle on already-saturated soil.
  • Rain/freeze sensors are one of the most cost-effective upgrades available and capable of delivering meaningful reductions in water usage season after season.

The result is a system that applies the right amount of water at the right time, and nothing more. Saving our customers money month after month. 

July is Smart Irrigation Month

Scalable Savings for Any Property

At The Greenery, we manage everything from a single controller to portfolios of a thousand. Each system with the same speed, precision, and affordability. For commercial property owners especially, the savings potential is significant. Multiply even modest per-unit water reductions across a large property or multiple locations, and the impact on operating costs becomes substantial.

Many local water utilities also offer rebates for smart irrigation upgrades, which can offset a portion of your upfront investment. We help our clients identify and take advantage of those opportunities.

July is Smart Irrigation Month

The Upfront Cost Is Truly an Investment, Not Just an Expense

Yes, a smart irrigation system costs more than a basic one out of the gate. But a properly designed and installed smart system consistently outperforms a standard setup in long-term efficiency, reduces repair frequency through proactive protection, and extends the life of the entire system. Working with certified irrigation professionals like our team at The Greenery ensures the system is designed for your specific landscape’s needs – maximizing both water savings and the return on your investment.

Smart Irrigation Month is the perfect time to take a look at your current irrigation system and what it’s costing you.

Contact The Greenery today to learn how our smart irrigation management services can reduce your water usage, lower your costs, and take the guesswork out of maintaining a healthy landscape.

National Safety Month: Every Day. Every Task. Everyone.

June is National Safety Month, a time to highlight what is at the heart of everything we do at The Greenery: making sure every employee returns home safely at the end of the day.

Safety isn’t a campaign that lasts for just one month. It’s a commitment woven into every jobsite, every vehicle, every piece of equipment, and every task we perform. National Safety Month gives us an opportunity to renew that commitment while celebrating the progress we’ve made to focus on the habits that keep our teams safe on a daily basis.

Our Goal: Zero Injuries

Safety

We have one simple goal: Zero Injuries. Zero Shortcuts. Zero Excuses.

Achieving that goal day in and day out requires more than policies and procedures. It takes awareness and teamwork from every member of our team. 

We encourage our employees to:

  • Identify hazards before beginning work.
  • Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Use equipment correctly and follow established procedures.
  • Stay hydrated and recognize signs of heat-related illness.
  • Drive safely and avoid distractions.
  • Speak up about possible hazards and near misses.
  • Stop work when something doesn’t feel safe.

Looking Out for One Another

We believe that one of the strongest safety tools we have is each other.

Every employee plays a role in creating a culture where safety comes first. Whether it’s reminding a teammate to wear PPE, reporting a potential hazard, conducting a pre-use inspection, or taking a moment to reassess a task, these actions help prevent incidents before they occur.

Our Take 5 and Stop Work initiatives reinforce this mindset by encouraging employees to pause, evaluate risks, and speak up whenever something appears unsafe.

Why Proper PPE Matters

Personal protective equipment is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent injuries on the job. No matter where our crews are working, PPE serves as a critical line of defense.

Safety

Proper PPE helps protect employees from:

  • Flying debris generated by equipment
  • Hidden hazards that may not be immediately visible
  • Increased risks associated with heavy equipment use

Taking a few moments to ensure the right PPE is worn before work begins can make all the difference in preventing an accident.

A Safe Season Starts with Safe Equipment

As the busy landscaping season continues, equipment readiness remains a critical part of workplace safety. Routine inspections help prevent accidents, reduce downtime, and ensure equipment performs as intended.

Before equipment is used, our teams always:

  • Inspect for visible damage
  • Verify that guards and shields are in place
  • Check fuel and oil levels as needed
  • Remove debris and obstructions
  • Report damaged equipment immediately

When transporting equipment, securing loads properly, inspecting ramps, and ensuring trailers are correctly hitched are all essential steps that protect both employees and the public.

Protecting People, Property, and Quality

Safety extends beyond personal protection. It also includes protecting our clients’ properties and delivering quality work.

In recent safety education, our teams have focused on string trimmer safety that emphasizes proper operating techniques preventing property damage and injuries. Understanding the direction of debris discharge, maintaining awareness of surroundings, reducing throttle near sensitive areas, and avoiding trimming near glass surfaces are all important practices that help keep job sites safe.

At the same time, proper trimming techniques protect turf health by preventing root damage and helping maintain a healthy, professional appearance.

Safety Is No Accident

National Safety Month serves as an important reminder that safe workplaces are built through daily choices and consistent habits. By staying vigilant, following procedures, maintaining equipment, protecting property, and looking out for one another, we continue moving toward our goal of zero injuries.

At The Greenery, we believe that safety is more than a priority – for us, it’s a core value.

Because at the end of every day, every task, and every season, the goal remains the same:

We work safe. We go home safe. Together, we achieve zero accidents.

What’s Happening to Your Landscape – and What We’re Doing About It

If your lawn doesn’t look like itself right now, you’re not alone.

We want to be straightforward with you about what’s going on and what it means for your landscape in the weeks ahead.

We’re Experiencing Historic Drought Conditions

What our region is experiencing right now isn’t a typical dry spell. This is one of the most severe drought events in recorded history for the Carolinas.

North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia have each logged their driest September-through-March period on record – dating back to 1895. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, the Southeast is now experiencing its largest drought footprint since the Drought Monitor began tracking conditions in 2000, with moderate-to-exceptional drought covering nearly 97% of the region.

For context, December through March is normally the window when our soils, streams, and groundwater recharge for the warm season ahead. That recharge largely didn’t happen this year. As we head into summer, generally the most demanding season for landscapes, our soils are deeply depleted.

Recent rainfall is genuinely welcome. But it’s important to understand: a rain event or two doesn’t undo months of accumulated moisture deficit. Recovery takes the same kind of consistency that got us here – just in the opposite direction.

What You May Be Seeing in Your Landscape

Drought stress doesn’t always look dramatic, but it shows up in real ways. Here’s what’s common right now and why it’s happening:

Brown or discolored turf areas:  Grass under sustained drought stress loses color as it shifts resources away from visible growth and toward root survival. This is a protective response, not a death sentence.

Slower-than-normal turf growth: Don’t be surprised if your lawn seems to be doing very little right now. That’s intentional on the plant’s part. Growth slows to conserve energy and moisture.

Inconsistent color recovery:  Even as rain returns, you may notice some areas greening up faster than others. Soil type, sun exposure, and the depth of root systems all affect how quickly different areas respond.

Slow recovery from wear or damage:  Areas that took foot traffic, equipment stress, or other damage during the drought will be slower to fill back in. Stressed turf simply doesn’t have the reserves to repair quickly.

All of these are expected responses to an extended drought. They are not signs that something has gone permanently wrong with your landscape.

What We’re Focused On Right Now

Our goal in conditions like these is straightforward: protect the long-term health of your landscape so it’s positioned to come back strong when conditions do improve.

That means making decisions based on what’s good for the plant over time, not what looks best in the short term. We’d rather have a lawn that comes back fully and vigorously than one pushed too hard, too fast, before the underlying conditions support it.

As rainfall patterns normalize, you’ll see your landscape begin to respond once it has consistent moisture to work with.

What You Can Do

A few things that genuinely help during and after a drought:

  • Raise your mowing height. Taller grass blades shade the soil, reduce evaporation, and put less stress on already-taxed root systems.
  • Hold off on fertilizing until adequate soil moisture returns. Fertilizing drought-stressed turf can do more harm than good.
  • Be patient with recovery. Turf that looks rough in May can look significantly better by July, given consistent rain and proper care.

We’re Already Ahead of It

This is exactly the kind of situation where having a proactive landscape team makes a difference. Our crews have been out ahead of these conditions — adjusting programs, making smart decisions about timing and inputs, and doing the right things now to protect your landscape’s long-term health.

The goal isn’t just to get through the drought. It’s to make sure your landscape is positioned to come back stronger and faster than it would otherwise. That’s the work happening right now, even when it isn’t always visible.

If you have questions about what you’re seeing or want to talk through anything specific to your property, we’re always happy to connect. But know that your landscape is in good hands with The Greenery and when the rain returns consistently, you’ll see the payoff of the care that our crews have put into it.

Earth Month: Creating a Quieter, Greener Future

April is Earth Month. It’s a time to reflect on how we care for the planet and the role each of us plays in creating a healthier future. 

Environmental responsibility is more than a once-a-year conversation at The Greenery, Inc. It’s an ongoing commitment woven into the way we work every day as we pursue our mission of enhancing people’s lives through beautiful landscaping.

One of the most impactful ways we’re continuing to make a difference is by expanding our use of electric landscape equipment across our operations. By transitioning away from traditional gas-powered handheld tools whenever possible, we’re helping reduce emissions while also creating quieter environments for the communities we serve.

And that matters more than many people realize.

A Quieter Approach to Landscaping

For many residents in neighborhoods, it’s a familiar experience: a peaceful morning is suddenly interrupted by the roar of landscaping equipment. In a region where beautifully maintained outdoor spaces are part of everyday life, that noise has often been considered unavoidable.

But we feel like it doesn’t have to be.

Over the last decade, The Greenery, Inc. has been steadily working toward more sustainable landscaping solutions. What began as an effort to reduce noise at resort properties has evolved into a larger operational shift toward electric equipment at all of our branches across the Southeast.

“At resort properties, you have a limited window to get work done, and often that means starting early,” said Lee Edwards, CEO of The Greenery. “Being out there with loud equipment at 7 a.m. is the last thing someone wants to hear on vacation.”

Initially, our crews began using electric equipment during early morning hours simply because it was quieter. The response from clients and guests was overwhelmingly positive.

“People really liked it, and that got us thinking — it would be great if we could operate this way all day,” Edwards said.

Technology Catching Up With the Vision

For years, widespread adoption of electric landscaping equipment wasn’t really practical. Earlier models lacked the power, battery life, and durability needed for commercial landscaping operations. And the costs were difficult to justify at scale.

But advancements in battery capacity as well as charging technology have changed dramatically in recent years.

Today’s electric equipment is more reliable, more efficient, and powerful enough to meet the demands of professional crews in the field.

“There was definitely a learning curve,” said Carlos Flores, Associate Branch Manager for Hilton Head Island. “When people hear ‘electric,’ they assume it won’t perform the same. But once our crews used it, they realized it’s actually very comparable. That’s when you start hearing, ‘Okay, I like this.’”

Beyond performance, crews have also experienced benefits from reduced vibration, lower maintenance requirements, and less day-to-day noise exposure.

Sustainability Through Steady Progress

The transition to electric equipment is also helping reduce emissions and support a healthier environment.

Sustainability isn’t about perfection or overnight transformation. To us, It’s about steady progress while continuously looking for better ways to serve both our clients and the environment.

Earth Month serves as a reminder that protecting the planet starts in the everyday choices we make. Even small changes can make a meaningful impact over time.

And we’re proud to keep moving in the right direction driving meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future for the communities we serve. 

Winter Plants We Love: Camellias, Azaleas & Crape Myrtles

Winter in the southeast doesn’t look like winter everywhere else and a big reason for that is the plants we build our landscapes around. While much of the country turns dormant and grey for almost half the year, our landscapes can hold color and life well into the coldest months. Three plants, in particular, earn a permanent place on our list of winter favorites for our area: camellias, azaleas, and crape myrtles.

Camellias: The Queen of the Winter Garden

If you’ve ever driven past a yard in January and noticed vibrant color, chances are you were looking at a camellia.

Camellia

Camellias bloom when almost nothing else dares to. Depending on the variety, you’ll see flowers from October all the way through March, with blooms ranging from pure white and soft blush to deep crimson and candy-stripe. Camellia japonica tends to peak mid-winter, while Camellia sasanqua gets going earlier in the fall and carries you through into the new year.

Beyond the flowers, camellias are serious landscape workhorses. Their dense, glossy evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and privacy. They prefer a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, and they’re happiest in slightly acidic, well-draining soil.

Camellias are generally hearty plants that can last for decades. In fact, some of the camellias growing in Lowcountry gardens today were planted by previous generations.

Azaleas: Spring’s Most Dramatic Entrance

Azaleas enjoy their “moment” each spring during the Masters golf tournament. They add a dash of color among the lush fairways and breathtaking landscape of Augusta. Viewers from around the country long to have the same beauty in their own landscapes because few things in the gardening world compare to a mature azalea in full bloom. One week you have a tidy green shrub, and the next it’s smothered in flowers so dense you can barely see the foliage. For a few weeks each spring, azaleas transform entire neighborhoods. 

Azalea

Azaleas thrive in our climate, particularly the Southern Indian hybrid varieties that have been staples here for over a century. They like dappled shade (think under the canopy of a live oak or longleaf pine), acidic soil, and good drainage. 

One thing worth knowing: azaleas don’t need much fuss, but timing your pruning matters. If you cut them back in summer or fall, you’ll remove the buds that are already forming for next spring’s bloom. It’s best to prune right after they finish flowering.

Over the years, we’ve come to appreciate azaleas not just for their bloom but for what they do the other eleven months of the year. A well-placed azalea anchors a planting bed, softens a foundation, and brings pollinators in when little else is blooming.

Crape Myrtles: Summer Bloomers with Year-Round Character

Crape myrtles bloom in the heat of summer, when most plants are just trying to survive producing flowers in white, red, and every shade in between. But their appeal doesn’t end when the flowers do. In fall, the foliage turns rich shades of orange, red, and gold. In winter, they can become the focal point in the garden.

Crape Myrtle

They’re drought-tolerant once established, love full sun, and are perfectly suited to our hot, humid summers. Plant them where they have room to grow into their natural form and they’ll be very successful. 

And we strongly discourage “crape murder” (as it’s called in the horticulture world). This incorrect pruning leaves crape myrtles with ugly stubs that weaken the tree’s structure producing spindly growth that’s more susceptible to disease. If your crape myrtle is getting too large for its space, the right answer is to select a smaller variety not to haphazardly chop off all its limbs.

These three plants have stood the test of time among Southern landscapes for good reasons – their reliability and beauty year after year. They’re the foundation of a landscape that looks intentional and alive no matter the time of year. 

What Recent Cold Weather Means for Your Landscape

Recent cold temperatures across the Southeast have caused visible stress to plants on landscapes from commercial to residential properties. While the damage can look concerning at first, most plants are capable of recovering well with the right care and attention. And that’s what we are here for!

At The Greenery, Inc., our teams are already in the field assessing properties and cold-affected plants to help landscapes recover and prepare for healthy growth this spring.

One important thing to remember is that cold damage does not always appear immediately. In many cases, symptoms begin to show several days after a freeze as plant tissue reacts to the stress. Over the past week, we’ve seen common signs such as yellowing or browning leaves, darkened or brittle edges, wilting foliage and, in more severe cases, softened or darkened stems.

Cold Weather

Some plants are naturally more sensitive to sudden cold snaps than others. Varieties such as split-leaf philodendrons, shell ginger, bottlebrush trees, coontie palms, Sylvester date palms and flax lily have shown the most noticeable effects from recent temperatures.

Our hard working and attentive crews are taking a careful approach to pruning by removing only damaged growth while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible on all of our properties across the Southeast. Winter pruning is not about cutting plants back aggressively. It requires patience and precision to ensure plants can conserve energy and recover properly as temperatures begin to warm. That’s why our teams take a measured approach, allowing plants time to stabilize before selectively removing affected growth.

Addressing cold damage now helps encourage healthy regrowth and sets landscapes up for a stronger spring season ahead.

Some plants may appear worse before they begin to recover. Many tropical and subtropical varieties commonly used throughout our Lowcountry landscapes will naturally shed damaged foliage after a freeze before pushing out healthy new growth from the base of the plant. While the appearance can be concerning initially, this is often part of the normal recovery process. Most established plants throughout the Lowcountry are well adapted to recover with proper care and seasonal maintenance. 

Even during cooler months, consistent watering remains important, especially during extended dry periods. Plants recovering from freeze damage are already under stress, and drought conditions can slow the recovery process even further. Maintaining proper soil moisture helps support root health and encourages stronger regrowth as temperatures begin to warm.

In addition, mulch also plays an important role in protecting landscape plants during temperature swings. A healthy layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperatures, retain moisture and provide insulation for root systems during both cold snaps and dry conditions. Proper mulching can make a noticeable difference in how well plants recover heading into spring.

If you have concerns about your property or notice plants that appear stressed after the recent cold weather, our team is happy to take a closer look. Thank you for continuing to trust The Greenery, Inc. with your landscape care. 

We’re already doing the work now to help your property look its best this spring!

The Greenery, Inc. Names Darren Davis Savannah Branch Manager

The Greenery, Inc. is excited to share important leadership news as we continue growing and strengthening our presence across the Southeast. Darren Davis has been appointed Branch Manager of our Savannah operations, bringing with him more than 17 years of landscape industry experience and a people-first approach that aligns perfectly with our company values.

Darren’s journey with The Greenery is a true example of growth through dedication and hands-on experience. He began his career in the field as a crew member and steadily advanced through roles of increasing responsibility. Over the years, he has managed major properties, including Sea Pines, and led full-service branches on Hilton Head Island. His path reflects technical expertise in commercial landscaping and a deep understanding of team operations at every level.

Throughout his career, Darren has contributed far beyond day-to-day management. He has helped develop employee training programs, improve production workflows, and mentor up-and-coming leaders within the organization. He has also played an important role in incorporating Lean Six Sigma principles into branch operations, which focus on efficiency and consistency, as well as continuous improvement. These process-driven strategies help ensure that clients receive reliable, high-quality landscape services while teams have clear systems and support behind their work.

According to The Greenery, Inc. President and CEO Lee Edwards, Darren’s background makes him uniquely qualified for this role. His ability to combine operational discipline with strong team leadership positions the Savannah branch for continued success and expansion. With hands-on and leadership experience across multiple levels of operations, Darren understands how each layer of the organization connects and how to align people and processes to deliver outstanding results.

What further distinguishes Darren’s leadership style is his longstanding commitment to serving others. With 46 years in ministry, he brings a servant-leader mindset to his work, with a strong focus on guiding others and building growth in those he leads. He is known for his deep commitment to people and for fostering an environment where team members feel supported while being encouraged to grow. That approach strengthens internal teams and the relationships we build with clients and communities.

Outside of work, Darren enjoys reading, golfing, and woodworking, interests that reflect his thoughtful, steady approach and appreciation for craftsmanship and continuous learning.

With Darren Davis leading our Savannah operations, The Greenery, Inc. is well positioned to strengthen performance and broaden its impact across the region. Our clients can expect a consistently high level of care and professional landscape management, supported by experienced leadership and reliable operational systems. 

Founded on Hilton Head Island in 1973 with just six employees, The Greenery, Inc. has grown into a leading commercial landscaping company with more than 800 team members across the Southeast. We provide comprehensive services including landscape installation, maintenance, irrigation, hardscapes, and construction. To learn more about our Savannah operations, call (912) 450-3000 or visit thegreeneryinc.com.

Bringing Holiday Magic to the Lowcountry: How The Greenery Transforms Communities for the Christmas Season

Each holiday season, communities across the Lowcountry begin to sparkle a little brighter, and much of that magic comes from the dedicated crews at The Greenery. From grand entrances and commercial properties to neighborhood gathering spaces and community offices, our teams work behind the scenes to transform everyday landscapes into festive holiday showcases. Christmas décor is more than lights and garland; it’s about creating a welcoming atmosphere that brings people together and sets the tone for celebration.

1: Fripp Island POA Main Office

Decorating for the holidays on a community-wide scale takes planning and coordination. Our crews begin preparations well in advance by inspecting sites and mapping out lighting designs, as well as selecting décor elements that complement each property’s architecture and landscape features. The goal is always the same: cohesive and high-impact displays that feel both elegant and joyful. From illuminated trees and wreath-lined entrances to beautifully wrapped columns and glowing pathways, every installation is designed to stand out, day and night.

One of the most visible transformations happens at community entrances. These high-traffic focal points are layered with lights and bows, and the most beautiful greenery to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Clubhouses and offices receive the same level of attention, with customized décor schemes that reflect each community’s character. Our winter landscape refresh services also play an important role, ensuring plant beds and containers look clean and well-maintained throughout the season.

A special highlight this season is the work completed at the Fripp Island POA main office. We want to recognize Larry Kaczowka and Deevy Smalls for their outstanding help decorating the Fripp Island POA main office for Christmas. Both gentlemen consistently go above and beyond, assisting not only with landscaping but with a wide range of needs whenever called upon. Their effort and attention to detail helped create a warm, festive environment that residents and visitors can enjoy throughout the holiday season.

Across all the properties we serve, the pace has been nonstop, and the results speak for themselves. Our teams are busy making communities shine bright for the season! From decorating entrances to refreshing winter landscapes, The Greenery, Inc. crews are hard at work bringing holiday cheer to the properties we proudly serve. We’re thankful for our dedicated team members and the joy they help create! Holiday installations often happen on tight timelines and in changing weather conditions, yet our crews consistently deliver polished, professional results.

At The Greenery, holiday decorating is an extension of our year-round commitment to beautifying and caring for the communities we serve. It’s one more way we help create spaces where people feel proud to be. As you drive through town and enjoy the lights and seasonal displays, know that a skilled and dedicated team made it possible, and we’re honored to be part of your holiday season year after year.