We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tomfrey Smith Jr.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tomfrey below.
Tomfrey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
It all started with a simple realization—I wanted to combine my love for nature with my entrepreneurial drive. Growing up in Riverdale, I was surrounded by the beauty of green spaces, and I had always been fascinated by the way a well-designed garden could transform a place. I’d daydream about how I could create those kinds of transformations myself, but I didn’t know where to start.
The idea really started taking shape in 2020 when I was spending more time at home during the pandemic. Like so many people, I found solace in tending to my own yard. I started to see the real potential in landscape design—how it could enhance not only the look of a space but also the way people experienced it. That’s when the seed was planted for Atlanta Best Gardens.
But dreaming about a business and starting one are two different things. I had to break it down step by step. The first thing I did was lean on my degree in Business Administration. I understood the theory behind running a business, but I needed a solid plan tailored to the landscape design industry. So, I spent the next few months researching the market—figuring out who my competition was, what types of services were in demand, and where I could carve out my niche.
I realized early on that I wanted to focus on garden design and development, not the routine lawn care you see from bigger companies. My vision was more specialized—I wanted to create unique, artistic spaces that would grow and thrive over time.
The next step was building a brand around that vision. I came up with the name *Atlanta Best Gardens* because I wanted the name to reflect the high standard I was aiming for. I wanted my clients to know they’d be getting more than just another cookie-cutter lawn service. I had to figure out the logistics, like setting up my website, building a portfolio from some of the projects I’d done for friends and family, and putting together a team of skilled people who shared my passion for this kind of work.
Of course, there were challenges. I had to learn how to work with suppliers and source the right materials, like plants and flowers that would thrive in Atlanta’s climate. I also had to learn how to manage a project from start to finish—how to communicate my vision to clients, and how to design spaces that were not only beautiful but sustainable over time.
The first year was a mix of long days and a steep learning curve, but every project taught me something new. The best part is, I haven’t stopped learning since. I still approach each project with the same excitement as that first one, knowing that the landscapes we create will not only add value to our clients’ homes but also bring them joy for years to come. That’s the real reward.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Tomfrey Smith Jr., born and raised in the Atlanta area, and I’ve always been passionate about nature and the power it has to transform spaces. I started *Atlanta Best Gardens* in 2021, after a long-time fascination with plants, outdoor design, and the natural world finally pushed me to take a leap of faith. I’ve got a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Atlanta Metropolitan State College, and I knew from early on that I wanted to create something meaningful. Landscape design felt like the perfect way to combine my business knowledge with my love for nature, so I decided to start a company that would make the world just a little more beautiful, one garden at a time.
At *Atlanta Best Gardens*, we focus on custom landscape design for homes, businesses, and venues. We don’t handle traditional lawn care or maintenance like many other companies. Instead, we specialize in garden design and development. Our goal is to create outdoor spaces that go beyond just looking pretty for the moment—they are designed to grow and evolve, so your garden matures beautifully and remains healthy for seasons to come. We plant for the future, giving space for plants to flourish rather than overloading a garden with greenery just to make it look “full” right away. This sustainable approach ensures that the beauty lasts, and clients don’t find themselves stuck with an overgrown mess in a year.
Our services also include interior landscaping, where we bring the outdoors inside with carefully designed interiorscapes that make homes or businesses feel closer to nature. Whether it’s a small townhome garden, an apartment balcony, or a large commercial project, we bring the same level of creativity and attention to detail to every job. What sets us apart from larger companies is our hands-on approach and commitment to working within our clients’ vision and budget. We understand that many people think hiring a landscape designer is expensive, but we offer flexible solutions that allow our clients to spread out their projects over several seasons if needed.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the positive impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives and their homes. A well-designed garden doesn’t just add curb appeal; it can completely change the way people experience their space. Whether it’s adding value to a home that’s about to be sold, creating a serene backyard retreat, or enhancing the entrance of a business, we love seeing the difference our work makes.
For potential clients, the main thing I want them to know about *Atlanta Best Gardens* is that we are not just about planting flowers or laying down mulch. We create outdoor environments that inspire and add value. Our designs are thoughtful, creative, and tailored to each client’s unique needs. We are committed to helping them improve their surroundings in a way that lasts.
For anyone who loves nature, appreciates the beauty of a well-designed space, or just wants to enhance their curb appeal, I invite them to consider us for their next project. We’re passionate about what we do, and we believe that with the right design, any outdoor space can become a place of inspiration, tranquility, and joy.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of delivering high-quality, personalized service and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals. From the very beginning, I knew that creating strong relationships with my clients would be key to building my business. At *Atlanta Best Gardens*, we don’t just provide a one-size-fits-all service. We take the time to understand each client’s vision, budget, and goals for their outdoor space, and we deliver results that exceed their expectations. That attention to detail and personalized care has been our biggest asset in growing the business.
In fact, many of our new clients come from referrals. Satisfied clients often recommend us to their friends, family, or neighbors, and I think that speaks volumes about the kind of experience we provide. We make sure to stay engaged with past clients, offering follow-up advice or consultations, which helps maintain that connection and keeps us top of mind for future projects.
Beyond that, I’ve also focused on building an online presence, which has been crucial in expanding our reach. Showcasing our work through high-quality photos on our website and social media has attracted clients who are looking for unique and artistic landscape design. I find that when potential clients see the transformation we’ve created for others, they get inspired and want to bring that same magic to their own spaces.
Lastly, transparency and clear communication have been key. Clients appreciate knowing exactly what to expect in terms of process, costs, and timelines. This level of trust and reliability encourages repeat business and long-term relationships, which have been essential to our steady growth.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale comes down to a few key principles that I’ve found essential in my experience with *Atlanta Best Gardens*: clear communication, fostering a sense of ownership, and recognizing the unique strengths of each team member.
First and foremost, I believe in setting clear expectations from the start. When everyone knows what the goals are, what their role is, and how they contribute to the bigger picture, it creates a sense of purpose and alignment. Open communication is also crucial—my team knows they can come to me with any questions or concerns, and I make sure to keep them updated on project progress and client feedback. This transparency builds trust, which is the foundation of a strong, motivated team.
Fostering a sense of ownership is another critical element. I encourage my team to take pride in their work and make decisions within their areas of expertise. When they feel like their contributions are valued, it boosts morale and makes them more invested in the outcome of each project. I’ve found that empowering people to use their creativity and skills not only leads to better results but also keeps everyone engaged and enthusiastic.
Recognition is also key. I make it a point to celebrate the small wins, whether it’s a client complimenting a well-executed design or a project that comes together beautifully. Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the team goes a long way in keeping morale high. People want to feel appreciated for their efforts, and I ensure that happens consistently.
Lastly, I try to create a positive and collaborative work environment. We share ideas, learn from each other, and encourage growth. Landscaping can be tough work, but when the team feels supported and knows that their contributions are part of something bigger, it makes the process rewarding. By making sure everyone feels respected, heard, and part of a collective vision, we maintain a high level of morale and a strong team dynamic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AtlantaBestGardens.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/AtlantaBestGardens
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/AtlantaBestGardens
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/@AtlantaBestGardens7988
- Other: http://tiktok.com/@AtlantaBest
