Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Manley.
Hi Kyle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t start my career in horticulture—I actually began as a band director. But every summer, I worked at Gertens, slowly working my way up from the pottery department to roles that put me in close contact with contractors and residential clients. Over time, I realized how much I loved helping people shape their outdoor spaces, and eventually I decided to take a break from teaching to pursue that work full time.
While at Gertens, I started picking up small side jobs—planting, garden cleanups, and simple design work. Those side jobs kept growing, and before long, I had more requests than I could take on alone. That was the moment when Manley Gardening really began to take shape.
What started as just me with a shovel and a small client list has grown into a full seasonal team of around seven full-time employees, plus a salaried lead position. Today, we focus on fine gardening, native-plant-forward landscapes, and high-touch maintenance that helps people feel genuinely connected to their outdoor spaces.
The path wasn’t traditional, but each step—from teaching music to hauling pottery to managing contractor sales—gave me the foundation to build a company rooted in communication, patience, and a strong work ethic. And as Manley Gardening continues to grow, that same spirit still guides everything we do.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road—but not without its challenges. Building the business sustainably has required a lot of patience and a willingness to grow slowly rather than chase quick wins. That slower pace has actually been a strength, allowing me to create systems that work, invest in my team, and maintain a consistently high level of service.
There were times when balancing workload, scheduling, and client expectations was difficult, especially in the early years when I was doing everything myself. But the hard work, consistent effort, and a focus on strong relationships paid off. Growth has been steady, reliable, and rooted in delivering industry-leading services that clients trust.
In the end, the biggest “struggle” has simply been staying the course—putting in the time, refining the craft, and letting the business grow at the pace that keeps it healthy and keeping in our lane.
We’ve been impressed with Manley Gardening LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Manley Gardening is a fine-gardening and landscape company focused on thoughtful design, ecological practices, and high-end service. We work with homeowners who want outdoor spaces that feel intentional, cared for, and alive—not just maintained. Our work ranges from detailed garden maintenance to native plant–forward design, seasonal enhancements, container design, and specialty services like fountain installation.
What sets us apart is our craftsmanship and the personal attention we bring to every property. We aren’t a high-volume mowing or cleanup company. We’re known for our detailed horticultural care, our communication, and our ability to make even established gardens look fresh, healthy, and cohesive throughout the season. Our clients trust us not just to maintain their landscapes, but to elevate them.
Every team member is trained to understand the “why” behind what we do, not just the “how,” and that shows in the quality of our work.
Brand-wise, I’m proud that we’ve built a reputation for reliability, knowledge, and genuine care. We don’t just show up; we partner with clients to help their gardens thrive and partner with them for years. Whether it’s reviving a tired landscape, building an ecological planting plan, or installing a custom water feature, our goal is always the same: create outdoor spaces that feel welcoming, functional, and beautifully maintained.
If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know, it’s that Manley Gardening isn’t just a service—it’s a craft. And we bring that level of intention, pride, and expertise to every garden we touch.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors and peers in the industry who have played a huge role in the growth and success of Manley Gardening. Their guidance has been invaluable, especially at pivotal moments when critical decisions needed to be made. They’ve helped me avoid missteps they experienced themselves, provided a big-picture perspective, and reinforced the importance of trusting my own intuition.
Beyond guidance, they’ve encouraged me to dream bigger while helping me stay grounded in my priorities. What I really value is that these relationships are reciprocal—they’ve learned from my experiences as well, and that positive back-and-forth has been incredibly enriching. Having mentors like this has not only helped me grow the business wisely, but also shaped the way I lead my team, interact with clients, and approach new opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ManleyGardeningLLC.com
