The Evolution of Splendid Gardens: Resilience, creativity and teamwork
INSIDE A Modest Start With Big Dreams Back in 2007, Elizabeth Hark was ready for a change. She was frustrated with her corporate landscape job but in love with landscaping itself. So, she took her husband Phillip Becker’s advice to create a company where she could do things her way. She started Splendid Gardens with one crew and a lot of determination. The first crew’s trailer parked outside their home garnered more than attention—it drew complaints from the HOA. “We had an email about the trailer within weeks,” Philip shares, laughing. The event didn’t deter them. Instead, it strengthened Elizabeth’s resolve. The next day, she found a small commercial space to house their equipment—solidifying in her mind that Splendid Gardens was a real business—and they were going places.
Creativity in Marketing In the early days, marketing was as handson as the landscaping. Elizabeth recalls
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Splendid Gardens
creating elaborate floral arrangements with indoor and outdoor plants. They then spent the day handing these out to potential clients, introducing themselves and hoping for leads. “It was expensive marketing—three people had to carry them—but it worked,” she says. It’s true that not all 50 recipients became clients immediately. But key projects came in over time. What’s more, this spark of innovative marketing genius set them apart as the “creative” landscaping company in the community.
ELIZABETH HARK & PHILLIP BECKER
It got people talking. And that was the point.
Balancing Expertise and Passion Philip supported the business from the sidelines for years. He lent his expertise in tree management and safety while managing his own demanding career. But then COVID-19 happened. It led to him joining full-time as the vice-president. He
took over operations like maintenance, payroll and equipment management. “Working together was an adjustment,” Philip admits. “But, over time, we found a rhythm. Between Elizabeth’s quick decision-making and my methodical approach, we balance each other well.”
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