Our Team
James (Hugh) Brownlee, Horticulturalist
A native of Laurens, SC, Hugh received a bachelor’s degree with honors in ornamental horticulture from Clemson University. During high school and college, Hugh worked for Roses Unlimited, a nursery specializing in growing own-root roses and maintaining a collection of rare and historic varieties. After college, he completed a course in floral design from Hixon’s School of Floral Design in Lakewood, OH.
Hugh enjoys returning to South Carolina to visit his parents and to cultivate his garden at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Laurens. He enjoys memberships in several organizations including the Southern Garden History Society, the Georgia Perennial Plant Association, the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Sons of the American Revolution. Hugh has a weakness for treasure hunting in second-hand bookshops and a passion for traveling to visit gardens. Gardens have become his recreation, hobby, and career.
Blair Chesnut, Landscape Designer + Project Manager
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Blair has been immersed in the Landscape world her entire life. She attributes her love for Landscape Architecture to her father- a reknowned Landscape Architect in Charleston. After graduating from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture and a minor in Horticulture, Blair began her landscape career over 15 years ago. She has joined the Gardens To Love team as a Landscape Designer where her daily responsibilites include hand drawings, renderings, project estimation, client communication and project management.
Blair enjoys her memberships in the Planters Garden Club, ICAA, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. In her free time, she can be found outdoors with her husband and Cockapoo, Teddy, in Garden Hills.
Tyler Parker, Operations Manager
Born and raised in Atlanta, Tyler brings many years of experience in the Landscape Industry. Tyler handles the day to day operations including managing the installation crews, plant orders, project management and client liason. Recently married, Tyler and his wife enjoy spending time outdoors at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Outside of managing the team at Gardens To Love, Tyler is a passionate golfer and fisherman.
Austin Rand, Irrigation + Lighting Specialist
Austin is a critical aspect to Gardens To Love as he is in charge of the irrigation installation as well as the lighting systems. Austin and his wife enjoy spending time with their four children outdoors on the weekends.
Alyza Rodgers, Office Manager + Client Communications
A native of Atlanta, Alyza exemplifies a strong passion for helping people and performing as a team player. After receiving a BA in Accounting, Alyza comes to Gardens To Love with 20 years of experience. Formerly working at a physicians office, the gardens were calling her name which led her to her current postion.
Alyza married her highschool sweetheart and now share three grown boys. When she is not working, Alzya can be found on the tennis court, spending time with friends and family and most importantly cheering on the GA Bulldogs!
Justin French, Maintenance Manager
Justin says he has been out in the field since he was a “wee lad”, technically that is 14 years in the landscape services industry. He is prodigy of his parent’s landscape business in Sarasota, Florida. Justin joined Gardens to Love as a gardener upon graduating with a Humanities degree from Florida State University. He is proud to say he installed 35 museum exhibits while still in school. Justin is a gardener who appreciates beauty on a canvas and in the garden.
Mike Sweeney, Quality Control Manager
Mike has been in the landscape industry for over 8 years and is a jack of all trades. Starting at Gardens To Love 5 years ago, Mike has brought knowledge of turf grass, chemical applications and installation into the fold and now comprises the role of the Quality Control Manager. Impossible to miss due to his 6’ 10” stature, Mike now identifies turf diseases and ensures our maintenance clients are receiving white glove treatment. In his free time, Mike enjoys relaxing with his cat when not working hard at Gardens To Love or in the gym.
