Co-Owner

May brings 8 years of experience in customer success and a background in clinical psychology to her role as co-owner of Gardens by Oz. With a career rooted in strategic thinking, empathy, and relationship-building, May has a knack for translating complex needs into streamlined, satisfying experiences—skills that transfer seamlessly to the landscaping world, where clear communication and thoughtful systems are key to beautiful, lasting results.

Her professional background includes managing high-level accounts for Fortune 500 clients while leading teams. Whether refining processes, building trust with clients, or guiding teams through change, May thrives at the intersection of people, systems, and service. At Gardens, she focuses on creating smooth, personalized customer journeys from the very first consultation to the final walkthrough.

Her favorite flower is the hibiscus—bright, bold, and full of personality. Outside of work, May enjoys dancing, trying new Italian restaurants, traveling and spending quality time with her wife and their dog, Luke.

Co-Owner

Laura brings 12 years of experience in people management and organizational change to her role as co-owner of Gardens by Oz. With a background in process improvement, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership, Laura has a knack for guiding people—and projects—through complexity with clarity and care. She's especially passionate about building systems that support smooth operations, great client experiences, and a thriving team culture.

Beyond her corporate background, Laura has always been deeply connected to the outdoors. Her love for nature is what inspired her to move to Gardens by Oz, where she blends strategic thinking with a genuine appreciation for beautiful, well-cared-for landscapes. Her favorite flowers are Dahlias for their array of sunset colors. 

When she’s not helping the business bloom, Laura enjoys dancing, spending time in nature, and soaking up life with her wife and their dog, Luke.

Founder

Gary grew up in an artistic household and early channeled that into architectural design. He is deeply ingrained in the community of Norfolk and loves a good story. This artistic and communal nature helped him grow the business for 40 years. As he enjoys a partial retirement, Gary has turned over the management of the business and instead focuses on Landscape Design exclusively for Gardens by Oz as a valued member of our team.

Director of Field Operations

Known as our resident wizard and jack of all trades, Pete is the force behind the scenes (and on-site) at Gardens by Oz. As Director of Field Operations, he brings over 25 years of experience in landscaping, hardscaping, and full-scope project management. Pete is especially passionate about ponds, aquatic gardens, and stonework—combining technical precision with an artist’s eye to bring outdoor spaces to life.

Pete’s favorite flowers are passion vines and spider lilies—bold, beautiful, and just a little wild, much like the landscapes he creates. When he's off the clock, you’ll likely find him near the water—relaxing at the beach, out on a boat, or casting a line while fishing.

Director of Horticulture

As Director of Horticulture at Gardens by Oz, Deneane brings over 28 years of expertise in plant cultivation and landscape care. She specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating flowers, trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants—providing personalized recommendations that support long-term plant health and beauty. Whether she's consulting with a new client or making an on-site visit, Deneane ensures each landscape receives thoughtful, expert attention tailored to its unique needs.

Her favorite flower is the medinilla, a perfect match for her eye for rare and elegant plants. Outside of work, Deneane loves spending time with her family—especially her granddaughter—and makes it a point to visit the beach as often as she can.

Lawn Care and Maintenance Lead

Josh leads the way in lawn care and maintenance at Gardens by Oz, setting the tone for consistent, high-quality service across every property we care for. With over 16 years of experience in lawn and plant care, Josh brings a deep knowledge of landscape health and a genuine passion for keeping outdoor spaces vibrant and beautiful. His dedication shows in every lawn he touches—prioritizing long-term care, seasonal upkeep, and client satisfaction.

A true plant enthusiast, Josh’s favorites are the Stargazer Lily and the Monkey Puzzle Tree, which reflect his appreciation for both the beauty and uniqueness of nature. Outside of work, you’ll likely find him traveling or enjoying live music at a concert.

Crew Member

Dereck is a dedicated member of the Gardens by Oz crew, specializing in lawn and grass care. With 15 years of experience in the landscaping industry, he brings a sharp eye and steady hand to the maintenance and health of our clients' lawns—ensuring they stay lush, green, and beautifully manicured throughout the seasons.

A true plant lover, Dereck appreciates all kinds of greenery and thrives in the great outdoors. When he's off the clock, you'll often find him playing disc golf or simply enjoying time outside, soaking in nature whenever he can.

Crew Member

Dustin is a skilled and dependable part of the Gardens by Oz crew, bringing 11 years of experience to the design and execution of landscape projects. While he supports a wide range of work in the field, his true specialty lies in hardscaping—where precision, structure, and creativity come together to shape outdoor spaces with lasting impact.

Dustin’s favorite flowers are clematis vines and magnolias, a reflection of his appreciation for both elegance and strength in nature. When he’s not on-site, you’ll find him spending quality time with his family, casting a line on the water, or skating for fun.

Crew Member

As the newest member of the Gardens by Oz crew, Brian brings 3 years of landscaping experience and a growing passion for the craft. He takes particular pride in his precision with string trimming—a detail-oriented skill that’s earned compliments from customers for its crisp, clean results. Brian’s commitment to making lawns look their best is already making a strong impression, and we’re thrilled to have him on the team.

His favorite flower is the lily, admired for its simplicity and natural beauty. A true outdoorsman at heart, Brian enjoys relaxing in nature, fishing, hiking, and soaking up as much fresh air as possible when he's off the clock.

Crew Member

With over 40 years of experience in the landscaping industry, Freddy is a true veteran of the craft. As a valued member of the Gardens by Oz crew, he focuses on lawn and grass care, bringing deep expertise and attention to detail to every property he works on. Freddy takes great pride in his work, always going the extra mile to ensure each landscape is not only well-maintained but truly enjoyed by the people who live in it.

Freddy’s favorite flowers are pansies and tulips, drawn to their bold and vibrant colors. When he’s not in the field, Freddy enjoys relaxing at the beach with his wife and keeping up with major league sports.