Ask This Old House welcomes landscape contractor, Lee Gilliam to the cast and shines a spotlight on his 30 years of landscaping experience.
It All Started 30 Years Ago
Lee’s story begins 30 years ago. Back then, he operated out of a Toyota station wagon with just a lawnmower. He started the business while working on an assembly line, and he would get out of work in the afternoon and cut grass until around 9 PM each night. Over the course of 12 years, his business continued to grow until he was able to leave assembly work and work for himself full-time.
Lee Loves a Well-Maintained Lawn
Lee believes that a well-maintained lawn should not have any weeds in it, including stubborn plants like creeping Charlie and clover. He knows a healthy lawn will grow so tight and thick that weeds can’t take hold. These lawns should have nice, dark green coloring—a sign of good health from Lee’s standpoint.
Hardscaping is His Thing, As Well
Lee doesn’t just love plants. He also loves hardscape materials. He’s a big fan of cobblestone edging, bluestone slabs, and weathered brick. He’s able to make garden beds, walkways, and other yard accents from these materials, providing plenty of visual interest.
A Well-Maintained Yard is Like a Fresh Haircut
When it comes to keeping a yard looking sharp, Lee has a plan. He likes to edge the garden beds at least twice a month to keep them looking crisp. Paired with a fresh-cut lawn, edged beds remind Lee of a new haircut.
His Crew is Like Family
Some of Lee’s employees have been with him for 20 years. They know what he likes and what his customers look for. Lee looks at these great people not just as employees but also as family.
He Believes You Can Do It
“Don’t give up” is Lee’s biggest piece of advice. He believes anyone can start their own business, but they have to stick with it for 5 years and reinvest in it. He says there will be some discouraging days but not to let those days get you down. It’s a great profession, and Lee feels it’s very rewarding.
