Professional Landscaping and The Plantique

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill

Relationships are like plants; they require careful attention and support in order to thrive. Formed with strong roots in a healthy, welcoming environment, they can withstand the test of time and grow to make the world a better, more beautiful place. 

Chad Frye became part owner of his father Wendal Frye’s business, Professional Landscaping, in 2010, but has worked in the landscaping business practically all his life. He has fond memories of his younger days spent watering and potting plants at his grandfather’s plant nursery, then later working for Professional Landscaping in Curry during his summer breaks from school, doing more intensive landscape work. Even today, what stands out to Chad about these businesses, and what he strives to replicate, is the trusting relationships his father and grandfather formed with their clientele.

“I know that’s what made them successful business owners,” Chad says. “Sure, they did and still do excellent work, but good work can only take you so far. Being a good person and proving that you care beyond a transaction is a big part of a successful business.”

Since joining the business in a full-time capacity, Chad has steadily moved up the ladder from doing a regular rotation of smaller scale landscaping jobs to completing large-scale irrigation, plant installation, hardscape, and patio construction jobs. The transition into these projects was made possible by the exceptional reputation Professional Landscaping holds in the community, a reputation earned in large part by the intricate jobs the crews complete, but also by word of mouth and recommendations from satisfied customers. 

Chad’s wife, Nevada, is like-minded in the belief that customer relationships drive business success, so when she came on board full time with Professional Landscaping to help with the growing demands of the flourishing business, she didn’t find difficulty adapting. In fact, she already had an idea how to expand their business presence in the community and continue to build relationships.

“The idea was to have a gift shop-type business catered more to the people who care for plants as a hobby as opposed to professionally, but also a place for people to gather and enjoy each other’s presence, and that became The Plantique,” Nevada says.

The Plantique opened in October 2021 in conjunction with the launching of Professional Landscaping’s Jasper location. It has already become a go-to spot for plant lovers and a venue for events that bring members of the community together. 

Since opening, The Plantique has been a home for family movie nights, children’s storytime, birthday parties, team-building events, arts and crafts lessons, and even yoga classes. 

“We love how quickly and happily Jasper welcomed us and supported us, and we can’t wait to see just how much we are able to grow here, both professionally and personally,” Nevada says. “We’re most excited about the people we’ll meet and the friendships we’ll build along the way.” 78