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Our story

Just like gardening itself, the evolution of Manchester Gardening was a journey.

Our founder, Mary Petres, was born into a nature loving family. Her mother fostered her love of wildflowers, her father taught her about native trees, and when she was old enough for her first job, she ventured into the neighborhood to assist with weeding gardens.

 

That early exposure blossomed into a life-long passion, and Mary opened Manchester Garden and Gift Gallery in downtown Richmond, VA. What started as a brick and mortar, evolved into what is now Manchester Gardening — a locally-owned, woman run, and highly-specialized landscaping firm serving some of Richmond’s most established and beloved neighborhoods.

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Fast-forward to present day and Manchester Gardening has been established for more than 20 years. Our approach to landscaping and gardening services hasn’t wavered — we believe that gardening is a journey. We bring our expertise to each client’s yard in a way that’s helpful and flexible. We understand that every homeowner has different preferences and goals for their outdoor space. We meet you where you are — offering helpful guidance, hands-on assistance, and unmatched customer service. There’s a reason we work with many of our clients for years.

 

The day-to-day operations are in the extremely capable hands of certified horticulturists and long-time members of the team: Anna Davis and Greta Hoyt.

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Meet The Team

Greta Hoyt

Design/Sales & Garden Maintenance Manager
Virginia Certified Horticulturist
Virginia Certified Landscape Designer

Greta was raised in Wilmington, NC and was taught early on to love nature when her neighbor, Mrs. Howell allowed her to climb in her huge Magnolia tree and taught her how and why to deadhead pansies. When she attended North Carolina State University she studied Horticultural Science, with a concentration in Landscape Design. She then moved to Richmond, VA where she worked the first 10 years of her career in commercial landscaping.

 

Having tired of the limited plant palette of the commercial world, Greta joined Manchester Gardening in 2018 as a Landscape Designer and Horticulturist. Now, she is responsible for managing the recurring garden maintenance team and clients. She also works with clients to design landscaping plans that inspire, restore, and endure. Greta loves to share her vast knowledge with her team and the community — her goal is to encourage more people to grow, love, and care for plants. Greta has served on the Board for the Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association and currently serves on the Board of the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers.

 

Outside of work you’ll still find Greta outside! She's usually admiring big flowers and visiting nearby parks with her husband and kids, Henry and Harper.

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Anna Davis

Operations Manager
Virginia Certified Horticulturist
Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional

Anna is a Richmond native with over 25 years of experience in the landscaping industry. She began her career on the commercial side, where she developed her leadership skills, managed crews, earned her commercial applicator license, and operated heavy equipment.

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In 2010, Anna joined Manchester Gardening and has built her career here for more than 15 years. As Operations Manager, she oversees our installation crew. She welcomes a challenge, finds practical solutions, and trains our crews. She plays an active role in ensuring each project is completed to our high standards — with precision, care, and attention to detail.

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Anna thrives on our team because she loves being outdoors with her hands in the dirt. She enjoys watching the gardens she builds for our clients establish and thrive for years after installation. She brings her genuine passion to each project and is honored to partner with homeowners to create a beautiful outdoor space that brings lasting joy and peace.

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Outside of work, you can find Anna listening to live music and spending time with her teenage son and miniature chihuahua, Dot.

Work With Us

Want to be part of our team?

We offer full-time positions in a positive, hands-on, productive outdoor working environment.

 

We offer: 

  • Competitive Pay

  • Health Insurance

  • Holidays

  • Vacation Time

  • Continuing Education

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Qualified applicants will have: 

  • Professional landscaping experience

  • Knowledge of perennial plants & pruning

  • Capacity to lift and carry 50 lbs

  • Ability to walk up to 10 miles daily

  • A valid driver's license & clean driving record 

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