Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomfrey Smith Jr..
Hi Tomfrey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story really starts with a love for nature and a desire to build something meaningful. I was born in Atlanta and raised in Riverdale, Georgia, where I developed an early appreciation for plants, outdoor spaces, and how landscaping can completely change the feel of a home. I also knew from a young age that I wanted to be an entrepreneur, which eventually led me to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Atlanta Metropolitan State College.
The idea for Atlanta Best Gardens came to life in 2021. Like many people during that time, I found myself spending more time outdoors and working with my own garden. What began as a personal passion quickly turned into a realization that many homeowners wanted beautiful, intentional outdoor spaces but didn’t know where to start; or assumed professional landscape design was out of reach. I saw an opportunity to bridge that gap.
In the beginning, I handled everything myself: designing gardens, sourcing plants, installing beds, and building relationships with clients one project at a time.
As the business grew, so did my confidence in that vision. Today, Atlanta Best Gardens works with a diverse range of clients, from small townhome gardens and apartment balconies to larger residential and commercial properties. We design and install planting layouts, raised and vegetable gardens, privacy and fruit trees, fire pits, walkways, and decorative stone features.
What’s brought me to where I am today is consistency, creativity, and a commitment to doing things differently. I’m proud that our work doesn’t just improve curb appeal; it adds value, extends living space, and changes how people experience their homes. I’m still growing, still learning, and still driven by the same goal I started with: creating inspiring outdoor spaces that leave a lasting impact.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I think that’s true for most entrepreneurs. Starting Atlanta Best Gardens came with a lot of trial and error. In the early days, one of the biggest challenges was wearing every hat at once; designer, installer, marketer, estimator, bookkeeper. There were long days where I was physically working on projects and then going home to handle quotes, follow-ups, and planning for the next job.
Another struggle was educating clients on what landscape design really is. Many people assume landscaping means weekly lawn maintenance or that professional design automatically equals a huge expense. I had to clearly communicate that we focus on fine gardening and long-term garden development, and that thoughtful design can actually save money over time by preventing overcrowding and costly rework.
But every challenge forced me to refine my process, sharpen my communication, and stay true to why I started in the first place. Those struggles shaped the business into what it is today. They helped me build resilience, clarity, and a stronger brand.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Atlanta Best Gardens ?
Atlanta Best Gardens is a fine gardening and landscape design company rooted in creativity, intention, and long-term value.
We specialize in custom planting designs, raised and vegetable gardens, privacy and fruit tree installations, and curated hardscaping elements such as fire pits, walkways, edging, mulch, and decorative stone. We also offer interior plant design, bringing nature indoors to create calm, inviting environments. Every project, whether it’s a small townhome garden or a larger residential or commercial space, receives the same level of care, creativity, and attention to detail.
What truly sets Atlanta Best Gardens apart is our design philosophy. Unlike many large landscaping companies, we don’t overplant to make a space look “full” on day one just to increase material costs. Those landscapes often become overcrowded and unhealthy within a year. We design for future growth, giving plants the space they need to thrive season after season. This approach leads to healthier gardens, lower long-term costs for clients, and more sustainable results.
We’re also known for making professional landscape design feel accessible. Many people assume hiring a designer means a big expense, but we work within real budgets and can phase projects over time.
What I want readers to know is that Atlanta Best Gardens isn’t about quick fixes or trends. We create intentional outdoor environments that grow with you, elevate your home, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking to transform your front entry, create a peaceful backyard retreat, or design a garden from the ground up, our focus is always on beauty, balance, and lasting impact.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve been fortunate to have support from several directions along the way. I’ve learned a great deal from other small business owners and creatives in the landscaping and construction space; mostly through shared conversations, advice, and observing how they operate. Those insights helped shape how I price, communicate with clients, and run projects more efficiently.
Most importantly, my clients deserve a lot of credit. Many took a chance on me early on, trusted my ideas, and then became repeat clients or referred me to others. Their support, feedback, and word-of-mouth recommendations have played a major role in the growth of Atlanta Best Gardens.
Pricing:
- Perspective Rendering Package: 1. Service Description: Receive a detailed 3D rendered view of a specific area of your property. 2. Convenience: No site visit required; simply send photos directly to the designer. 3. Package Contents: – 3D rendering of your desired landscape transformation as a digital photo file. – 1 design revision included if initial rendering does not meet satisfaction. – Optional quote for installation services if desired and within our serviced area. – $75
- Privacy Trees – 3 gallon (2-3 feet tall) $65/each 7 gallon (4-5 feet tall) $95/each 15 gallon (6 -7 feet tall) $150/each
- Planting Flowers/Trees $5+ per plant depending on size; $40+ per shrub depending on size Price includes all materials and labor
- Border / Edging – includes material & installation Concrete Blocks – $10.00 per linear foot Stone – $12.00 per linear foot Brick – $8.00 per linear foot Plastic – $2.00 per linear foot
- Mulch – includes material, delivery and installation at 2” depth $150 per 1 cubic yard or $0.93 per sqft
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.atlantabestgardens.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/AtlantaBestGardens
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/AtlantaBestGardens
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/@AtlantaBestGardens7988
- Other: http://tiktok.com/@AtlantaBest
