We're proud to highlight the work of our partner, Gardens of Babylon Landscapes. For 23 years, this family-owned company has been helping Middle Tennessee homeowners and businesses create beautiful outdoor spaces. Meet CEO Marcus Kerske and get to know the family, the values, and passion that have shaped Gardens of Babylon from the very beginning.

Where is your family from?
Our family moved to Nashville in 1987 from Michigan. Over the years, we have all become true Nashvillians. Tennessee has been our home for nearly four decades, and we are proud to be part of the growth and evolution of this community.

Gardens of Babylon Landscapes is truly a family business. My father, Mark, my brother, Matt, and I built the company together, and while my mother and sister were never directly involved in the business, they have always been our biggest supporters and cheerleaders throughout the journey.

When we opened, our garden center was located next to the famous Garage Mahal in East Nashville, and we jokingly thought we could become two of Nashville’s “Seven Wonders.” That's where our name came from.  

Over the past 23 years, we've grown from a small neighborhood garden center to a thriving team of more than 140 employees. Along the way, we expanded to the Nashville Farmers' Market and evolved into one of Nashville's leading landscape design-build firms. Today, we offer landscape design, installation, maintenance, irrigation, lighting, and garden retail services.

What truly sets us apart is that we think about a landscape's entire lifecycle from the very beginning. Because we design, install, and maintain landscapes, our designers create spaces that aren't just beautiful on day one—they're designed to thrive for years to come.

Our maintenance experience also makes us better designers. We understand how landscapes mature over time, how plants perform in Middle Tennessee's climate, and how thoughtful design today reduces problems tomorrow. Even after a project is complete, our maintenance teams continue looking for opportunities to enhance the property as it evolves. Combined with our commitment to sustainable practices and soil health, that gives our clients a true long-term partner rather than simply a contractor.

Can you tell us about the events that led up to where you are now?
I earned a degree in Building Science and Construction Management from Auburn University. That education provided a strong foundation in project management, construction processes, and business operations, all of which prepared me to help grow and lead Gardens of Babylon.

Over the last 23 years, I have worked in many areas of the company and have had the opportunity to help guide its growth into the organization it is today.

One of the most important decisions homeowners can make is choosing a partner who understands not only landscape design, but also installation and long-term maintenance.

A successful landscape is about much more than selecting attractive plants. Proper design, healthy soil, and sustainable practices create lasting results. We encourage homeowners to focus on building soil health through composting and soil amendments rather than relying solely on fertilizers. Strong design principles and healthy soil provide the foundation for landscapes that thrive for years.

Many people assume that Gardens of Babylon is simply a garden center. While our garden center is an important part of who we are, it represents only a small portion of our business today.

Behind the scenes, we have more than 25 field teams working every day to design, build, and maintain landscapes throughout Middle Tennessee. Our services extend far beyond retail gardening and include comprehensive landscape solutions for residential and commercial clients.

One of the most rewarding parts of our business is helping clients who have become frustrated with their landscaping experience. Many homeowners feel like they have to manage their landscape company instead of enjoying their property.

Our team takes a proactive approach, monitoring landscapes for weeds, plant diseases, irrigation issues, and other concerns before they become major problems. Recently, we worked with a client who had grown tired of constantly following up with their previous provider. By implementing proactive maintenance and consistent communication, we gave them confidence that their property was being cared for properly. Seeing the relief and trust that comes from knowing their investment is protected reminds us why we do what we do.

We believe the best landscapes are created through collaboration. Our goal is to understand each client’s vision and bring it to life while ensuring it will thrive in Middle Tennessee’s unique climate.

We focus on selecting plants and materials that will perform well through both wet and dry seasons and creating landscapes that mature beautifully over time. We want every project to be more than just a landscape—we want it to be a long-term investment that enhances our clients’ lives and connection to the natural world.

We love Nashville, and we love helping people connect with nature. It is a privilege to create and care for outdoor spaces that bring beauty, peace, and enjoyment to our community every day.

(615) 244-8949
https://gardensofbabylon.com

@gardens_of_babylon