Matt Hunter’s story in the green industry started with a simple goal: buying a dirt bike. Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, he began mowing lawns at age 12 to save money. By 13, he was managing 20 clients on a weekly basis.

“When I think back, that’s what set me on this path,” Matt says. “I loved taking care of properties and building those early relationships.”

At 16, Matt’s family relocated to Winston-Salem. He went on to work at Avalon Gardens while studying horticulture and landscape technology at North Carolina State University. Later, he earned a business degree from UNC Greensboro, combining his knowledge of plants with the skills to run a company.

His career included more than a decade with SiteOne Landscape Supply before he joined New Garden Landscaping and Nursery in 2015. Five years later, Matt purchased the business from its founder, Morris Newlin, who started the company back in 1977.

Under Matt’s leadership, New Garden has sharpened its focus on design, build, and maintenance services. In 2025, the nursery division closed so the team could dedicate its energy to landscapes that transform homes and properties across the Triad.

Today, the company designs and installs everything from patios and outdoor kitchens to privacy plantings and Struxure pergolas. Its maintenance team handles weekly property care as well as seasonal cleanups. The irrigation and lighting division, LIS, provides new system installations, repairs, and service plans to keep landscapes at their best.

With sister company Nature’s Select Piedmont under the same roof, New Garden clients have access to lawn care, irrigation, lighting, and long-term maintenance all in one place. “Having everything integrated makes it easier for our clients,” Matt explains. “They know they can trust one team for the entire process.”

What has never changed is the emphasis on relationships. Many employees have been with the company for decades, and long-time clients often return for new projects as their needs evolve.

“We’ve always prioritized building for the long run,” Matt says. “Our goal is to deliver on our promises and keep earning trust year after year.”

That approach shows up in the feedback. “I couldn’t be happier with the results of a new fire pit and retaining wall,” writes Diane Chisholm in her Google review. “It exceeded my expectations exponentially.” Jennifer Anderson described her project as “worth every single penny,” while Gregory Savoie praised the team for being “kind, respectful, and incredibly hardworking.”

Matt also offers simple advice for homeowners considering improvements. “Nobody ever regrets outdoor lighting. It completely changes how you see your property and adds safety and security. Plan it from the start, not later.”

Nearly 50 years after its founding, New Garden continues to grow by focusing on quality, professionalism, and connection. For Matt, his wife Christie, and their two daughters, the work is about more than landscapes—it’s about creating spaces where families can gather, relax, and enjoy life at home.

New Garden Landscaping & Nursery
 5577 Garden Village Way, Greensboro, NC 27410
 (336) 665-0291
 info@newgarden.com