For Ricky Simmons, landscaping has never been just about mowing grass or planting flowers. It is about creating outdoor spaces where people can gather, celebrate and make memories for years to come.
As owner of Simmons Lawn & Landscaping, Simmons spends most of his days outdoors managing projects, meeting with clients and overseeing everything from landscape design to hardscaping. Even after long days in the field, the work often continues into the evening with emails, invoicing and other responsibilities that come with running a business. “I definitely don’t work the typical 9-to-5 job,” Simmons says with a hearty laugh. “It’s hard when you have a 12-hour day outside and then come home to paperwork, but it all comes with the territory of being a business owner.”
When he does find free time, Simmons prefers to stay active. He enjoys surfing, paddleboarding and riding his bike, activities that keep him outdoors even when he is not working. He says having a supportive partner has also helped him balance the demands of business ownership. “Thankfully, I found the right person who is willing to work with me and support my crazy schedule,” Simmons says.
That schedule has been packed for nearly three decades. While Simmons officially received his business license in 1997, his experience in the industry began much earlier. “I started learning the business as a teen after school and doing odd jobs whenever I could,” Simmons says. In 2027, Simmons Lawn & Landscaping will celebrate 30 years in business, a milestone he says he is incredibly grateful to reach.
Today, the company handles a wide variety of residential and commercial projects, including mowing, pruning, mulching, seasonal plantings and landscape design. Hardscaping involves projects that cover the entirety of a yard and are necessary before soft landscaping features come into play. For Simmons, hardscaping has become a particular focus over the last 12 years and has earned him significant industry recognition. “I’ve won three awards with Belgard in 2022, 2024 and 2025,” Simmons says. “I was named Hardscape Hero of the Month for the Mid-Atlantic region, which is great recognition and always gives me something to strive for next.”
While awards are appreciated, Simmons believes the company’s success comes from a more personal approach. “I offer a lot of personal service and education about exactly what we’re doing,” Simmons says. “I’m very hands-on, and I’m passionate about my work.”
According to Simmons, asking questions is one of the most important parts of any project. Understanding how a homeowner plans to use a space, what maintenance the homeowner is comfortable with and even discussing budget helps create a design that truly fits the needs.
Attention to detail is also what Simmons believes separates a good landscape from a great one. “Some people think it’s all about cutting grass, but it’s truly an art,” Simmons says. “It’s not always the big-picture items. It’s the details and nuances that create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space.” He says successful landscapes should provide something exciting throughout all four seasons, whether through flowers, foliage, texture or other design elements.
Designing outdoor spaces also requires balancing beauty with practicality. Simmons says understanding how clients plan to use the space is just as important as choosing plants or materials. Different environments, weather conditions and maintenance preferences all play a role in creating a lasting landscape. He also encourages homeowners to understand the basics of their property, including their grass type, since common varieties like fescue and Bermuda require different care.
After nearly 30 years in the industry, Simmons says every project remains rewarding in its own way. While large projects often require more planning and coordination, smaller projects can be just as meaningful. “When customers trust you with their vision and they’re glad they hired you when the project is finished, that’s always rewarding,” Simmons says. He especially enjoys hearing how families use their new outdoor spaces after the work is complete. “When I’m told about parties, family events and everyone enjoying the space, that’s a great extension of the work.”
For Simmons, the most rewarding part of landscaping is seeing how a well-designed outdoor space can completely change the way folks experiences their home. “A good landscaping job can add so much value to a home,” Simmons says. “When people are outside entertaining, relaxing or simply enjoying their flowers and landscape, they’re using a space they may never have enjoyed before.”
At Simmons Lawn & Landscaping, the finished product is about more than plants, patios or curb appeal. It is about helping homeowners create spaces to bring people together, make lasting memories and leaving them, as Simmons puts it, “overwhelmed with excitement” when they see the final result.
TO THE POINT:
Simmons Lawn & Landscaping
Address: 510 Muller Ln., Ste. B, Newport News, VA 23606
Contact: Ricky Simmons, owner and president
Phone: 757-833-0003
