Owners Mark Taricano and Valerie Matthew

About Us

Plant This Outdoor Services is a premier commercial lawn care and landscaping installation company proudly serving the greater Central Florida, Lakeland, Tampa Bay, and Jacksonville areas. Though we operate across a broad region, our commitment to exceptional customer service remains the cornerstone of our business. What truly sets us apart is our personal approach: we take the time to understand each client’s unique property needs, expectations, and long-term goals, fostering enduring partnerships built on trust and reliability.

We pride ourselves on offering expert guidance and proactive recommendations, always striving for improvements that enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor spaces. Communication is at the heart of everything we do—we continually innovate our processes to ensure every request is met promptly and no detail is overlooked.

As your all-in-one provider for lawn care, irrigation, fertilization, arbor care, and design/build services, Plant This Outdoor Services is dedicated to making your landscape maintenance effortless, providing solutions that meet your needs while exceeding expectations. We’re here to simplify your life and enhance your outdoor environment, one project at a time.

Mark Taricano

Founder

Mark Taricano has dedicated his life to landscaping and is the visionary behind Plant This Outdoor Services. His journey began in 1981 when he launched his first landscape and maintenance company, which he successfully ran for 24 years. In 2005, Mark sold the business, seeking a slower pace through ventures like wholesaling high-quality trees and enjoying what he called “semi-retirement.”

However, Mark’s exceptional reputation followed him. Former clients and commercial property managers frequently reached out, struggling to find a replacement for his unmatched professionalism, impeccable work quality, and genuine friendship. Their continued loyalty and respect led Mark to return to the industry, and in 2014, he founded Plant This Outdoor Services.

Under Mark’s leadership, the company thrived, building on the strong relationships and high standards that defined his career. In 2021, Mark passed the torch to his oldest daughter, Valerie, and her husband, Patrick, who proudly carry on his legacy and commitment to excellence.

Valerie Matthew

Chief Executive Officer

Valerie Matthew, the oldest daughter of founder Mark Taricano, is the current owner and CEO of Plant This Outdoor Services. Growing up, Valerie watched her father’s unwavering dedication to his business, working long hours to deliver exceptional service and keep customers happy. It’s no surprise that she inherited his passion for creating beautiful landscapes and transforming outdoor spaces, whether through subtle enhancements or large-scale renovations.

Before taking the helm at Plant This, Valerie spent 16 successful years in the Property and Casualty Insurance industry as an Account Executive, where she built strong relationships with carrier leadership and excelled at driving performance.

Since assuming ownership in 2021, Valerie has led the company through tremendous growth, more than quadrupling its size in a short period. Her vision for Plant This Outdoor Services is to continue expanding and exploring new opportunities while preserving the personalized, customer-focused approach that has always set the company apart.

Patrick Matthew

President

Patrick Matthew is the President of Plant This Outdoor Services, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the company. Before joining Plant This full-time in 2023, Patrick served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Paul Davis Restoration, a billion-dollar franchising organization. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing insurance-related operations and building strategic partnerships with carrier senior leadership.

Patrick’s background in managing large-scale operations and fostering key relationships complements his commitment to the family business, where he now focuses on optimizing operations and driving continued growth alongside Valerie. Together, they work to ensure that Plant This Outdoor Services continues to deliver exceptional results while expanding its reach.

Our Team

Valerie Matthew
Valerie Matthew CEO
Patrick Matthew
Patrick Matthew President
Ian Blackmore - Director of Landscape and Irrigation Operations
Ian Blackmore Director of Landscape and Irrigation Operations

Ian D Blackmore is a seasoned Landscape and Irrigation professional with over 33 years of experience in the industry. Based in Central Florida, Ian has built a reputation for his expertise in designing, installing, and maintaining high-quality landscape and irrigation systems for both residential and commercial properties.

He is known for his innovative approach to landscape design, incorporating native plants and eco-friendly irrigation solutions to ensure long-lasting and environmentally responsible results.

Throughout his career, Ian has worked on a diverse range of projects, from small yard landscape makeovers to large-scale commercial developments. His attention to detail, commitment to customer satisfaction, and ability to stay current with industry trends and technologies have earned him the trust and admiration of his clients.

In addition to his hands-on work, Ian enjoys teaching the next generation of landscape and irrigation professionals. He is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.

When he's not working, Ian enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new gardening techniques, and volunteering with local environmental conservation groups. He is also an avid hunter and a passionate college football fan, often spending his weekends in the great outdoors or cheering on his favorite teams.

Ian has been happily married to his wife, Virginia (Ginny), for 27 years. Together, they have four daughters and are proud grandparents to a grandson and a granddaughter. The family also includes their beloved Northern Inuit dog, Cailean.

Stephen Hughes
Stephen Hughes

Landscape Operations Supervisor

Keith Gamble
Keith Gamble Account Manager

Keith Gamble is an Account Manager with more than 20 years of experience in the landscaping industry, serving clients throughout the Central Florida area. Having lived in the region his entire life, Keith has witnessed its growth firsthand and understands the evolving landscape and maintenance needs that come with it.

Following high school, Keith proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, and after completing his military service, he spent several years working in law enforcement. While those experiences shaped his discipline and work ethic, his true passion has always been in the landscaping industry.

Throughout his career, Keith has worked across multiple areas of landscape maintenance and operations, gaining a well-rounded understanding of the industry. As an Account Manager, he takes pride in building strong client relationships and delivering results that not only meet client needs but consistently exceed expectations.

Keith enjoys the immediate impact landscaping provides, from routine maintenance to detailed enhancements and large-scale projects requiring precise materials and attention to detail. He is deeply passionate about his profession and remains committed to delivering high-quality results on every property he manages.

Lauren Howatt
Lauren Howatt

Sr. Production Manager - Golden Oak Branch

Gianluca Velardi
Gianluca Velardi

Production Manager - Golden Oak Branch

Melissa Cross
Melissa Cross Production Manager - Golden Oak Branch

Melissa Cross is a Production Manager overseeing landscape operations at Golden Oak at Walt Disney World. Her passion for plants began at a young age, encouraged by her mother, who introduced her to gardening and plant care. What started as an early interest grew into a professional pursuit, leading Melissa to earn a degree in horticulture along with multiple technical certifications in the field. She is currently further expanding her professional skill set by pursuing an education in business management.

Melissa brings a strong attention to detail and a deep understanding of plant health and long-term landscape performance. She has hands-on experience in both greenhouse operations and landscape plant maintenance, with a particular passion for ornamental plants. Melissa takes pride in applying her knowledge to create and maintain healthy, visually striking landscapes.

Melkin Santos
Melkin Santos Production Manager

Melkin Santos is a Production Manager at Plant This, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the landscaping industry across Central Florida. Throughout his career, Melkin has held a variety of roles with multiple companies, gaining the well-rounded skills and practical knowledge he brings to Plant This today.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New Jersey, Melkin moved to Florida in his teenage years. At the age of 17, he was introduced to the landscaping industry by his father, where he quickly developed a passion for the work. His experience spans both residential and commercial properties, giving him a strong understanding of diverse landscape needs and operational demands.

Melkin is known for his calm demeanor and his ability to listen closely to customers, ensuring their expectations are understood and met. He is highly valued by his teams for his supportive leadership style and is respected for the care and consistency he brings to every project.

Outside of work, Melkin enjoys spending time at church and is an avid football and basketball fan, proudly cheering on the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Knicks.

Lee Laboy
Lee Laboy

Lee Laboy is the Horticulture Manager at Plant This, bringing over 25 years of experience in the green industry. In his role, Lee oversees plant health, care standards, and horticultural best practices across all projects, ensuring long-term performance and visual impact for every installation. He works closely with field teams to develop and maintain sustainable, efficient systems that support healthy, thriving landscapes.

Lee’s background includes extensive hands-on experience in plant selection, installation oversight, diagnostics, and long-term maintenance strategies. He is a Florida-certified Pest Control Operator specializing in lawn and ornamental management, enabling him to design and implement effective, responsible pest and disease control programs that protect plant health while prioritizing environmental stewardship.

Throughout his career, Lee has remained committed to continuous improvement, team leadership, and staying current with industry advancements. His passion for horticulture, combined with deep technical knowledge and practical field experience, supports Plant This’s mission to create resilient green spaces that enhance the built environment.

Luisa Burman
Luisa Burman Office Administrator
Charles Bubba Dinkins
Charles Bubba Dinkins

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