Understanding the satisfaction found in watching something you plant and nurture grow to maturity comes naturally to Garth Seely—landscaper, father, and LAND founder. Garth and his wife, Amy created LAND as a way to connect local school students to nature and the environment through interactive, outdoor experiences.

Garth Seely
Garth Seely is the program director and true spirit of LAND. He created the vision for this non-profit organization by beginning and directing the Landscape and Nature Program at Monocacy Elementary School in 2004 and by providing outdoor educational field trips for school-age children since 2000. Through such activities, he founded LAND and has since coordinated and supervised volunteer workforces of 10-25 children and adults to provide labor for local community projects, including school-based projects at Monocacy Elementary School, Poolesville Elementary School, and the Barnesville School. His excellent service and vision earned him the prestigious Maryland Outdoor Educator of the Year award in 2007. Not only does he oversee the LAND programs at local schools as well as outdoor educational field trips, Garth also organizes and participates in LAND youth volunteer projects throughout Montgomery County as well as the LAND Board of Directors activities, fundraising efforts, and public relations. Simultaneously, Garth is also the president and owner of Gardens by Garth, Inc., and has held these roles since its beginning in 1980.

Amy Seely
Amy Seely is the executive director of LAND. Amy earned her Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Maryland in 1986 and has been the vice president and office manager for Gardens by Garth, Inc., since 1990. Furthermore, Amy has served as the vice president (2004-2005) and president (2005 to present) of the Board of Directors for the Pier Seven Condominium Association. Amy has actively worked with the founding of LAND and managed LAND’s after-school programs at Monocacy Elementary School, Poolesville Elementary School, and the Barnesville School. She oversees many facets of the LAND non-profit organization, including managing the LAND office, supervising employees, facilitating all LAND projects, coordinating field trips and community volunteer activities, supporting fundraising initiatives, and furthering the mission and growth of LAND. Additionally, she has worked directly on landscaping jobs, doing design, installation, and maintenance activities. Before working with Gardens by Garth, Amy worked for several years for Crop Genetics, an agricultural biotech company, both in its lab as well as in the field.