It is truly the case at Summerhill that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We are fortunate to have a deep, experienced, and dedicated team without whom it would not be possible to work at the level we expect of ourselves. In that same spirit, over the history of the company we have been afforded the opportunity to work with many talented collaborators: architects, designers, builders, and craftsman that have all played a role in our story. It is with the utmost humility and gratitude that we approach the creation and maintenance of their vision.
A native of Ireland, Declan Blackmore founded Summerhill Landscapes on the East End of Long Island in 1993. Passionate about plants and working in nature, he established his boutique company to create beautiful and enduring gardens. His reputation and collaborative spirit attracts top landscape architects, architects, designers, and engineers.
Declan is a graduate of Kildalton College of Horticulture, which is located in the striking Suir Valley. In addition to his vibrant, innovative practice, he has a unique mentoring and internship program for horticulture students from around the world.
Declan lives with his wife and three children in Southampton.
A graduate of Long Island University Southampton, Ann Blackmore holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing/Management and has been employed by Summerhill since 2003. Formerly Vice President at the Bridgehampton National Bank, Ann’s deft management and long experience renders Summerhill’s reputation not only as an accomplished landscape company, but also as an organization with business integrity and careful strategic growth.
Brendan O’Dwyer brings a deep experience in the landscaping industry to Summerhill, where he has been employed since 1997. Among other responsibilities, Brendan helped develop and manages Summerhill’s coveted internship program. Prior to relocating to the United States to join the Summerhill team, Brendan graduated from Kildalton College of Horticulture, Ireland and worked extensively in the British Isles.
Brendan lives in Hampton Bays with his wife and family.
An integral member of the Summerhill team since 2005, Eddie oversees all aspects of the landscape construction operation at Summerhill. He graduated from University College, Dublin, Ireland and holds a Bachelors degree in Landscape Horticulture. He previously worked in Ireland before bringing his expertise and oversight to Summerhill. Eddie resides in Sag Harbor with his wife and daughter.
Marco has broad knowledge in finance, accounting, supply chain operations and IT. He holds an MBA, a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also has the following certifications: certified production and inventory management, certified supply chain professional, project management professional, advanced certified professional forecaster and certified demand driven planner.
Tom Volk spent over a decade as a practicing ISA Certified Arborist on the east end of Long Island prior to moving over to the landscape construction team for Summerhill. A graduate of St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, he earned a Bachelors Degree in Political Science in 2002. He joined Summerhill in 2013.
Tom resides in East Moriches with his wife and two sons. He serves on the Cornell Cooperative Extension Nursery/Landscape Advisory Committee.
Jim is an accomplished horticulturist who has successfully delivered over 25 years of leadership and service to clients in the Hamptons. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, he is highly regarded for excellence in building and sustaining enduring relationships. Jim’s expertise in all phases of assessing, proposing and providing fine landscape installations, maintenance and full service property management and development. He is active in the local community serving on the Community Preservation Fund, preserving farm land and open space.
Shane is heavily involved in many aspects of Summerhill’s operations, including landscape construction, lighting and irrigation. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture from Waterford Institute of Technology in his native Ireland and is also a Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer, of which there are only sixty nationwide. He gained experience in Landscape Management in New Zealand before relocating to New York in 2012 to join the Summerhill team. Since moving to New York Shane has completed professional studies in Irrigation Design and Installation at The Rainbird Academy, Irrigation Association of New York and Rutgers University.
Peter relocated to the east end of Long Island in 2009 to begin his career with Summerhill after being accepted into our unique internship program. A native of Cork, Ireland, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in land management from Waterford Institute of Technology. He is also an active member of the Southampton Fire Department, with the rank of Lieutenant.
Norma Taylor is a graduate of Kildalton School of Horticulture. In 2006, after participating in Summerhill’s internship program, Norma was hired to oversee maintenance operations for Summerhill’s established gardens. Prior to relocating to the United States, Norma gained professional experience in England and Ireland.
Michael Donnellan is the senior landscape designer at Summerhill Landscapes. A creative and keen plantsman, he directs the in-house design team. A graduate of Kildalton College, he joined the company in 2000. Michael spent time working in the industry in The Netherlands and England before settling in The United States. Michael and his team are passionate about building relationships with their clients, collaboration with them in building their unique landscape oasis.
Payal holds a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Boston Architectural College and has professional experience in residential architecture as well as landscape architecture. She is passionate about creating enjoyable and functional outdoor spaces that interact with the surrounding architecture. As a Landscape Designer at Summerhill, she brings her interests and experience together in seeing a project through from paper to install.
Maggie graduated from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a bachelor of science in Environmental Biology and Urban Forestry. She is an ISA Certified Arborist and a NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professional. In addition to managing the Plant Health Care department, Maggie is the head of our Diagnostic Laboratory where she performs in house soil testing and plant diagnostics. In the field, she focuses on working with the ecology of the landscape and incorporating organic practices into the traditional plant health care program.
Autumn is a graduate of Farmingdale State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She came to Summerhill in 2019 after many years of local administrative experience. Autumn is originally from Brewster, NY and currently resides in Sag Harbor with her husband and daughter.
A native of County Clare, Ireland, Niall worked in landscape construction for a decade in Ireland prior to coming to Summerhill in 2010. He holds a degree in Landscape Horticulture from Kildalton College Of Horticulture. Niall resides in Hampton Bays with his wife and son and is a member of the Southampton Fire Department.
Carly became Summerhill’s Senior Buyer in 2016, after several years of gaining experience locally in the industry. A native of Peekskill, NY, she holds a degree in Business, Marketing and Management from SUNY Albany. She is responsible for purchasing all plant materials and works in tandem with the design, construction and maintenance departments. Her deep love of research is an important part of the process Summerhill uses to find the best quality plant material from all over the country.
Michelle joined the Summerhill team in 2020 bringing 15 plus years of propagation and nursery production. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst with a BS in Plant and Soil Science. Dedicated to preserving and promoting the horticulture industry she is also an ISA Certified Arborist and a Certified Nursery Landscape Professional.
Paddy holds a bachelors degree in horticulture from ITB Blanchardstown College Dublin in Ireland. Prior to coming to the United States, he worked in Europe for over 20 years as a landscape project manger and irrigation manger. He also holds a certification from Ohio state university in turf grass management.
Tina joined Summerhill as Administrative Assistant in May 2016. Originally from Northern Virginia, Tina studied at Old Dominion University and made the move to Long Island in 2013. Tina is a member of the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary, the American Legion Riders, and volunteers at National Police Week annually.
Belle joined Summerhill in 2017, working in plant purchasing before moving onto estimation and project management for the landscape construction team. She holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from Binghamton University as well as a Master’s degree in Management from St. Andrews University in Scotland, United Kingdom.
Enrico joined Summerhill in 2017 after studying and working in Venice, Paris and Florence. He holds a bachelors degree in Architecture from IUAV University of Venice and a Master degree in Landscape Architecture from University of Florence.
Kasia holds a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wroclaw, Poland and a PhD in Sustainable Landscape Design from the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology. Prior to joining Summerhill in 2016, Kasia worked as an Assistant Landscape Architect at KL Architects and CPRE London in the UK. That experience helped her to develop a strong understanding of sustainability in Landscape Design. With a true appreciation of the natural environment, Kasia’s work remains strongly influenced by English style gardens and New Perennial Movement
Christina holds a degree in Rhetoric from Binghamton University as well as an SHRM-CP certification, certifying her as a human resource professional. She joined Summerhill in 2018 and is responsible for all aspects of Summerhill’s human resources.
Karen joined the Summerhill office staff in 2014 after 31 years in the telecommunications industry. Karen’s organizational skills, computer skills and proficiency in time management have been an asset to this division. She resides on the North Fork of Long Island.
A project manager for the landscape construction team, Julian has worked in the landscape industry since 2007, and joined Summerhill in 2017. A native of Mexico, he has been in the US since 2000. Julian has a natural ability to transform the landscape via operating machinery and executing complex construction plans.
Cathy holds a degree in Business Administration from LIU Southampton. An integral member of our accounting department, she gained a decade of experience in high end landscaping administration prior to joining Summerhill.
Conor is from Carlow Ireland and received a BS degree in Horticulture from Waterford Institute of Technology. He joined Summerhill Landscapes in 2013, starting as an intern with our landscape construction team before brining his talents to the maintenance department as an account manager.
James holds a Bachelors of Science degree from Waterford Institute of Technology in Ireland, where he graduated with honors in 2018. Originally an intern, James started working full time for Summerhill Landscapes in December 2019.
A native to Long Island, Helena holds a BFA of education from Long Island University, CW Post. Helena brings years of experience in organic vegetable/fruit production, permaculture & maintenance operations to the Kathryn’s Flower Gardens team. By applying organic gardening principles, Helena aspires to develop gorgeous vegetable gardens for clients to enjoy through the seasons, as well an educational tool and outdoor classroom for apprentices, showcasing a variety of growing techniques.
A graduate of the Berlin College of Horticulture in Germany, Heike has almost three decades experience in the Horticulture industry. After starting her career in Germany, she came to the US in 1998 and gained broad experience in the industry, working in California and New York. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her son especially on the beautiful beaches of Long Island.
A native of Dublin, Ireland, Graham holds a Bachelors degree in Science of Horticulture from the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown. Prior to joining Summerhill in 2016, Graham worked for the Royal Dublin golf club for two years as a Greenskeeper.
Fred is a native of Guatemala and has worked for Summerhill for eight years, starting out as a crew member before graduating to foreman and then account manager.
