Having studied architecture and botany, Gareth Proctor decided to build a four-season green house in his back yard. He said that the original idea was to feed his family fresh, organic produce, but that their home farm ended up taking over the entire yard. He and his wife, Valerie, ended up selling produce at the Evanston Farmers’ Market under the name Endless Greens.
“It was a great time being at the market and getting to see people from around town on a weekly basis. I was also doing urban farm buildouts – as well as native landscaping,” said Mr. Proctor. “We were seeing the same people at the market all the time – and while that part was nice, we just weren’t generating enough revenues.” He said that they couldn’t keep up with the demand for the produce, that it took lots of time and energy and that at best they would just break even. Two years ago, they made the decision that it was too much time and investment.
That’s when their company, Endless Greens, started doing more landscaping, which then fully took off for them. They now do patios, walkways, decks, water features and ponds as their primary focus. “Most of our business is in Evanston. Sometimes we go a town or two over,” said Mr. Proctor.
Ms. Proctor runs the office, while Mr. Proctor does all the consultations and designs and serves as installation crew leader. He said that while they are a small operation, they have done entire properties along the lakefront. “With every project I’m shooting for client happiness,” said Mr. Proctor. “I’m trying to make the space more enjoyable for people.”