When the need arose, Brownell acquired masonry skills. He finds much of his work in the neighborhood where he got his start, Shelburne and Charlotte, and most of it on existing properties rather than new construction. Ponds, bridges and stonework are included in many of his installations and more than half of those are for existing customers. He is proud of the fact that he has served some of the same clients for 15 years. While many customers have remained the same, the industry has changed dramatically in that time, according to Brownell.
Landscaping is no longer just about having a green, unblemished lawn.
Conservation and non-invasive techniques have become as important as aesthetics while consumers have become more sophisticated and more environmentally conscious. The change is very much to Brownell's liking. When invasive, alien plants, like loosestrife became a concern, Brownell introduced native species into his plantings. Brian Mitchell, who manages the commercial division of Four Seasons Nursery in Williston, says Brownell was one of the first local landscapers to promote the use of non-invasive plants. He has been incorporating them into his designs for approximately five years, according to Mitchell.