OUR TEAM

Michael Prokopchak, ASLA, President

Michael entered the landscape/nursery industry at the age of 13 working for a nursery in Davidsonville, MD. He holds a degree in landscape architecture from Temple University and is recognized as a full member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. He brings with him 20 years experience in the landscape industry. His reputation for being extremely creative and passionate in his designing drew him to start Walnut Hill Landscape Company. Michael’s commitment to quality has garnished him with the highest award in his field with a Grand Award for design from the Landscape Contractors Association of MD, DC, and VA. Michael enjoys helping the community through volunteering as Fire Fighter/EMT and being on his boat in the Chesapeake Bay with family and friends. To this day there is not a project that the company has done that Michael has not had his hand in. This is the personal touch that sets Walnut Hill Landscape Company apart from others. Contact Mike at Mikep@walnuthilllandscape.com

Matthew Prokopchak, Vice President

Matthew like his brother Michael entered the landscape industry at a young age of 16. Matthew brings with him, the know-how to run production of a large company. He facilitates the equipment and materials on the company’s projects as well as manages all employees’ relations. Matthew also handles the company’s ever-growing fleet of equipment and vehicles. With the size and scope of projects, logistics is now a large part of his efforts. Matthew has the distinct if not enviable, task of traveling the area to work on the company’s prestigious projects. He enjoys the waters of the Chesapeake Bay on his boat with family and friends. His “Get it Done, Whatever it takes” attitude sets Walnut Hill Landscape Company apart from others. Contact Matt at Mattp@walnuthilllandscape.com

Ronda Prokopchak, Purchaser

Michael’s wife Ronda developed her love for the outdoors at an early age. As the purchasing agent for Walnut Hill, Ronda is able to fulfill this job requirement by spending her time traveling to nurseries to hand select plant material for our projects and also managing our own nursery inventory. Ronda is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Horticulture. Prior to starting Walnut Hill with Michael and Matthew, she worked for ValleyCrest the nation’s largest landscape company as their Chief Purchasing Agent for the Mid-Atlantic Region. In this position she was fortunate to provide the plant material for such projects as The National Museum of the American Indian, the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City, The Arctic Exhibit at the Baltimore Zoo and many others. She uses her vast experience to procure the best plant material for all Walnut Hill projects. She and Michael have 3 small children. In their spare time they share a love of boating, music and great food. Contact Ronda at Ronda@Walnuthilllandscape.com

Jessten Murphy, Landscape Architect

Since graduating from University of Georgia’s masters program in landscape architecture, Jessten Murphy has worked as a campus planner/designer, for a city planning firm, and now for Walnut Hill Landscape Company. Jessten grew up outside of St. Michaels, MD and is currently working on expanding Walnut Hill Landscape Company’s presence on the Eastern Shore. His design philosophy is to preserve and enhance a sense of place, while bringing out the individual tastes and preferences of each client. Jessten loves the process of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, while transforming a client’s vision into reality. Contact Jess at JMurphy@Walnuthilllandscape.com

Lisa Barley, Landscape Designer

Lisa Barley has transformed an extensive fine arts background into a career as a landscape designer. She worked for many years as a muralist and faux finish painter, and has brought her ability to re-envision interiors into the garden and other outdoor spaces. Her ability to visualize new and creative ideas and her attention to detail make her design projects unique. Lisa’s experience ranges from larger commercial projects at University of Maryland and the new Big Vanilla Sports Facility to private residence retreats throughout Maryland.

As a lifelong lover of gardens and nature, she has found a very rewarding career that fulfills both her creative spirit and her passion for the outdoors.