--- title: "GROUNDS KEEPER — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/grounds-keeper-pfvwus-pf~2081541669 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2081541669.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "GROUNDS KEEPER" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/846342720436c1ed_7001-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "798 Highway 34, Matawan, New Jersey 07747, United States" latitude: 40.4109 longitude: -74.238 phone: "(908) 930-5160" website: http://www.groundskeeperinc1973.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 19 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 48 last_updated: 2026-08-15 --- # GROUNDS KEEPER Original Houzz profile: [GROUNDS KEEPER](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/grounds-keeper-pfvwus-pf~2081541669) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Matawan, NJ - **Serves:** Middletown, Old Bridge, Hazlet, Tinton Falls, Holmdel, Eatontown, Red Bank, Colts Neck, Keansburg, Matawan, Keyport, Lincroft, Fair Haven, Belmar, Union Beach, East Freehold, Shrewsbury, Port Monmouth, Cliffwood Beach, North Middletown, Leonardo, Allenhurst, Marlboro - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (19 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2017–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - References available - 50+ years in business Imagine yourself immersed in a stunning outdoor living space where native plants attract wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while the sight and sounds of water bring a sense of tranquility to your surroundings. The air is filled with intoxicating scents, and you might even find yourself reaching out to pluck a leaf or bloom to savor its flavor! Our design-to-build philosophy is centered on crafting multi-sensory experiences that deepen your connection with nature year-round. By thoughtfully integrating elements like light, water, fire, color, sound, shape, and texture, we create spaces that evolve with you, becoming as essential to your lifestyle as the rooms inside your home. Whether you love entertaining, relaxing, birdwatching, cooking, gardening, or simply soaking in the sights, sounds, and scents of nature, we can design a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Our management team boasts over 100 years of collective experience in creating naturalistic landscapes, and our landscape architect brings over 20 years of experience in designing beautiful, nature-inspired outdoor living spaces. When you choose us, you’re assured of professional installation, so you’ll never have to worry about whether your crew has the expertise for your project. We pride ourselves on offering thoughtful advice rather than a sales pitch, ensuring your experience is collaborative and rewarding. Whether you’re planning a complete makeover or prefer a phased approach over time, we provide a detailed, comprehensive plan that addresses layout, plantings, sun and water considerations, maintenance, and more. Many of our clients cherish their master plans as lasting works of art. The journey to your perfect outdoor space begins with the seed of an idea. Then grows into a Master Plan. Before you know it, your outdoor dreams are a reality. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Site Planning - Pool Landscaping - Custom Fire Pits - Swimming Pool Design - Custom Water Features - Gazebo Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Pond Construction - Master Planning - Outdoor Kitchens - Outdoor LED Lighting - Outdoor Music - Pergolas - Pond Design - Pond Maintenance - Walkways ### Areas Served - Middletown - Old Bridge - Hazlet - Tinton Falls - Holmdel - Eatontown - Red Bank - Colts Neck - Keansburg - Matawan - Keyport - Lincroft - Fair Haven - Belmar - Union Beach - East Freehold - Shrewsbury - Port Monmouth - Cliffwood Beach - North Middletown - Leonardo - Allenhurst - Marlboro ### Typical Job Cost Cost varies depending on scope of job, from small landscape elements, ponds or features to large-scale Master Planning and landscape design/build. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | GROUNDS KEEPER | | Address | 798 Highway 34, Matawan, New Jersey 07747, United States | | Phone | (908) 930-5160 | | Website | http://www.groundskeeperinc1973.com/ | | License Number | 13VH003754400 | | Followers on Houzz | 48 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/GroundsKeeperInc1973 - Blog — https://www.instagram.com/groundskeeperlandscapeandponds/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [GROUNDS KEEPER](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/grounds-keeper-pfvwus-pf~2081541669) - **Website:** http://www.groundskeeperinc1973.com/ - **Phone:** (908) 930-5160 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Certified Aquascape Contractor (CAC) - New Jersey Flower & Garden Show People’s Choice Award, 7 time winner - New Jersey Flower & Garden Show Best in Show, 9 time winner - Design Excellence Award, Association of Professional Landscape Designers - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2017–2026), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 19 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — lianareynolds, April 2025** > Jay and his team took what was a big expanse of boring open backyard space and transformed it into a beautiful retreat where we truly enjoy spending time. We finally were able to do some landscaping after 20 years in our home and we have spent more time in our backyard in the past few weeks than we ever did before. Jay's approach is to design a landscape with visual appeal throughout the seasons. We are nature lovers, and our property backs up to a large area of preserved land so we wanted something that would look like it integrated naturally with our surroundings and would attract birds and butterflies. We now have a beautiful pond and a bubbling fountain that is our absolute favorite feature. Both were thoughtfully placed so that we have great visibility from various rooms inside our home as well. His use of large rocks throughout the plantings added great depth and visual interest that I never would have imagined. We really haven't done anything to our property since we purchased it, so there is quite a lot to do, which we couldn't afford to complete all at once. The master plan designed by Craig (who works with Jay) enabled us to work in phases, and they also offer an interest free financing plan option for a portion of the project. All in all, we found them great to work with and are very happy with the results. Pics posted showing before and first phase of work done. Highly recommend!! **★★★★★ — Wendy L, March 2025** > Jay put together a wonderful array of plants for my landscaping overhaul. > I had some concerns of some plants if they were poisonous to pets which he either reassured me they were okay or he replaced with safer plants. > Other concerns were if the plants were deer resistant, but being that it was late winter / early spring, the deer were experimenting with the new plantings. Nothing major was eaten up, so hopefully we’ll see the plants fully grown! **★★★★★ — Anthony Mauriello, March 2025** > We've used Jay and his skilled craftsmen for no less than 5 major projects. The canvases were all bland and blank. Their work is transformative, providing above expectation results each and every time. **★★★★★ — Don Simonini, Oct. 2020** > We contacted Jay at GK Inc. to help us create curb appeal around a long, "U" shaped driveway, and at the property line at the street. Jay and his team developed a beautiful plan, and the installation was seamless! But there is so much more to say. Jay is a true professional with the knowledge and passion for this field that is seldom seen. He understands "flow," and that you just don't drop plants in the ground and call it landscaping. His feel for what fits and is appropriate is unparalleled. Further, Jay is diligent about time tables and is always accessible. There is nothing more frustrating than having a contractor come to your home and develop a plan, and that's the last time you see or hear from them, even when the work is being done. Jay does not hesitate to replace or repair any issues that may come up after the job is completed, and you don't need to "chase" him around to get things done. He is always on the job. If you have any experience dealing with contractors, you know how huge this is. > My wife and I would strongly recommend Jay and GK to anyone looking for a truly professional landscape design and install company. They can do it all. **Comment from GROUNDS KEEPER:** > Thank you both for your kind words. It was a pleasure to bring out the untapped potentially within your beautiful woodland setting. Naturalistic Outdoor Living Spaces. Your pond! Our passion! Jay Eriv, Landscape Designer at GROUNDS KEEPER, Inc. **★★★★★ — riversong650, Aug. 2020** > I cannot recommend Jay and his team highly enough. I felt comfortable with the first visit and continued to do so throughout the project. We hired Grounds Keeper to completely landscape our backyard and hardscape our pavers needing a little TLC and the transformation is amazing. Jay and his brilliant team are extremely professional and courteous and very efficient take great care and pride in their work. The quality of the work is with exemplary attention to detail and the project planning was excellent at every stage. He was patient throughout the design and preparation process as Jay and Craig came up with some fantastic planting schemes that were in keeping with what we had asked. > > The result; a beautiful, unique, inspiring and high-quality garden that will stand the test of time. I will not hesitate to hire Grounds Keeper **Comment from GROUNDS KEEPER:** > Thank you for your kind words, Victoria. It was surely my pleasure to bring out the untapped potential in your back yard outdoor living space. Naturalistic Outdoor Living Spaces. Your pond. Our passion! Jay Eriv, Landscape Designer at GROUNDS KEEPER...Don't keep up with the Joneses. Impress them! **★★★★★ — John Minetti, March 2019** > To the extent that our vision was one of a natural setting, consistent with our rural surroundings, my wife and I were were totally impressed with Jay's ability to incorporate his encyclopedic understanding of plants and design to produce an absolutely stunning , naturalistic setting. > The project was meticulously planned and accomplished: every plant, rock, light, etc. placed in a predetermined site, with no confusion, second guessing, overseen by Jay who was present from start to finish. The staff at all times respectful to both the homeowner and property, leaving the site absolutely immaculate. > Working with jay is interacting with an individual who views each project with passion and a real sens of personal pride . > My wife and I couldn't be happier with the result and without hesitation gladly recommend Groundskeeper to anyone wishing that once in a lifetime naturalistic landscape! **★★★★★ — pagiblin, Dec. 2018** > Jay has been an absolute pleasure to work with. We are doing a new build and he is doing all of the landscaping, including the driveway, walkway, bubbler, built in grill and all plantings. He is very detail oriented and has made the whole process very easy from design to permitting to implantation. This includes working seamlessly with our builder to make sure timelines are met. He and Craig have designed a very special space and we are looking forward to enjoying the finished product! **★★★★★ — Lenore Jensen, Sept. 2017** > After Super Storm Sandy, not just houses were destroyed, but all of the landscape surrounding those homes, as well. > > I told Jay from Groundskeeper that I'd like a little rock garden in front of my home. He created a beautiful rock garden (covering the entire front of my property) and sculpted me a new back yard complete with new grass, a lovely assortment of trees and shrubs and flowers all of which are butterfly and bird friendly. > > Thank you for the incredible job and for giving me a place to relax and enjoy my morning coffee! **★★★★★ — AHR Design Solutions, March 2017** > Grounds Keeper team are very professional, provide quality service and is always a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Jay and his team of professionals. **★★★★★ — Matt Tangorra, Feb. 2017** > I cannot say enough about the work that Grounds Keeper has done to completely transform our outdoor living space. Jay and his crew created and implemented an incredible project utilizing landscape design, hardscape, lighting and a beautiful new deck that we are thrilled with. We couldn't be happier with the finished product. The entire crew was highly professional, timely, and always polite. I would give Grounds Keeper my highest recommendation for anyone seeking to build a beautiful, creative, and completely natural living space to enjoy all year round. **Comment from GROUNDS KEEPER:** > It is Sunday morning, July 30th, 2017, and I wanted to follow up with you and Rita. You have once again brought a big smile to my face by stating, "On this beautiful morning I am again reminded of the amazing job that you designed in our outdoor living space, and I just want to again thank you. As I enjoy a cup of coffee near the water bubbler with birds chirping around and taking in all of the beauty of the surrounding environment, which has really come to life over the summer, I am reminded of how pleased we are with this project. SO glad we did the bubbler! You are truly gifted to create all of this. I do hope the bamboo area with fill in with time as it has not yet created full privacy in that corner but hopefully that will come in the coming months. Also want you to know that we have recommended you to a number of friends. Totally hooked on naturalistic outdoor landscape! Thanks again, Matt and Rita" **★★★★★ — Sue Duane, Dec. 2016** > We hired Grounds Keeper to do some extensive landscaping as well as a pond project in our yard. We found Jay and his team to be fantastic. From project design to execution and completion we were very pleased with their knowledge and professionalism. Without hesitation, we highly recommend Grounds Keeper to design and create an outdoor living space. **★★★★★ — Toni\_Musorrafiti, Oct. 2016** > I have hired Jay over the last three years to do multiple projects for me. I made huge changes to my property: back living area, front living area, and my driveway. > > Jay is the kind of guy who likes to come in and get to know how you live and then extend that to the outside of your home. He likes to give renderings of the work that will be done and then follow up with exactly what's on the page. Jay is an expert in his field and over the years people have commented that they would rather come my house rather than a resort. He's that good. > > I never had to clean up after him, and if I ever have any concerns he was on top it immediately. And if I had one button to push it was Jay's and he would be there immediately. He even comes back to maintain my property long after the work was done. > > I would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking to have exterior renovations done. ## Selected projects - [Hardscapes, Patios & Walkways](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hardscapes-patios-and-walkways-pj-vj~7566660) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - [Fire Pits](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fire-pits-pj-vj~7566633) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gardens-pj-vj~7566655) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - [A Pond For All Seasons](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-pond-for-all-seasons-pj-vj~2055194) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Watch this pond transform from a simple winter hardscape to a full summer landscape. - [Small Space, Big Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-space-big-design-pj-vj~2055150) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: The kitchen, deck seating, water bubbler and pool are all part of this small back yard, turning it into a perfect relaxing or entertaining space. - [Curb Appeal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curb-appeal-pj-vj~2055222) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - [Ponds & Water Features](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ponds-and-water-features-pj-vj~2055221) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 25 - [Landscape Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landscape-lighting-pj-vj~2055260) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Pools](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pools-pj-vj~2055225) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Pergolas, Gazebos & Arbors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pergolas-gazebos-and-arbors-pj-vj~2055219) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 [See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/grounds-keeper-pfvwus-pf~2081541669) ## Ideabooks - [Sponsored Photos](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74028281/list/sponsored-photos) — 44 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jayeriv) ## Community Q&A **Q: what are pool dimensions please? thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* Small yards with a pool A: Belmar Project Proposed Gunite Pool Includes… 12’ by 20’ Pool Structure with 1’ Wide x 20’ Long Raised Wall and 3 – 3’ Sheer Descent Waterfalls Along with Cake Step and Adjoining Benches. **Q: What does a dwarf cryptomeria look like and what are it’s needs pls?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Maria. Please provide me some broader perspective for how you come about asking a question about the habit for a Dwarf Cryptomeria? Are you thinking of planting such an evergreen? How large of a space do you have to work with? What is your sun and shade condition? Dry or moist? How is your soil? There are many varieties of Cryptomeria, but the one truer dwarf form I plant most is Cryptomeria japonica Globosa Nana. Handles a wide range of conditions and deer seem.to leave it alone. Feel free to give it a Google search. Thank you, Jay Eriv, Landscape Designer at GROUNDS KEEPER. Don't keep up with the Joneses. Impress them! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-15.*