Greg Vasilieff - President

Greg Vasilieff has led Western Gardens Landscaping, Inc. from day one in 1984 as President. Over the more than 25 years, Greg has kept WGL, Inc. at the forefront of sustainable water management and tolerant plant selection in Mediterranean climates like that of San Diego County. His passion for excellence in landscaping has been fueled by his educational experiences including:

1977-1981 - Worked in a plant nursery and studied drought tolerant plantings in Marin County during California first drought.
1982-1983 – Attended the University of Aix-Marseille, in the south of France. Studied Mediterranean plants in Southern France.
1983-1984 – Founded Western Gardens Landscaping in Marin County.
1984– Moved Western Gardens Landscaping in San Diego County and obtained Landscape Contractor’s License. Specialized in landscape maintenance for luxury apartment communities, retirement communities, hotels and homeowners associations.

In more recent years, Greg Vasilieff has been named a CLCA Certified Water Manager, been the recipient of First Place 2007 CLCA San Diego Chapter Irrigation Water Conservation Award and Commercial Maintenance Award, along with being featured in several publications including:

June 2002 – Sunset Magazine for design & installation of a lush backyard retreat
June 2005 – California Landscaping Magazine for sustainable landscape
March 2009 – San Diego County Apartment Association Magazine for his water conservation efforts


John De Cadena - Account Manager

John has been with Western Gardens Landscaping, Inc. since May of 2008. John has maintained a high level of quality in everything from irrigation management to resolving customer service issues respectfully. Over the past twenty years John has gained comprehensive hands on knowledge of plant-specific, landscape maintenance, complete irrigation systems, and water budgeting for large and small properties. He is also a certified landscape technician (CLT-M). His background in landscaping and customer service - allows him to handle every aspect from simple maintenance to a complete property landscaping overhaul.

Ruben Espinoza – Supervisor

In June 2008 Ruben joined Western Gardens Landscaping, Inc. with more than 10 years of landscaping experience as a new assistant supervisor and has excelled since. Ruben’s high energy serves as the perfect motivational force to subordinates as a supervisor. A majority of his time is spent managing operations in close coordination with management. Ruben is a Certified Landscape Technician (CLT-M). Ruben has also attained certifications for CPR / first aid and Recycled Water Site Supervisor.

John Lowery - Business Development Manager

John has been working within the landscape business in San Diego County off and on since 2004. He begun his career with TruGreen Landcare where he was sales manager at their local Escondido Branch. John knows the importance of taking care of his customer base. He has developed a solid understanding of how to create new business through integrity, effective communication, and intelligent marketing. He has become a well known authority on the subject of sales & marketing in recent times and has been featured on the radio and in the media where his articles have been published both online and offline. John holds a degree in Business Administration from American Intercontinental University and also has a real estate certificate in Australia.

Robert Vasilieff – Assistant to the President / VP

Robert is currently attending the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo working towards a degree in environmental horticulture science. He has aspirations of working at Western Gardens full time once finished with his undergraduate studies, which will be completed in a few months. Recently, Robert was certified as a Recycled Water Site Supervisor to aid in the service to our customers who utilize recycled water systems. Aside from recycled water certification, Robert is working on becoming certified as a landscape technician (CLT-E).