"Yes, I think one of the biggest disconnects is that sustainability is talked about at a surface level while the underlying systems stay the same. There is a push toward native plantings and pollinator support, but at the same time we are still heavily reliant on inputs across landscapes and our food system. You can put plants in the ground and expect them to perform, but the quality of what we grow is directly tied to the quality of the soil. Edible landscapes are treated as separate from traditional landscape design. It is a lack of integration and a loss of connection to how food is meant to be grown in the first place."
— Katie Oglesby
"We still plant species that are considered invasive like burning bush, privet, ivy, and euonymus. We created a problem by planting monocultures with plants like boxwood. We now have an insect and a disease that will wipe them out or require ongoing maintenance. We see one company fog an area to remove mosquitoes while also killing the beneficial insects of the native landscape next door. We need to install plants that will survive in our zones and create balanced landscapes where insects and diseases self-monitor. Continuing to treat with so many chemicals is not the solution."
— Peter Wimberg
"Yes, and I’ve experienced it firsthand. I’ve worked on properties where the intention was to be sustainable, but the execution didn’t follow through. For example, beautiful plants are installed, but there’s no proper irrigation or maintenance plan, and then the plants fail. Or decisions are made based on short-term appearance instead of long-term performance. I’ve learned that sustainability has to carry through installation and maintenance, or it doesn’t work."
— Vania Mickos
"The most effective solution I found is designing edible spaces that are beautiful and functional, so they naturally become part of everyday life. What we focus on is creating kitchen gardens and raised bed systems that are intentional, contained, and aligned with how a client cooks and uses their space. When those fundamentals are right, plants are more resilient, inputs are reduced, and the overall system becomes more efficient. I am continuing to look for better ways to connect design, installation, and long term care so these spaces remain successful beyond the first season."
— Katie Oglesby
"We don’t want to come across as anti-lawn. Lawns have their place, but we’re trying to convince property owners to convert lawns to meadows, add front yard pollinator gardens, creatively work with wet areas, etc. We want to work with clients who are willing to do something different and be more environmentally friendly. Why not have your own park at your home or office?"
— Peter Wimberg
"The biggest solution has been communication. I’ve had to learn how to explain to clients why certain plants, irrigation adjustments, or soil improvements matter long term. When they understand the “why,” they make better decisions. I also focus a lot on drought-tolerant plants, proper soil prep, and irrigation audits. I would love to see more use of technology and data in the field, so we can track water use and plant health and make smarter decisions."
— Vania Mickos
"We need to reframe how the industry understands the growing season and how we think about growing food at home. In northern climates, the industry operates on a Memorial Day to Labor Day mindset, and that leaves a significant portion of the growing window unused. There is a disconnect in how people view growing food. Many associate it with a time intensive, large scale effort or a return to a “do everything yourself” model. That is not realistic for most households. We need a more modern approach that respects how we live today."
— Katie Oglesby
"We need to be more than the “mow, blow, and go” and the prune everything with gas shears industry. It's easy to enter, unlike becoming an electrician, plumber or carpenter. There is no minimum knowledge requirement. There is just a lot of shoddy work going on, and that reflects poorly on the industry."
— Peter Wimberg
"We need more practical education that connects research to real field conditions. There’s a gap between research and real-world application. For native plant materials, LSU is doing a great job providing learning opportunities, but the availability is still a challenge. Few nurseries are investing in growing native plants at scale, which limits what we can install in the field. Education should bridge these gaps—combining technical knowledge, real-world experience, and communication skills, so we can guide clients toward more sustainable and realistic solutions."
— Vania Mickos