~ Who We Are ​~​
Drew
Drew has been maintaining Richmond gardens for over three decades! He is a Virginia certified horticulturist, pesticide applicator, and boxwood specialist. Read Bio
Alison
Alison is the office manager, marketing & advertising coordinator, scheduler, and chicken tender. When not in the office or on the farm, she is in her studio watercoloring.
Saoirse
Saoirse serves as branch manager.
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Vincent
Vincent has been with the company for over eight years, and has worked in the industry for many more. When he's not gardening with us, he rocks out in a local band.
August
August has worked several seasons with Terra Firma in all its capacities: composter, landscaper, farm hand, and other odd jobs as needed.
Stephen
Stephen is an experienced gardener with over eight years of experience working in Richmond area gardens, over a year of which has been with us. He's also an avid sports fan.
Ryan
Ryan loves all things outdoors. In addition to landscaping, he spends much of his time on the road enjoying the RV life.
~ Certifications & Memberships ​~​
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Virginia Certified Horticulturist
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Virginia Certified Pesticide Applicator
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Associate Horticulture Degree
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Boxwood Society Contributing Member
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American Rose Society Member
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Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Member
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American Horticulture Society Member
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Continuing education in Horticulture and Soil Biology​
~ Our Start ​~​
We are proud to be the all-original Terra Firma Landscaping, LLC of Richmond, VA!
Founded in 1997, Terra Firma Landscaping set out to provide landscaping and garden care in a way that worked in tandem with nature. By focusing on sustainable practices, Terra Firma blazed a trail that was seldom considered in Big Landscaping at the time.
Thoughtful and minimal use of chemicals, integrated pest management, organic soil amendments, and electric equipment were all factored to bring earth-friendly garden care to the mainstream. As society's expectations have caught up to our original vision, our garden maintenance services are now appreciated - and expected!
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Today, our garden care team is highly experienced in horticultural practices, focusing on the care and management of Richmond zoned plant material. Each team member is a Richmond native with 5+ years of garden care experience in Richmond area gardens. Our team is trained to apply comprehensive principles for whole garden health. And any member of our team is able to answer questions or take directions on site during our visits; you need not speak to a supervisor for directives.​​
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In addition, we are one of very few local compostiers providing organic, plant-based compost to the Richmond, Virginia region. Because of Terra Firma Landscaping's earth-conscious mission, the resulting garden debris is guaranteed to be free of chemicals and pesticides, ensuring the cleanest organic soil amendments possible.
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Over the decades, Terra Firma has diversified to offer an expansive portfolio of organic delights:
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Terra Firma Landscaping, LLC - an earth-conscious garden care company. We specialize in whole garden health, proper pruning, and offer a dedicated boxwood and perennial care program. ~Est 1997~
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Terra Firma Sustainable Farm - a small herb farm specializing in culinary herbs, cut flowers, and nepeta cataria. We also grow organic produce that varies with each season. We're somewhat fanatical about tomatoes. ~Est 2012~
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RVA Recycling - a residential curbside compost collection service, offering biweekly collection and compost delivery in the city of Richmond. Our unique composting method harnesses the power of hens to compost food waste. ~Est 2016~
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Terra Firma Compost Company - a certified compostier that produces a variety of compost products, including plant-based compost, poultry manure-based compost, worm compost (vermicast), and other growing blends. ~Est 2017~​​
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RVA Eggs - a delivery program that delivers fresh farm eggs right to your door. This seasonal program is a Richmond-favorite and available to any of our garden clients! ~Est 2018~
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Despite our ever-expanding portfolio of services, we are still the small, family-centric company that we were proud to be almost thirty years ago. We won't sell out to private equity enterprises, allowing us to provide an unrivaled level of attention, continuing expertise, and responsiveness to our family of clients without compromise.
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~ Sustainability Doctrine ​~​
Caring for the natural landscape is a responsibility we take seriously. But it is incumbent upon us to provide earth-conscious services without adding additional cost or commitment, ensuring that sustainability is accessible to anyone who wants it. Our standard, sustainable practices include the following:
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We do not use toxic chemicals, pre-emergents, or engage in any practices that cause harm to the land.
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We use organic fertilizers and soil amendments, teas and sprays.
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Plant debris is transported to our local composting facility where it is upcycled into an organic soil amendment.
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We use electric equipment whenever practical, including mowers and line trimmers.
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We use solar power to recharge our equipment.
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We incorporate native plantings into our design work to support the natural Richmond ecosystem. We identify non-native or invasive species and make recommendations for management or replacement.
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We collect Richmond-area food waste on a biweekly basis and compost it on our local chicken farm. This is a complimentary add-on for our garden maintenance clients.
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Our organic farm produces herbs, cut flowers, free range chicken eggs and more!
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Check out our complete portfolio of organic and sustainable goods:
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~ Communicating ​~​
You should never feel ghosted by your garden care company; nor should you wonder when they are coming next; nor should you guess what it is they did, whenever it was that they last visited.
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Stay 'In the Know'
Our array of communications channels and regular outreach are singular in the industry and a key to keeping you "in the know" all the time!
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KNOW when your team is visiting
We typically visit the same day each week we visit. Any variance will trigger a notification.​
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KNOW who your team is
You'll see the same familiar team each visit. You will also have the same point-of-contact in our office with whom you may communicate your needs.
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KNOW your team's accomplishments
We provide a detailed summary after each visit. We'll include pictures, recommendations, and items of note.
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KNOW how to reach us
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Face-to-face: our team members are knowledgeable and able to discuss questions or concerns during visits.​
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Email or text: reach out any time to communicate special needs, concerns, preferences, and more.​
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Customer portal: visit your unique page to review almost anything pertinent to your gardens.​​ Sample Portal Page​
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Now accepting carrier pigeons! Send your bird to: 37.807806969445956, -77.60225015856776.
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Let's talk soon!
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