Drew Larkin, Sustainable Gardener

Founder Drew Larkin with Branch Manager Saoirse

When Terra Firma Landscaping formed in 1997, Drew Larkin was already an experienced landscape crew leader and nursery production specialist with almost a decade of experience under his belt. Starting as a crew member with a local landscaper, he rose to crew leader, then moved to nursery stock production at a local perennial farm. Landing again at a specialty design and installation company, he worked as a maintenance leader until deciding to start his own company.

During this time, he became a certified horticulturist and pesticide applicator, received a horticulture degree, and continued his studies in sustainable landscape design and soil biology. He also implemented compost production programs at two of the companies with which he worked.

In 1997 Drew founded an LLC, produced some marketing brochures, and commenced working under his new company name: Terra Firma Landscaping. The name came from his then-girlfriend/now-wife, who imagined that the vaguely exotic Latin term would attract an upscale clientele. Word around town was all good for this young and knowledeable start-up. Terra Firma's focus was on sustainable practices - electric equipment, no chemicals, organic amendments, and integrated pest management. Terra Firma hired a diverse crew of men and women, all of whom had multi-year landscaping experience and horticulture education. Knowledge and enthusiasm were a must for new hires.

Compost field at Hanover County site

In 2005, Drew started a compost operation on several acres of land in Hanover County. Terra Firma Compost Company, a VDACS-approved composting facility, would grow to produce not only plant-based compost, but worm castings, manure-based fertilizer, and other growing blends. Drew focused his attention on compost biology and began testing and reformulating his composts regularly for best results in the garden. In order to test compost in practice, a farm operation began. Culinary and medicinal herbs, cut flowers, produce and more are grown using Terra Firma's own growing media and sprays. The operation grew to include a dedicated production cottage with an indoor grow room, an herb drying room, and a dedicated production kitchen where herbs are cleaned and processed.

Testing compost, vermicast, and other soil amendments.

In 2017, the business introduced RVARecycling, a residential curbside compost collection company. Food waste is collected using Terra Firma's existing landscaping fleet. Collected waste is brought to the Hanover site for processing by chickens. In exchange for their food waste, subscribers can get compost, eggs, and other earth-conscious goodies - all delivered right to their door.

Today, Drew is still hands-on in Richmond gardens, leading a team of experienced gardeners. He continues his horticulture and soil education and you can always find him reading the latest horticulture periodicals or literature. He has authored articles on boxwood management and composting, has engaged in speaking events, and teaches a small hands-on composting workshop at Terra Firma's Hanover facility.

Next up: get to know Terra Firma's office manager, Alison Larkin. Coming soon!