Local Business Feature: TLC

by Megan Lowder

Before the Industrial Revolution, lawns were seen as a sign of wealth. It took multiple men and many hours to maintain a manicured lawn. During the Industrial Revolution, lawnmowers became available to anybody, and millions were sold. These mowers transformed the native landscape, rendering it useless to the community. Invasive species of plants and grass were imported and marketed as “ exotic ” to homeowners. Most of these exotic grasses and plants which persist today are not adapted to the climate of the area and require more maintenance than native species. The monoculture lawn requires dangerous chemical treatments and copious amounts of water just to stay green. It also does not serve any productive purpose. The result of this generational terraforming of the native landscape has resulted in a manicured lawn in almost every yard. Mowing and maintaining the lawn are now deeply ingrained in our culture. These useless lawns make up an urban “food desert. ” This is especially true in highly populated communities where food security is needed the most. After the pandemic hit in 2020, the founders of The Landscaping Cooperative (TLC) came together to address this issue in San Antonio. The cooperative was founded to fulfill the need for sustainable landscapes in the San Antonio and surrounding area.

The Landscaping Cooperative provides the services to design, build, and

maintain edible, pollinator, native and hemp gardens. TLC stewards residential and commercial land one space at a time to provide a sustainable landscape that feeds the planet and the people. More than simply building gardens, TLC responds to the tradition of unsustainable and harmful landscaping practices.

Together, the founding members have more than 50 combined years of garden experience and are confident that you will be satisfied with the quality of their work. Their gardens are built sustainably and efficiently using the best materials from supplies to soil. In doing so, TLC facilitates an environment that encourages biodiversity and balance.

Having your own garden—whether edible, pollinator, native or hemp—is nourishing in so many ways. The Landscaping Cooperative ’ s trusted members walk you through the healing journey of stewarding your space. They provide the tender love and care it takes to facilitate growth of your garden and your new mindset. The Landscape Cooperative was founded for the community, by the community. Become a part of something bigger and better for you and the planet. Call for your free consultation and we will work with you to make your landscape dreams come true. Kiss your unsustainable, high-maintenance lawn goodbye and say hello to TLC!

To get started on your TLC lawn visit landscapecooperative.com today!

Gardopia Gardens Inaugural by Stephen Lucke Garden Gala

August 11th, 2021, was a day to remember in the annals of Gardopia Garden ’ s history. The event represents the 6-year-old grassroots non-profit’ s growth from being dead broke to hosting a large fundraising event.

In 2018 and 2020 this feat was attempted but with little success. In 2018 Gardopia did not have the staff or cash flow to pull off an event half the size of the inaugural garden awards gala. Then in 2020, the pandemic canceled any thought of having large events.

With the right mix of board members, two full-time staff members, community awareness, available venue space, enough liquid assets to fork out thousands of dollars upfront, and faith in both individual and corporate support, the stars aligned as the event unfolded in front of our eyes.

The night celebrated local urban agriculture by honoring the best gardeners and farmers in the city. While San Antonio has a robust urban agriculture industry, not enough is done to highlight these outstanding businesses and organizations who often go against the grain of the industrial food system and all that entails.