Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Scalzo.
Laura, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Some of my earliest happy memories are rooted in gardens; eating a sun-ripened tomato fresh from my grandfather’s garden, helping my mother plant thousands of bulbs in anticipation of their colorful springtime emergence, or finding a nest of tiny baby bunnies tucked in the mulch. These early experiences, cultivated partly by good residential landscaping, helped foster a deep connection to the outdoors. When my parents moved to Texas to be closer to my husband and me, they purchased a small ranch in the Hill Country to manage for wildlife. Spending time with them on the land was a transformative experience. The amount of life their land supports is incredibly vast. We quickly learned that the native plants that had spent thousands of years evolving to live in harmony in this specific place, with these specific creatures, were the critical infrastructure to a healthy ecosystem. I wondered what changes I could effect in my suburban San Antonio yard by introducing some of those same native plants into my landscape. Dr. Douglas Tallamy’s book Nature’s Best Hope was an inspirational starting point.
Roots in the City began as a blog during the pandemic. I shared the transformation of my yard as I worked to dismantle the monoculture of Bermuda grass. I replaced the invasive grass with raised beds for organic vegetables and in-ground gardens showcasing the Texas native plants that support our local ecosystems and use less of our precious and limited water resources. As I got deeper into the work of maximizing the harvests from my vegetable garden and learning about native plants, I realized I was in a position to help others make similar changes in their landscape. I enrolled in the New York Institute of Art and Design and completed their Landscape Design program in April of 2023.
Since starting Roots in the City in late 2023, I’ve worked with homeowners to bring more life and purpose into their landscapes—adding native plants, organic vegetables, and sustainable beauty. Through one-on-one consultations, ongoing education, and detailed design plans, I’ve helped clients turn their yards into thriving ecosystems.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! Running a small landscape design business means constantly juggling creativity with logistics. I’ve had to learn so many new things along the way—everything from building my own website to mastering CAD design software, all while deepening my understanding of native plants and sustainable gardening. It’s been a lot to take on, but incredibly rewarding!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m most proud of helping clients feel confident and excited about transforming their yards—especially those who may start out unsure about gardening or native plants. I strive to make the process approachable, empowering, and inspiring.
What sets Roots in the City apart is the combination of education and design. I don’t just hand over a plan—I help clients understand why certain plants belong in their landscapes and how to care for them so their gardens thrive long-term. Understanding that a plant may provide winter calories for birds, serve as a fall nectar source, or act as a host for a specific butterfly helps clients see the deeper purpose of their gardens. This approach fosters lasting connections between people, plants, and the broader environment.
In addition to my work as a landscape designer, I am a classically trained violinist, currently performing with Camerata San Antonio. Music profoundly shapes how I see the world and approach design. I think of each landscape as a living composition—balancing harmony, color, texture, and flow much like crafting a lyrical phrase on stage. Every design has its own rhythm, structure, and expressive character, creating spaces that are both beautiful and deeply meaningful.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My family has been especially supportive! I don’t think I would have been inspired to take a deep dive into native plants if I hadn’t been exposed to the nature on my parents’ land. My dad is always willing to help me with technology questions, and my mom shares my passion for native plants—she’s always ready to nerd out with me about them! My husband, a general contractor, brings creative ideas for executing hardscaping within a design.
I’ve also benefited from the guidance and expertise of professionals in the field, like Donald Gerber at Pollinatives and Drake White at Nectar Bar, both San Antonio nurseries specializing in native plants. Their mentorship and knowledge have been invaluable in helping me grow as both a designer and a business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rootsinthecitytx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootsinthecitytx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootsinthecitytx/
