Peace, Love, and Pollinators 🐝

Episode 13 The Unfiltered Truth About Erosion Control

John Engwar is the owner and president of Groundscapes Express, Inc., he has been providing innovative, environmentally responsible erosion control, stormwater management, and ecological landscape solutions since 1998. His work is rooted in stewardship, clean water protection, soil health, and the belief that construction and land care can work with nature rather than against it. A pioneer in the use of biodegradable compost-based erosion control products, he patented the FilterMitt system and helped introduce compost tubes as a sustainable alternative to synthetic erosion control materials. His company was among the first in New England to use compost products extensively for erosion control and stormwater management, helping reduce runoff, stabilize slopes, protect soils, and improve water quality without leaving plastic waste behind. Groundscapes Express has worked across highways, railroads, parks, athletic fields, golf courses, residential and commercial developments, municipal projects, and sensitive environmental sites throughout New England. The company’s work includes erosion control, stormwater treatment, invasive plant management, native planting, soil restoration, compost applications, ecological landscape design, and sustainable construction installations. He has collaborated with MassDOT, engineers, developers, regulators, inspectors, and municipalities to create practical solutions that meet environmental standards while improving long-term site performance. His approach combines field experience, compost science, native plant knowledge, invasive species management, and a deep commitment to protecting natural resources. With decades of project experience, he is recognized as a leader in biodegradable erosion control, sustainable site work, water conservation, and ecological land management. His mission is simple: build better landscapes, protect cleaner water, restore soil biology, and leave the land healthier than he found it

Episode 12 The Business of Nature Growing Natives for the Industry

Darryl Newman is the co-owner of Planters' Choice, alongside his father and founder, Chuck. It is a diverse operation with large-scale field, propagation and container production in Western Connecticut. They are increasing production of both ecotypic and larger, specimen size natives that are difficult to not only locate, but also produce. He has presented to numerous state and regional trade associations on a variety of topics, including proper horticultural practices, superior plant selection, Green Industry trends, and financial business management. A proud multi-generational farmer on both sides of his family, Darryl is professionally passionate about working with plants and educating others to become more effective businesspeople and horticulturists.

Episode 11 Blue Stem Natives- Growing a Native Plant Nursery

Kristen Nicholson and Britt Drews are the co-founders of Blue Stem Natives, a  woman owned native-only nursery based in Norwell, Massachusetts.                  Since launching in 2021, they’ve been helping gardeners and land stewards  across New England access high-quality native plants while promoting wildlife- friendly landscapes, straight-species selections, and sustainable growing  practices. Their work is rooted in a simple but powerful mission: making native  plants easier to learn about, easier to buy, and easier to use in everyday  landscapes.

Episode 10 Prescribed Burns

Dan Jaffe Wilder is an ecologist, horticulturist, and botanist with over twenty years’ experience working with native plants and their associated ecology. His work has ranged from classrooms to nurseries to botanical gardens to wildlife refuges and specializes in native plant ecology, propagation, wildlife habitat restoration and enhancement, and native edible landscapes. Dan is the Director of Applied Ecology at The Norcross Wildlife Foundation whose mission is to protect, enhance, and expand wildlife through conservation, education, and support. Dan’s book Native Plants for New England Gardens was released in 2018.

Episode 9 Demystifying Biochar

Mark Highland, The Organic Mechanic As a young kid, Mark made his connection to the natural world early, digging around in his grandmother’s vegetable garden, pulling weeds, picking caterpillars off plants, and harvesting ripe fruit. The work was hard (but fun!) and he knew he was hooked from the moment he turned over that first forkful of rich Illinois soil. Academic studies and work experiences After high school, Mark earned a BS degree in Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida. It was in Florida that Mark received the nickname, “The Organic Mechanic”. Employment ventures after graduating took him to the west coast, working for a landscape construction company and a certified organic farm. Deciding to return to graduate school, Mark focused his MS degree studies on compost and potting soil. His academic work helped Longwood Gardens in southeastern Pennsylvania develop composts to use in their own potting soil. After the Longwood Graduate Program, Mark worked as a Compost & Soil Specialist at Longwood Gardens before starting The Organic Mechanic Soil Company, LLC, where he launched the first peat-free, compost-based potting soil in the United States! Where in the world is Mark these days? When he’s not out in the greenhouse or warehouse, Mark spends much of his time traveling to garden centers, trade shows similar venues to promote, educate and inspire others to the many rewards of organic gardening. He has taught classes at Longwood Gardens, The Tyler Arboretum, Mt. Cuba Center, The Scott Arboretum, Callaway Gardens, and speaks regularly at public events like The Philadelphia Flower Show, as well as to numerous garden clubs. At Organic Mechanics, “We work on your soil!” ®