Our Principles
Rose & Bee, LLC was founded with a belief that we are stewards of the land and have a responsibility to act with sustainable and regenerative principles in mind. We strive to conserve resources and preserve the land for generations to come. We also honor and acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples who inhabited the land before us. Below are several of the horticultural principles we follow.
{Organic and Sustainable Plant Propagation}
At Rose & Bee, LLC, every effort is made to find sources of organically grown seeds and plants or to produce them ourselves. We follow the standards issued under the NOFA Standards for Organic Land Care. Whenever possible, purchase our seeds, plugs, rootstocks, and other propagative forms of plants from sources certified under the USDA National Organic Program. We do not grow seeds and plants that are genetically modified or have been treated with fungicides and pesticides. We also work with local conservation organizations to safely and sustainably collect native plants and seeds with permission and stewardship of the wild population in mind.
In addition to starting with the best plant materials, we also bolster the health of the soil our plants are grown in. If soil amendments are needed, we add only compost or organically approved minerals and nutrients. We use water conservation methods, such as drip irrigation and rainwater collection, to provide the water needed to grow plants. We strive to lessen our dependence on traditional plastic propagation equipment. By using soil blocking techniques, seed beds, and wooden seed trays, we are able to reduce the number of cell trays we use each growing season.
{Cultivating Native Gardens and Landscapes}
Our goal at Rose & Bee, LLC is the restoration and conservation of the natural ecosystem that existed before human interaction. Native plants play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of a region. These plants are naturally adapted to the local climate, soil conditions, and wildlife, making them resilient and low-maintenance choices for landscaping. By incorporating native plants into gardens and green spaces, we can support local biodiversity, support native pollinators like bees and butterflies, and reduce the need for excessive watering and chemical inputs. Furthermore, native plants offer a sense of place and heritage, connecting us to the land and its history. Embracing native plants is not just about environmental conservation but also about honoring and preserving the unique beauty and integrity of our natural landscapes.
Our owner, Elizabeth Wingfield Pollino, is Native Landscape Certified by the Native Plant Society of Texas. She continues to learn about the benefits of native plants and the role they play in the natural ecosystem. She is inspired by her fellow members of the Native Plant Society- Houston Chapter as well as other well-known conservationists such as Douglas Tallamy. She recommends that everyone read his practical book, Nature’s Best Hope, to learn more about how we, as individuals, can build wildlife habitats and address the urgent decline of wildlife populations.
Nature is the ultimate designer, and our role as gardeners is to work in harmony with its principles. -Monty Don O.B.E.
{Organic Land Care}
Rose & Bee, LLC started, and still is, operated out of a modest residential plot. Although we dream about it almost daily, we do not have acres of land to farm. But that does not mean we cannot make a positive impact on the land that is entrusted to our care. We are the caretakers and stewards of the land for future generations. Decisions we make about our lawn and gardens are based on the standards of the Northeast Organic Farming Association’s Organic Land Care Program (NOFA OLC). In 2024, Elizabeth was one of the first graduates the Houston Botanic Garden’s Land Care Institute.
Our commitment to organic land care means that we strive to understand and preserve the whole ecosystem. Many of the things we do in our own lawn and garden can be done by everyone. We do not use pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or herbicides. We use only non-synthetic fertilizers from natural sources such as fish emulsion and seaweed. We do not apply any fertilizers unless a soil sample indicates it is necessary. This reduces the costs of applying fertilizers that are not needed and allow the soil microbiome to feed the plants. We conserve water by collecting rain water and using drip irrigation systems. We reduces emissions by using only electric lawnmowers and landscaping equipment. We make and use our own compost to feed the soil and source compost from reputable organic producers. And above all, we use as many native plants in the home garden as possible. We encourage everyone to learn more about Organic Land Care and how it can be applied on any scale of landscape.