My fascination with shaping the earth began long before I had any formal training. As a kid, I wasn't just playing in the dirt; I was building—designing streams in my mom's backyard, constructing mud walls, and even launching my first "business" selling paper weights (painted rocks I'd carefully selected and cleaned). That innate drive to create and interact with the natural landscape was the root of everything that would follow.
That path led me from Northampton Community College's architecture program to a degree in Community and Regional Planning from Temple University. It was there that the pieces clicked into place. I saw how thoughtful design, natural materials, and smart planning could create entire communities that didn't just exist on the land, but harmonized with it.
But life, as it does, took its turns. After graduating college, building a lot of patios, walkways and navigating the 2007 recession, which put a damper on my goal of designing residential communities, I returned to my roots, launching Ruggiero Landscaping. After some early struggles a lot of determination and perserverance, the business thrived, but more importantly, it became my living laboratory for applying the sustainable principles I was so passionate about.
Our Guiding Philosophy: The Roots & Growth Framework
This newsletter is the culmination of that journey. It's built on a framework I call our "Roots & Growth" model—a belief that every project, career, and community thrives when it's grounded in strong foundational values and has clear pathways for growth.
This is more than just a business plan; it's a life philosophy. It’s about understanding that the strength of the branches and the quality of the fruit are directly tied to the health of the roots.
Introducing "Earth Friendly Insights" with Danielle
A vital part of this ecosystem is my partner, Danielle. Her deep knowledge of native plants, medicinal herbs, and the subtle healing power of a well-tended garden brings an essential layer of wisdom to our work. You'll see her contributions in our featured section, "Earth Friendly Insights," where she'll share her unique perspective on creating landscapes that nourish both body and soul.
This platform is our way of sharing what we've learned. It's about exploring the big ideas—from sustainable design to empowering the next generation of green entrepreneurs—and connecting them to practical, on-the-ground actions you can take right here in the Lehigh Valley.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We're excited to grow with you.
- Mike and Danielle
