Bicycle‑Powered Landscaping & Ecological Growth with Ken Foster

Discover how Ken Foster built Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping into a 16‑person, full‑service ecological landscape company serving the Monterey Bay area with design, install, and maintenance since 1988. In this episode, Ken shares how his organic farming roots and permaculture teaching at Cabrillo College shaped a business that designs landscapes in harmony with nature while aligning deeply with Santa Cruz’s eco‑conscious community. You’ll also hear the story behind his bicycle‑powered maintenance service, his decades‑long ride to the Ecological Farming Conference, and his new book, “Confessions of a Bicycle Powered Landscaper,” now available through Bookshop Santa Cruz. If you’re a contractor or landscaper looking to differentiate with sustainability, or a homeowner wanting non‑toxic, wildlife‑friendly, fossil‑free landscaping, this conversation is packed with practical inspiration you can apply in your own market. Key topics: How Terra Nova grew from a two‑person partnership into a 16‑employee ecological landscaping company in Santa Cruz County.What “design, build, install, and maintain” looks like in a truly ecological, permaculture‑driven landscape business model.The origin story and operations of their bicycle‑powered maintenance service and why trucks are still used strategically for larger installs.How Ken’s advocacy helped secure a citywide ban on gas leaf blowers in Santa Cruz and why Terra Nova took the “no leaf blower” pledge.Ken’s annual 25‑year tradition of biking from Santa Cruz to the Ecological Farming Conference and how it fueled his new book.The evolution of his book from “Landscaping a New Earth” to “Confessions of a Bicycle Powered Landscaper” and how he finally got it published.How Terra Nova’s design questionnaire, raised bed installs, drip irrigation, and sheet mulching support low‑impact, food‑producing landscapes.Ways contractors can align their values with their branding, services, and local community to attract the right clients and team members.