0:00–6:50 — Roots in the Land
Eulalio introduces his background growing up on a farm in El Salvador and how early experiences with agriculture shaped his deep connection to soil, plants, and food production. He shares his journey to the U.S. and eventual transition from security work to landscaping.
6:50–10:00 — Cooperative Model & Democratic Culture
Eulalio reflects on his time co-founding and managing a worker-owned landscaping cooperative, and how those values of education, collaboration, and equity now shape his own company, Friends of Gardens.
10:00–14:45 — The Creative Process in Landscaping
He walks through how his team conceptualizes projects, from unrealistic client inspiration (e.g., Miami-style gardens in New England) to the need for soil testing, drainage evaluation, and collaboration with professionals like arborists and civil engineers.
14:45–18:30 — Constraints as Creative Fuel
The team discusses how limitations, such as weather, soil, town regulations, and underground utilities, actually foster creativity. Eulalio explains the importance of understanding local regulations and calling Dig Safe before digging.
18:30–22:00 — Client Expectations vs. Garden Realities
Eulalio shares common client misconceptions, such as wanting an event-ready garden in a week, and emphasizes the importance of planning, seasonal preparation, and long-term maintenance to create truly beautiful spaces.
22:00–27:40 — Project Management & Maintenance Philosophy
He outlines how a typical project unfolds after the assessment phase, encompassing proposal, collaboration with external specialists, staging, and communication, plus the ongoing role of seasonal maintenance in preserving the health of a garden.
27:40–31:10 — The Role of Communication
Eulalio emphasizes the critical importance of communication with clients, employees, and partners and why he values long-term relationships with trusted collaborators like arborists and irrigation experts.
31:10–37:10 — Eco-Friendly Landscaping in Practice
Eulalio shares how Friends of Gardens leads with sustainability—prioritizing native plants, stormwater solutions, pollinator support, and organic methods. He details their commitment to chemical-free care and the reuse of recycled materials.
37:10–39:00 — Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Them
The episode wraps with reflections on the creative depth of landscaping and links to connect with Eulalio and Friends of Gardens. You can find him at friendsofgardens.com and follow Creative Context on Instagram and YouTube.
