Frequently asked questions.

We get a lot of questions about Roots Down, permaculture, and our mission. Here are some of the most common. Can't find an answer to your question? Just reach out to us and we'll get right back with you. We're cool like that.

What is a Grower?

Great question! A Grower is someone who creates abundance in their community. That could mean you could grow food, build better ecosystems, or simply help organize your community. Anyone who is helping to build a better, more green society is a Grower in our book. For more information on joining our Grower Network, click here.



What is permaculture?

Permaculture is a design science focused on ecology. A simple way to think of permaculture is like an ecological toolbox that has many different uses and applications depending on the site or scale of what you’re designing, but the key with permaculture is that it’s a complete ecosystem. Check out our blog post "What is permaculture?" for more information about premaculture.



What is a Productive Urban Landscape (PUL)?

Productive Urban Landscapes, at their core, are places with soul, places that use natural processes to minimize work and inputs and maximize everything that makes nature great. PULs are landscapes that promote 3 simple elements: Food, Ecology, and Community. They are dynamic landscapes that integrate some elements of traditional landscaping (like organized planting patterns and areas to sit, eat, and play) but bring in elements of the natural world (like biodiversity, pollinator habitats, etc.) and plants that provide us with food (like veggies, berries, and fruit trees). PULs can help heal our lands and feed both our bodies and our souls. For more information about Productive Urban Landscapes, check out our blog post "What is a Productive Urban Landscape?"



How do I sign up for permaculture training?

If you're a landscaper looking to expand your landscaping toolbox, Roots Down teaches a series of Productive Urban Landscape Certification Courses that draw upon permaculture teachings. To learn more and sign up for our program, check out our Grow, Don't Mow page.



Can you help me find a landscaper?

We believe you should grow instead of mow, which is why we partner with trusted landscaping companies to design, install, and maintain residential and commercial yards and gardens. We will connect you with the perfect partner to maintain your space for you. Contact us today to schedule a garden consultation!



How can I bring Roots Down to my city?

We may be based in Atlanta, GA and currently serve the greater Atlanta area, but if you want to bring our programming to your city, reach out to us and schedule a chat! If you're regular ole' person looking for help in your garden, join our Grower Network for free by clicking here.



How does Roots Down work with young people?

Teaching youth about food, ecology, and community is one of our core initiatives at Roots Down. We believe that youth have the power to lead our generation towards a more fruitful future, which is why we've launched the #GreenHive, a leadership club of youth who're building a better world. For more information on the #GreenHive and our youth movement, click here.



What is the difference between sustainable and regenerative agriculture?

The short answer: Sustainable agriculture is food growing that is putting back as much as it takes out, thus maintaining an equilibrium with nature. Regenerative agriculture produces its own inputs so it doesn't need outside sources to be productive. For more information about sustainable and regenerative agriculture, check out our blog " What is permaculture?"



What is natural urbanism?

Building off the new urbanism framework popularized by the Congress of the New Urbanism, natural urbanism prioritizes the relationship between people and the natural world, and builds places that integrate nature (edible and otherwise) seamlessly into the fabric of daily life. In short, natural urbanism is the logical end point of building more Productive urban Landscapes, a recognizably urban environment that is bursting with plants, wildlife, and plenty of spaces for community to blossom too. For more information about natural urbanism, check out our blog "What is natural urbanism?"