About Fruitful Roots

Hi, I'm Laura

Founder and Head Orchardist

There's something truly magical about eating perfectly ripe, in-season fruit from your own backyard, and I believe everyone should experience that connection to their food. It's not just about the taste; it's about appreciating the land, the effort, and the sense of accomplishment when you pick your first harvest.

My happy place is surrounded by plants and fresh air. My husband and I turned our 0.2-acre city lot into a thriving vegetable garden and home orchard, where we grow everything from pears and plums to peaches, berries, and figs! We've learned so much through hands-on experience and continuous experimentation, and now I'm excited to share that knowledge with you.

The idea for Fruitful Roots actually sprouted during a walk with my husband. We were talking about our pipe dream of living abroad for a year, and the big question came up: "What about our garden and orchard?" My husband wanted to hire the best fruit tree care experts, but we couldn't find anyone in Charlottesville or the surrounding area! That's when I thought, "Hey, maybe I should do it!"

With my corporate background in learning and development, I love teaching and coaching. I'm passionate about empowering people to understand their fruit trees and gardens, so you can experience the joy of growing your own delicious food. Let's dig in together!

A few fun facts about me:

I'm a mom to the most energetic 5-year-old, who's practically grown up in the garden! He'll try almost anything we grow (hot peppers are still a work in progress!), and his curiosity and enthusiasm inspire me daily. We love to garden, harvest, and bake together.
Baking is another passion of mine – from brownies and cakes to all kinds of bread. The process of making a sourdough loaf is deeply satisfying and a big stress reliever for me.
My favorite place is a small lake in New Hampshire that my family has been visiting since the 1960s. It's covered in wild blueberry bushes, and at the end of July, we go wild harvesting to make all sorts of blueberry treats. We've now introduced the fourth generation to lake life, and it's wonderful to share those traditions. That lake reminds me that some things stay constant and beautiful, no matter what's going on in the world.

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