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Inspiring Conversations with Nessa & Jaycob Spence & Sniffen of Ripples and Roots Wildscapes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nessa & Jaycob Spence & Sniffen

Hi Nessa & Jaycob, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Jaycob and I crossed paths in the summer of 2022 at Hill Country Water Gardens, where I was leading educational seminars and he was immersed in running bogs. I was immediately impressed by his strong work ethic and eagerness to learn. Under the mentorship of industry experts like Ashley Waggoner, Calvin, Cody, and Maggie King, Jaycob quickly developed into a standout talent. Recognizing his potential, I invited him to join me on a few interior scaping projects. Our partnership quickly flourished, leading us into Wildscaping as we gained repeat clients. We soon realized our complementary skills were the perfect foundation for a business, and Ripples and Roots Wildscapes was born.
Our shared vision to restore and regenerate native ecosystems fuels everything we do. Jaycob focuses on aquatic designs and consultations (hence “Ripples”), while I specialize in terrestrial wildscapes and consultations (the “Roots”). We chose the term Wildscapes over Landscapes to reflect our mission: to rebuild habitats that nurture biodiversity, support wildlife, and restore balance using organic, regenerative practices. In a world where urban development often reduces green spaces, we believe it’s our responsibility to help individuals—whether they have a small urban patio or an expansive property—create spaces that sustain native plants and pollinators. Our goal is to make sustainable gardening accessible to everyone, so that each project, no matter the size, contributes to a healthier, more vibrant ecosystem. As you nurture your garden, you’ll witness the transformation: colorful blooms, buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and thriving wildlife.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our work requires grit and hard labor, competing in a saturated landscape market. However, our expertise in horticulture gives us a unique edge. We don’t just plant random flowers; we design tailored gardens that suit each client’s needs, incorporating sustainable practices like soil regeneration and using top-quality products like MicroLife Fertilizers. Our focus is on creating long-lasting, environmentally beneficial landscapes that support local ecosystems, combat erosion, and offer urban escapes for both clients and wildlife. We’re committed to educating communities and ensuring our work stands the test of time—creating lasting change, not just quick fixes.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ripples and Roots Wildscapes?
At Ripples and Roots Wildscapes, we specialize in creating regenerative, organic aquatic and terrestrial habitats that foster maximum biodiversity. Our designs are crafted to be both beautiful and sustainable, making them ideal for gardeners of all skill levels, whether indoors or outdoors. From interior scaping and container gardening to ponds, water features, hydroponics, edible gardens, native wildscapes, and ongoing maintenance, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to revitalize an existing landscape, we work with you to bring your vision to life.

Honesty is at the core of our approach: if we believe a project won’t succeed, we will always advise you on alternatives that better suit your goals. Our mission is to restore soil health, conserve water, and design gardens that thrive for years to come. We don’t just provide exceptional service—we offer education and guidance, empowering you to confidently invest in a sustainable, flourishing space.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has played no part in building our business. Jaycob and I have poured our blood, sweat, and countless hours of effort into every step of our journey. It is our unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and a deep hunger for growth and positive change that have shaped who we are today. We don’t rely on wishful thinking—we transform our dreams into action and go after what we want with purpose and determination.

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