We’re looking forward to introducing you to Laura Neff. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Laura, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
What I’m being called to do now is step into leadership in a way I’ve always admired in others but never fully envisioned for myself. In the past, I hesitated to overcommit or take on too much outside of my comfort zone. But this year, I’ve been invited to serve as Vice President of the Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance, an organization devoted to educating people about organics, sustainability, and the impact of their choices—whether in their landscapes, gardens, or daily lives.
Alongside this, I’ve joined multiple committees, from those writing books to those focusing on specific areas like native plants. Each opportunity stretches me beyond what I thought I had time or capacity for. Yet, instead of fear holding me back, I feel energized, because this work truly matters.
I believe that sustainability and organic practices are not just trends—they are necessities for healthier communities and a healthier planet. What once felt daunting now feels like a calling. I am leaning into saying “yes” more often, not because it’s easy, but because the cause is worth every ounce of energy I can give.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure, for more than 30 years, I’ve been a pioneer in Houston’s landscaping industry, owning a company that specializes in native plants and organic practices. From day one, we’ve been known for being customer-focused and detail-driven, creating sustainable, healthy landscapes that are as beautiful as they are practical. When I started, very few in the region worked this way—today, I’m proud to be part of a growing movement committed to sustainability.
I also serve as Vice President of the Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance and work on committees dedicated to education, writing, and promoting native plants. What excites me most is showing people that sustainability isn’t complicated—it’s a meaningful way to care for our environment and our communities.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I wasn’t motivated or driven—I often thought of myself as lazy because I didn’t have a clear vision of what I wanted to do with my life. Looking back, I see now that wasn’t true at all. I simply hadn’t yet found the passion that would ignite my drive. Once I discovered the power of organics, sustainability, and creating landscapes that make a difference, I realized I’m deeply motivated when I’m connected to a cause I care about.
Now, instead of questioning my drive, I see that I have perseverance, focus, and a willingness to step into leadership when the work matters. It’s been a beautiful shift from doubt to purpose.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: be patient with yourself. I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I’ve also always been resilient—and that resilience is something I’m proud of. I would remind my younger self to pause and think before acting, to trust in her own confidence, and to know that she is wonderful, beautiful, and kind just as she is.
Life has a way of teaching us through challenges, and I’d want my younger self to know that every step, even the hard ones, is shaping her into someone stronger and more capable than she realizes.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the landscape industry is the belief that people don’t care about organics or sustainability. For too long, the industry has convinced itself that customers only want quick fixes, so chemicals have remained the default. The truth is, people do care—more than ever—about what goes into their soil, their water, and their environment.
Unfortunately, much of the industry has been driven more by profit than by the quality or long-term health of the product. But I believe there’s a growing awareness and demand for organic, sustainable practices. When companies listen to their customers and focus on healthier solutions, they not only protect the environment but also build deeper trust and loyalty. That shift is happening, and I’m proud to be part of pushing it forward.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss my drive to provide the very best service. I’ve always believed that landscaping is about more than just plants—it’s about relationships. My clients know they can count on me to be a clear and consistent communicator and to approach every project with a strong attention to detail.
Those qualities—dedication, communication, and precision—are at the heart of everything I do, and I believe that’s what has built the trust and loyalty I’m so grateful for in my customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.riceorginc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@riceorginchtx
- Twitter: https://plus.google.com/+TheRiceOrganizationIncHouston
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Rice-Organization-Inc-1715006562110735/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/thericeorganiza/
Image Credits
Jacob Power Photography
