About Me

I'm a Long Island native who traded the NYC suburbs for Raleigh in 2014, and I haven't looked back since. When my husband and I bought our house in 2015, we had a quarter-acre lot with grass, trees, and a few shrubs. It was a typical monoculture suburban yard.  Fast forward to today, and that same space is a thriving foodscape bursting with berries, vegetables, fruit trees, herbs, pollinator plants, and a flock of chickens who are integral to our permaculture system. We have embraced organic and permaculture principles every step of the way, and we've set up rainwater collection systems—two 500-gallon cisterns plus various rain barrels—to keep everything growing sustainably. We also have solar panels on the house to add to our sustainability.

My love of animals has always been part of who I am. I have an unhealthy attachment to my pit bull, Millie. (sorry, not sorry). The chickens aren't just egg-layers—they are our pets and essential workers in our foodscape, scratching through mulch, controlling pests, fertilizing the soil, and closing nutrient loops in ways that align perfectly with permaculture design. Watching how all these elements work together has deepened my appreciation for nature and wildlife. I've learned that biodiversity isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the foundation of a healthy, resilient garden. Companion planting, encouraging beneficial insects, and creating habitat for native pollinators—these practices create a balanced ecosystem where good bugs naturally keep unwanted pests in check.

In 2017, we launched Ralstead Farm (a portmanteau of "Raleigh" and "homestead") and started selling microgreens and produce at our local farmer’s market. It was incredibly rewarding to share what we were growing, but I realized something even more fulfilling: I wanted to help others cultivate their own foodscapes. After years of learning from generous gardeners, making plenty of mistakes, and discovering what actually thrives here in Zone 8a, I knew it was time to share that knowledge.

That's why I created Ralstead Foodscapes. I'm here to help you design and install kitchen gardens, cutting gardens, and pollinator habitats filled with native plants. I can guide you through keeping chickens as productive, regenerative members of your garden ecosystem. Whether you're dreaming of your first tomato plant or ready to transform your whole yard, I want to make gardening feel accessible and achievable—not intimidating. You don't need to be an expert to grow your own food. You just need to get started, and I'm here to help you succeed every step of the way.