Building Something Sustainable & Meaningful

June 5, 2026

We don’t typically lead with our press clippings. But the past six months brought a level of recognition we feel a genuine responsibility to share; not because we want to impress, but because transparency is one of the core commitments we made when we pursued B Corp certification. These stories matter because they reflect where the conversation around landscaping is heading, and we want our clients and community to be part of that.

“Sustainability as a guiding philosophy, not a marketing trend,” said Steve Modrow, Co-founder of biota Landscapes. That framing, drawn from our coverage in Architectural Digest, gets at something we’ve tried to hold onto since our founding: the difference between appearing responsible and actually building systems, habits, and projects that create lasting environmental benefit.

So, here’s an honest account of what’s been said, where it appeared, and why we think it matters beyond any one project or award.

 
 

Where biota appeared so far in 2026:

Midwest Design Magazine —

Our collaboration with SALA Architects received recognition in the Specialty Structure category for an innovative accessory dwelling unit project that demonstrates the power of integrated architecture and landscape design. Midwest Design also featured our journey to becoming the first B Corp-certified landscaping company in the Midwest. Read the full feature here.

Porches & Gardens by Better Homes & Gardens —

A six-page feature showcasing the private backyard retreat of biota’s co-founder, Steve Modrow. The story explores a landscape layered with lush plantings, a koi pond, intimate gathering spaces, and a green roof awning designed to be enjoyed from above as well as within the garden itself. “I’m not weeding in the height of summer because I have so many plants,” Steve said.

The Scoop: The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association —

MNLA awarded biota its highest sustainability honor, citing our B Corp certification and ongoing efforts to raise industry standards. The recognition highlighted specifics that we’re proud of: our solar-powered headquarters in the Twin Cities, permeable pavement systems, pollinator habitat installations, native plant display gardens, and community impact work through our biota Gives Back initiative. It’s meaningful because it comes from peers — people who understand how this industry works and what it actually takes to do things differently. Read the full feature here.

MNLA Vision Awards —

biota received two awards: Platinum for Sustainability in Practice and Gold for Layered Landscapes. These honors reflect the sustainability principles embedded throughout our HQ, practice, and work. Layered Landscapes features recycled decking, locally sourced stone, and a thoughtful blend of natives, ornamentals, and edibles supporting biodiversity while creating opportunities for the family to grow and learn. Here’s what the judges had to say: “The combination of verified certification, operational transformation, renewable energy leadership, and replicability establishes this entry as a pioneering model for the Minnesota green industry and beyond.” View all the award recipients here.

National Media Reach —

Becoming the first B Corp-certified landscaping company in the Midwest is something we genuinely didn’t pursue for the headline. The certification process is rigorous, and it exists to hold companies accountable across environmental performance, worker equity, and community impact, not just to generate press. But the story traveled. It was picked up by hundreds of national and regional outlets, and we’ve since heard from other landscaping companies who are curious about the process themselves. That ripple effect is what we hoped for. If biota’s certification helps normalize a higher standard for the industry, in Minnesota and beyond, then the recognition is doing something useful.

Architectural Digest —

A featured story exploring how biota approaches sustainability as a guiding philosophy rather than a marketing trend. The article highlights our belief that thoughtful design can create meaningful environmental impact while delivering exceptional outdoor living experiences. Read the full feature here.

What we’re taking into the rest of 2026…

Recognition like this shapes what clients expect, and we think that’s a good thing. More homeowners and property managers are asking specific questions about ecological impact before a single plant goes in the ground. More architects and builders are seeking collaborators who can integrate sustainability into a project from the design phase forward, as our SALA Architects partnership showed.

We’re grateful to every client, collaborator, and community member who made this work possible. Awards and press are a byproduct of something more fundamental: the daily decision to prioritize long-term environmental health alongside exceptional design. That’s what we’ll keep doing in 2026 and beyond, we’re ready to continue pushing the profession forward through innovative, sustainability-focused practices and a better way to do business.

Ready to talk about your landscape project? We’d love to hear what you’re envisioning…from a sustainable pollinator garden to a full outdoor living transformation.

Contact us!

(612) 781-4000 | contactus@biotlandscapes.com | Set Up An Appointment