We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After years of working for other companies that didn’t put family first, we realized that was the final push we needed to start our own business. That decision wasn’t rushed—years of preparation and countless big and small steps went into planning Golden Roots Landscape & Design. Backed by hands-on experience and a passion for thoughtful, sustainable landscape design, we built a woman-owned, design-build company with the goal of leading with purpose, creating exceptional outdoor spaces, and keeping family at the heart of everything we do.

About Golden Roots Landscape & Design: Golden Roots Landscape & Design (https://www.goldenrootslandscapedesign.com/) is a woman-owned, design-build landscape company serving San Diego California, specializing in sustainable, functional, and beautiful outdoor spaces.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We’re not just people who started a landscape company — we bring the education: Business Horticulture Degree from Texas Tech University, national certifications such as QWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper), California State licensing with our C27 and business acumen to every project. Russel runs every project himself, using his talent and background to make sure no detail is missed. We don’t just design and build residential landscaping— we get our hands dirty and treat every project like it’s our own.
Building the business hasn’t been easy. Balancing client work, family, and starting from scratch tested us at every step. But sticking to quality, clear communication, and doing things the right way has helped us grow and earn respect in the industry.

The biggest lesson we’ve learned? You can run a successful business without losing sight of what matters most — family, integrity, and passion. That’s the heart of Golden Roots Landscape & Design and the story we’re proud to share.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got a real taste of Southern California. We’d start in Little Italy, picking up fresh, local pasta from Assenti Pasta and exploring the shops and markets. Then, I’d take them out to Mission Trails to show them what true SoCal hiking looks like — the views, the wildlife, and that feeling of getting out in nature just can’t be beat. We may even take them by Terra Bella Nursery on Camino Del Rio for a coffee and a uniquie plant nursery.

Beyond that, I’d mix in some local favorites for eating and drinking, explore hidden gems around San Diego, and check out spots where the community and culture really shine. From sunset views on the coast to enjoying craft beers at local breweries, the goal would be to see, taste, and feel what makes Southern California unique.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge part of our story starts with Russel’s grandfather, Joe House, founder of House Nursery. The business operated three facilities—one spanning 500 acres in Brownsboro, Texas, and another covering 75 acres in Tyler, Texas—supplying major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot throughout the 1980s. We even named our son Tyler as an homage to our roots and the deep connection our family has to Tyler, Texas. Russel grew up in those fields, where his grandfather taught him the fundamentals of plants, soil health, and the value of hard work. Alongside that, Russel also gained early construction experience through his father, who owned Watson Brick. From a young age, Russel was exposed to the building side of the business as well, learning lessons that would later become invaluable in design and construction. Those early lessons—often passed down with muddy hands and quiet wisdom—laid the foundation for everything we do today at Golden Roots Landscape & Design. That deep-rooted knowledge, respect for the land, and love for the craft is something we carry forward in our sustainable, design-build landscaping projects every day.

Website: https://www.goldenrootslandscapedesign.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golden_roots_landscape_design/reels/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Golden-Roots-Landscape-Design/61574530656222/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-roots-landscape-and-design-el-cajon

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenRootsLandscapeDesign

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.