At Grangetto's Farm and Garden Supplies, we take immense pride in recognizing the outstanding contributions of our esteemed vendors, partners, and customers who have been instrumental in shaping our journey. In this edition of our spotlight series, we turn the focus towards Nature Designs, owned by Escondido native Steve Jacobs. Widely acclaimed as one of the leading San Diego Landscape Contractors, Steve's journey is a testament to his deep-rooted passion for horticulture and sustainable landscaping.
Nature Designs Owner and Escondido native, Steve Jacobs, is widely regarded as one of the leading San Diego Landscape Contractors. You can visit the website at www.NatureDesigns.Net.
In 1959, Steve’s parents moved to Escondido. They selected Escondido because they wanted to raise their children in a rural area. Steve was fortunate enough, since the age of two, to grow up on a 2 acre parcel of land mostly covered with orange trees. He helped his father tend to the orange grove, watering trees, weeding and harvesting fruit. Steve attended San Pasqual high school, joined the FFA and attended a landscaping class. Often, after school, he spent his time working in his vegetable garden until it was dark, hearing his mother calling him in for dinner. Upon graduating high school in 1980, Steve attended Palomar College, earned an AA degree in automotive technology and attended a botany class taught by professor Wayne P. Armstrong. Wayne was a passionate professor and Steve was inspired by him. Because of Wayne, he chose to continue his horticulture education.
Steve transferred to Cal Poly Pomona in 1983 and started a small landscaping
business with a high school friend, Tom McCoy. He attended classes at Cal Poly Pomona Monday through Friday and on Friday afternoons, drove back to Escondido, and worked in the business until Sunday night. Steve was fortunate enough to have additional professors that were truly inspiring. In 1987 he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture as well as a degree in Irrigation and Drainage Design.
After graduating, Steve married his high school sweetheart, Ann, in 1988. They had two sons, Joshua (1990) and Aaron (1992). Steve’s passion for education inspired him to become a part time instructor in the Ornamental Horticulture department at Cuyamaca College where many of his employees have studied.
Steve earned his landscape contractors license from the State of California in 1988 and expanded it to include pool and spa installation in 2006 and general contracting in 2011. He joined the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) in 1991 to keep up with the changes in the industry and served as president of the San Diego chapter in 2001. Steve served as the State Director of Education for the CLCA for four years, served as State President in 2016 and now holds a position on the board of trustees for CLCA Insurance Solutions. One of the biggest contributing factors to the success of Nature Designs is the 30 year relationship with the CLCA. The CLCA helped Steve grow his business and to be a successful landscape contractor. Leadership training, educational events, industry connections, relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, competitors and establishing enduring friendships with fellow members has greatly benefited Steve and Nature Designs as a CLCA member.
Steve has made a commitment to continuing education by earning his Certified Landscape Professional (CLP), Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) designation from the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), Certified Water Manager (CWM) from the CLCA, Arborist certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Certified Pool Professional (Genesis), Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL), and Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) from the Irrigation Association (IA).
Steve’s company has earned over 75 awards for design, installation and maintenance projects. Sustainable landscaping has been a passion of Steve’s since he started his company 40 years ago. He has also been published multiple times in local and national publications. Steve has presented many seminars on various horticultural topics at the Water Conservation Garden, California Center for Sustainability, San Diego Horticultural Society, Master Gardener Association of San Diego County, Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), and local garden shows and libraries. Steve also belongs to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as an A+ accredited business.
