Our Mission
Native Edible Designs embraces the landscape as an evolving, living, and breathing entity with elements that work in harmony with natural laws. We strive to ensure beauty and balance with our in-depth knowledge of plant species and keen attention to detail. We pride ourselves in our ability to be attentive to evaluate individual plants and their specific needs as well as their place in the collective landscape as a whole.
Meet the Team
Hi, I’m Cassidy Need
Owner of Native Edible Designs
I have been working in the horticultural and agricultural fields for over a decade as a nursery manager, fine gardener, and farmworker. I graduated from URI with a degree in Plant Sciences while working full time as a landscape technician on the campus grounds.
My extensive horticultural skills & knowledge, passion for gardening, and knack for building and maintaining relationships make me a great fit for people looking for custom designs. I enjoy cultivating connected relationships with all of my clients and their gardens. Understanding your unique goals allows me to create personalized landscapes that will thrive for you and benefit the natural world.
I love working with plants and with people! I look forward to working with you to create a space for you to enjoy!
Hi, I’m Katie Cuthbert
Crew Leader
Katie is a lifelong gardener, environmentalist, and insect-lover. With a formal education in environmental studies, she brings an awareness of and passion for sustainability and ecology to her work. She began her career in 2016 as a garden educator and program coordinator in Brooklyn, NY. There, she worked for organizations including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and The Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm. During the pandemic, she transitioned her focus to gardening full-time, and spent two seasons with The Valley Gardener in upstate New York. In her free time, Katie loves to sing, spend time with her cats, draw, and work on her own freelance garden designs. She joined the Native Edible Gardens team in 2023 and is thrilled to work and learn alongside such dedicated and caring gardeners!
Hi, I’m Yen Silie
Gardening Crew Member
Yen is passionate about the inherent beauty and interconnectivity of all living things. They began their career in 2017 as a floral designer in Brooklyn, NY with an emphasis on sustainable design mechanics and garden style florals. In 2019, they moved to RI and transitioned into floral wholesale at The Floral Reserve in Providence and freelance event design. After participating in RINLA’s Growing Future’s Career Catalyst program in 2024, Yen decided to dive into the world of gardening! This will be Yen’s second season as a crew member working with Native Edible Designs.
In their spare time, Yen works with the River Haven Animal Sanctuary. They also enjoy hiking, snuggling with their kittens, dancing, reading, and noodling over the intricacies of life.
About Our Work
Native Edible Designs incorporates a multilayered blend of culinary and medicinal herbs, berries, fruit trees, native perennials, annual vegetables and fruits into edible and aesthetic designs that satisfy the eyes and the taste buds. We create low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and mutually beneficial landscapes to connect people with the natural world. Our designs are deeply rooted in the principles of biomimicry, sustainability and ecology. Respect for our environment and our customers is a key principle at Native Edible Designs and we strive to embody the best qualities of expertise and professionalism.
Ways We Can Enhance Yor Garden
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Installation & Renovation
We can help you create the garden of your dreams, whether you're starting from scratch or revamping an existing space. Our experienced team will work with you to design and install a garden that's both beautiful and functional.
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Maintenance
Our garden maintenance service will keep your garden looking its best, all year round. We offer a variety of packages to fit your needs and budget, so you can relax and enjoy your garden, knowing that it's in good hands.
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Planning & Design
Get the garden of your dreams, even if you don't live in my service area or want to do the work yourself. My detailed plan will make it easy for you to create a beautiful and functional garden that you'll love for years to come.
