About us
Toots and Roots offers gardening services in the Chicago area. Our goal is simple: to make it quick, easy and affordable to have a green space you love — no matter the size or starting point.
We design and install gardens and seasonal containers that are enjoyable from the start and continue to grow over time — leveraging sustainable practices while balancing structure and softness, native plants, and seasonal color.
Toots and Roots is located in Chicago's near west side, which means we understand the challenges (and gifts!) of urban environments. And because we work locally, we’re able to give each garden the care it deserves — helping you stay connected to nature through all four seasons.
Who's Toots?
Toots is the company’s namesake and spirit animal — an endlessly curious shepherd mix who loves dirt almost as much as we do.
​​​
In truth, we named our business after Toots because all other gardening handles on Instagram were taken. But he's become our north star. He keeps us humble, insists on well-timed treat breaks, and reminds us that gardens are meant to be lived in, not just looked at.
Our roots
Toots and Roots was founded by me, Madeline Nusser, a gardener with 20+ years in visual and content design.
What started as a neighborhood planting project in 2019 evolved into a full-service practice by 2025. Along the way, I saw how complicated, expensive and impersonal landscaping services could be, and set out to do things differently — with thoughtful design, transparent pricing, and clear communication from start to finish.
