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Back to Nature Home & Garden was founded by Anthony Sblendorio in 1994. Fresh out of the Rutgers University Landscape Architecture program, Sblendorio saw how developers and landscapers were sabotaging outdoor spaces with a lack of concern for local history, wildlife or ecological impact. Sblendorio wanted Back to Nature to take a different approach – examining the land and how all of the elements worked in tandem. He knew that proper design would yield unique outdoor spaces. Areas that could sustain and produce a regenerative environment while positively impacting the local wildlife, watershed, soil, and ecology.


While Back to Nature focused on high-end landscape architecture for the first decade of its existence, it has since grown into a multifaceted company with a land development division that is responsible for some of the most innovative projects in New Jersey. Back to Nature soon became a pioneer in regenerative design and build with several LEED certified projects. Especially notable LEED projects include the first LEED certified independent school in the U.S. and the second LEED certified building in New Jersey. This expertise gained new interest and Back to Nature quickly expanded to handle design and construction projects for estates, schools, ecologically friendly developers, corporations and municipalities. 


As the company grew, a thriving internal culture also developed. Employees at every level wanted to inspire action to regenerate natural systems. Sblendorio recognized that the same methods would not work for all clients, aesthetically and practically. He led the initiative to design environmentally beneficial solutions that could be adaptable to a variety of applications. Estates to corporate campuses could have customized regenerative designs that also enhanced the natural property aesthetic. 


With Sblendorio’s guidance Back to Nature has evolved into an ecologically inspired landscape design/build firm by fusing the elements of superb site design with sustainable and regenerative techniques, resulting in luxurious landscapes. Today, the Back to Nature mission is not only to design and build customized environmentally regenerative outdoor spaces and sell ecologically friendly products, but to also educate about how to be good custodians of our environment. The goal for each project is to identify how property owners can improve their local ecology and then provide practical solutions that are easy to implement through design, construction, and property maintenance. 


Sblendorio recently expanded his green mission with the opening of Back to Nature Home & Garden, the company’s first retail location. The store offers a new take on the traditional garden center with a wholly organic approach, focus on native plants and an interior space with artisan crafted house wares and gifts. Realizing that education is key to ensuring change, Sblendorio also included an event center at the store. Educational classes on eco-friendly topics ranging from organic gardening to honeybees and rain garden design are held regularly. As a committed member of the local community, he has also extended invitations to area organizations to use the space for their meetings or events, thereby helping to increase their success and visibility. 


You can connect with Anthony Sblendorio on LinkedIn.