Kusanone (“koosAH” - “no” - “nay”) is an environmental advocacy concept and business focused on starting conversations in private and public places with art by means of nature. Our mission is to increase awareness of land ethics in the Midwest by providing gardens that embrace resilient, deep-rooted, and efficient plant communities. The name is composed of three Japanese characters meaning ”grassroots”, which has great importance both literally and figuratively. For the plants, the roots and their interactions with soil biology is essential to a healthy life, whereas culturally, many widespread ideas, beliefs, and practices are started through and changed by slow, steady, persistent conversations in the community. There is much to learn from one another and the environment, so let us take a moment to observe and listen.