Cultivating Connections with Nature and Ourselves
Hello and welcome to Self Sown Garden, a sanctuary where you can be guided back to the roots of your own potential, not just through gardening but through a reconnection with the cycles of nature and the nurturing of your inner landscape.
My journey into gardening didn't start with a passion for the earth or an early appreciation for the cycle of life. As a child, I helped my mom and grandmothers in their gardens, a chore I found excruciatingly dull. Back then, gardening seemed like an archaic hobby—a tedious pastime unsuited for a modern world that I was eager to explore through its bustling cities. The hot sun, the relentless sweating, and the seemingly mundane task of growing vegetables, which I believed were no better than what we could buy at the store, left me with little love for the practice. When I moved to San Francisco at 18, gardening was the last thing on my mind.
It wasn't until I turned 30, standing on the deck of my now-husband's home, that I looked out over a neglected, sloping backyard choked with brambles and wild tomato vines, with three chickens confined in what resembled a tiny jail. The yard was accessible only by a precarious wooden ladder, yet despite having no formal gardening knowledge, I felt a pull—a conviction that "This yard needs me. I could make this so much better." What I didn't realize at that moment was how much I needed that patch of earth. Over the next decade, what unfolded was not just the reclamation of long-lost knowledge and skills essential for sustaining life but a profound personal journey of healing. Overwhelmed by the rapid pace of modern life and feeling a deep disconnection from myself and the natural world, I discovered solace in the soil. Gardening became my sanctuary, a way to reconnect with the earth's rhythms and find a peace and belonging that only comes from living in sync with the seasons.
Self Sown Garden was born out of a desire to share this healing journey with others, particularly women who are seeking a deeper connection with nature and with themselves. I've learned that plants are not just food and medicine; they are also teachers, guiding us through growth, resilience, and renewal. This is what I aim to bring to you: the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to cultivate your own gardens—both external and internal.
What I Offer at Self Sown Garden:
Garden Consulting and Design: Whether you've just moved into a new home with a bewildering blank canvas of a yard, or you have a small patch that you dream of transforming into a vibrant garden, I'm here to help. My expertise in edible and herbal gardens means I can turn any space, no matter how small, into a productive and beautiful green area.
Garden Installations: For those who need a helping hand in creating their dream garden from the ground up, I offer installation services that cater to your unique needs, from backyard chicken keeping to beekeeping.
Women’s Events Centered Around the Wheel of the Year: Join us for events that celebrate the pivotal points of the year—from the quiet introspection of Winter Solstice to the abundant harvests of Lammas. These gatherings are more than just social events; they are rituals that help us align our lives with the rhythms of nature, foster a sense of community and remind us to tend to the gardens of our hearts.
Self Sown Garden is not just a name; it's a philosophy. It's about planting the seeds of knowledge and watching them grow into sustainable practices that nourish and enrich our lives. It's about taking back our autonomy in how we interact with our environment, making choices that enhance our health, our homes, and our planet.
If you're longing to cultivate a garden of your own, or if you're simply curious about what it means to live more seasonally, reach out. Let’s plant those first seeds together. Let's cultivate a space that reflects not only what is self-sown in your garden but also what blooms within you.
Join me at Self Sown Garden, and let's grow together.
