Built From a Love for Nature
I've been reflecting lately on my relationship with the natural world, and the experiences that ultimately led me to create Living Earth.
In 2021, I worked at a nature preserve in Poway. I spent my days surrounded by native plants, wildlife, and the sweet songs of the Earth. It was a place that felt like home, where I felt called to explore the intimate relationships between plants, animals, and the landscapes they inhabit.
I'll never forget one afternoon at the visitor center, sitting among native plants and listening to the birds singing all around me. I remember looking at the landscape and realizing just how much life those plants supported.
It was such a simple observation, but something clicked.
I wanted to create more of that.
I wanted to bring native plants back into our neighborhoods and everyday spaces where they once thrived, creating landscapes that could provide food, shelter, and habitat for the birds, insects and wildlife that share our communities.
At the time, I had no idea how I would make that happen. But the feeling stayed with me, quietly guiding me toward the world of California native plants and, eventually, the creation of Living Earth Native Gardens.
These days, it's been very easy to get caught up in the practical side of running a business. Between projects, planning, and the responsibilities of everyday life, I sometimes find myself missing the quiet moments that inspired my journey in the first place.
But whenever I go back to the preserve for a visit or hike deep into the chaparral, that familiar feeling returns. The birdsong, the plants, the simple experience of being surrounded by interconnected and abundant life.
It's a reminder of why I started. And my inspiration to keep going.
I feel a deep responsibility to care for the Earth, because I've experienced what it feels like to be cared for by Her.
That connection is at the heart of Living Earth. My hope is that the landscapes we create offer others the opportunity to experience a little more of the beauty, wonder, and belonging that the natural world has given me. It is such a privilege to be doing this work.
As for these Field Notes, I envision them as a place to share observations, experiences, and things I've learned along the way. A little bit of ecology, a little bit of gardening, and perhaps a few reflections on what it means to live alongside the natural world.
With a love for nature and all its beings, I'm excited to share more with you soon.
Kelsey
