New Year’s is always a time for celebration, but, of course, it’s also a major time for reflection and goal-setting. In my world, I tend to consider what aspects of my life are bringing me joy, and which ones have room for more.
Although some of these are rather theoretical, one of the most accessible and realistic places to find more joy is right at home, in the garden.
Since I bought my first house in 2022, I have been on a quest to overhaul our boring flat expanse of raggedy Bermuda grass into a colorful, lush retreat. If you've ever dealt with Bermuda grass, you know that this has been an uphill battle.
But, this past month, we hit a huge milestone by installing the core layout, with new paths, permeable patio space, new citrus and shade trees, and of course, LOTS of native California plants.
Now that the hardest part is (hopefully) in the rearview mirror, it feels like the perfect time to set some New Year’s resolutions for my Los Angeles garden, where I want to improve my life personally, socially, and professionally.
Resolution #1: Enjoy my outdoor space as part of my daily mindfulness practice
Mindfulness is one of the of the most common reasons people say they enjoy gardening, and I count myself among them. This past year especially, I’ve found so much peace as I've tackled new projects and revisited old ones.
In 2024, I want to keep that practice going, but I also have another goal alongside it. I want to make space for simply taking in the joy of my yard by going outside—and doing nothing at all.
In the past, I’ve often been guilty of completing a huge project and hurrying into the next one, without ever pausing to appreciate the fruits of my labor.
Now that I finally have a place for patio furniture and many newly installed plants to admire, I want to remember the reason I started this outdoor overhaul in the first place: to find more joy and presence in everyday life.
Although mindfulness is easier said than done, even just a few minutes outside does wonders for the spirit. The sensory experiences of sunshine on my face, the chirps of birds in the trees, and the fragrance of salvia and jasmine in the wind can always bring me back into the present moment.
With that feeling of presence, even on the most hectic or difficult days, I find it is much easier to regain perspective and focus my energy on what really matters. My gratitude comes back to my core, my attention returns to the things I truly care about, and everything else can be set aside, even if just for a moment.
This year, I want to lean into the incredible gifts that surround me, starting with the joy and mindfulness I can find right in my backyard.
Resolution #2: Facilitate stronger connections with my friends and family, starting at home
Before the holidays, I was catching up with friends who I hadn’t seen in a while. When we started talking about how long it had been since the last time we got together, we all gradually opened up about the different ways the past year had been hard for us personally.
I’m not sure if it was a symptom of the times, as we've acclimated back to “normal” life or attempted to juggle more responsibilities with less support. But it was clear that we were each craving a deeper connection that had been ignored for too long.
Even though I wanted that connection so badly, I still second-guessed myself too many times when I thought about inviting friends over. I kept putting it off for when I finally felt like my home was "worthy" of being seen, when I felt it genuinely would reflect my taste and personality.
But until I somehow find unlimited time, energy, and funds, my home will always be a constant work in progress. I'm ready to give up the ghost and stop delaying my joy for arbitrary reasons. No more of the “I’ll wait to have them over until after the house is painted” or “That party will only be worth having once we re-surface the patio.”
This kind of thinking not only steals happiness from the current moment, but it also distracts from all of the things you have accomplished at home. Moreover, it distracts from all of the fun, happy, silly, and meaningful moments that you've gotten to spend there.
From the moment we started planning our move here, one of my top priorities was to create a backyard where I could have fun with friends and family all year long. I may not have all of the pieces in place yet, but I’m determined to follow through on that goal and create a place where my friends, family, and I can all feel right at home with one another, imperfections and all.
Resolution #3: Expand my expertise by working with more of my peers in the field
Personally, I feel so much fulfillment when I can learn something new every day. So naturally, one of the biggest factors that drew me to California native landscaping was that no matter how much time you spend working at it, there are always new things to learn.
This point was underlined during a course I took this past year. The woman who taught it, a well-known Los Angeles gardener, was overseeing our class of about 30 professionals from landscaping and adjacent professions.
While we had so much to learn from her, during every single session, we inevitably veered from the core of the lesson to get into deeper discussions. I was so impressed that a person at the top of her game was not only encouraging the dialogue, but also learning new information and techniques right alongside us.
There are over 6,500 native California plants, which all require specific types of care and attention. Even for the most seasoned expert, it would be impossible to do this job without the support of our fellow professionals.
A few weeks ago, I began starting seeds for a cut flower garden, with a mix of native and exotic species, many of which I'm growing for the first time. As I watch my seedlings take off, I'm still consulting cut-flower specialists and embracing my rookie status, because that's the most fun part: there’s always something new and interesting to dig up in the Los Angeles garden.
So there we go, my three New Year’s resolutions for my Los Angeles garden. Have you set any resolutions for 2024, in the yard or beyond? Sending out all the good vibes for 2024, I can't wait to be a part of your garden’s story this year!
About Us
Besanti Natives is a landscape design consulting firm in Los Angeles specializing in bespoke outdoor spaces inspired by the natural wonders of the Golden State. Our Certified California Native Plant Landscapers offer a refreshing, holistic approach to your landscape to help you cultivate more meaningful connections to nature, your loved ones, and yourself.
Our team is dedicated to preserving the unique character of each property while providing modern solutions to enhance functionality and beauty. To order any of the plants listed on this page, learn more about our services, or to schedule a consultation, visit our online booking page.
