jenni kayne

Describe how your garden: feels, smells, sounds, tastes.

My garden feels serene, quiet, natural, peaceful, and in harmony with the seasons. At any moment you'll hear the leaves rustling, animals making noise, water running from fountains—everything is in rhythm with nature and the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains. You can also always catch the scent of ponies and horses, but in the best way possible.

What is your first or earliest memory of being in a garden?

My mother's garden is and was stunningly beautiful, but she prefers a more manicured look. I have a totally different energy and approach, which I think is influenced by my days spent immersed in nature as a child. I grew up riding horses in Topanga with beautiful oak trees, just like the ones we have here on our property. I always wanted to have animals at my house, so now with two dogs, two goats, rescued mini horses, a mini donkey, and chickens, my garden definitely reminds me of those long days at the barn.

Describe your garden now and where you envision it in 5 yrs?

My garden is still so young—it’s only a year and a half old, so it’s just getting its legs and finding its way in the world. This is its second spring and I can already see how it’s growing and maturing. In five years, I think it will feel as if it has always been here.

Do you use plants medicinally? What is your plant routine?

I always look to nature whenever possible, whether it’s with essential oils, beauty products, or herbs. We actually planted a lavender and sage garden so I could make my own essential oils. We also have 40,000 bees on the property and are hoping to harvest honey later this spring. I love to use honey to help combat seasonal allergies—I’ll have it on toast or in a cup of tea, or I’ll use it as a face mask.

What has a consistent application of care for your garden taught you about the role of seasons or cycles in everyday life?

I just love seeing our garden evolve season after season. Watching the leaves drop in the fall and suddenly become vibrant in the spring reminds me to slow down and live with the constant, easy flow of nature.

What’s currently thriving in your garden?

All of our grasses, sycamores, and oaks are full and green right now. My wisteria, roses, and citrus are blooming as well, which gives my garden a complete spring feeling.

What is your first or earliest memory of being in a garden?

I remember being in gardens and nature since I was tiny, so I can’t necessarily pinpoint one memory. I spent a lot of time in my mom’s garden growing up and out in Topanga riding horses, so I think those are two of my strongest memories that are tied to the outdoors.

Where did your gardening sensibility come from? Is it something you’ve learned through careful cultivation? Or have you had a sensitivity to the living world that makes this more possible?

I think it has evolved and grown as I’ve grown. When I was in my early 20s, I used to only want plants that were green year-round, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve slowed down and learned to embrace living seasonally. These days, I look forward to the deciduous moments where everything is cozy. I think the outdoor scenes in autumn and winter are equally as beautiful as spring and summer, but it took some time to cultivate that eye.

What plants do you use for cooking or healing?

We have pots of herbs in the yard off of the kitchen that I use almost daily while cooking. Our chickens also just started laying eggs, which is so exciting.

What’s in your garden shed?

Right now we actually don’t have a garden shed. Our tack room by our barn is where I store some of my necessities—like this beautiful woven basket filled with all of my favorite garden tools. I’m a Virgo and love to spend time out in the yard weeding.

Do you have any garden traditions that you’ve inherited or learned and plan to pass on?

My mom has always loved a beautiful garden. I grew up going on garden tours with her, supporting the Robinson Gardens, and just watching her in our yard. I always love to have florals inside the house that I’ve picked from my own garden, which is definitely something I learned from her.
I also love to collect any snails that we have found in our garden and release them in public parks or areas where they’ll have a chance of surviving and won’t eat my plants! I learned that from my sweet Southern mother who used to collect them all and drop them off at a nearby park./p>