If you’ve ever stood in your backyard and thought, “This might be my little sanctuary, if I knew where I should start,” then you’re not alone. Many of us literally long for a space that feeds us figuratively. However, growing food can be an intimidating effort. Enter Holistic Gardening: A mindset rooted in both health and nutrition, both in relation to and nutrition. It’s about making your outdoor space a heaven for food, healing and gathering. And good news! Whether you have a vast garden or a small balcony, the overall gardening allows you to meet you exactly where you are. With some deliberate choices, the horns of the Earth can be transformed into something rich.
To dig deeper, we spoke with Camila Marcus: Chef, West to Boneand authors of My playing kitchen. From what she cooks to the way she gardens, her sustainable lifestyle embodies a more thoughtful way of life. It’s not exciting. Ignite your Travel, we share her beginner-friendly tips and grounded wisdom to nurture your own oasis.
Camila Marcus
Camilla is the CEO, CEO and co-founder of West~bourne, working to resolve the climate crisis by sourced renewably and creating packaged products made with the latest sustainable methods, materials and technologies. These efforts will help her team forage new operating systems for the future of food.
Grow the things you like to eat
One of the easiest ways is to start with what you already eat. “I always recommend starting with herbs,” says Camila. “Mint, coriander, parsley, basil. They thrive in small spaces and can sprout quickly. They add dimensions to any diet and make the smell of your space amazing.”
She also encourages trellis to sprout peas and strawberries on trellis. The latter, she says, is perfect for beginners. “They thrive in hanging baskets and when you grow them yourself, you avoid all the pesticides that are common in store-bought varieties.” To weave edible plants into the flowerbed, Camila proposes embracing biodiversity. “Vegetables, herbs and flowers are all important in thriving gardens. They attract pollinators and nourish the soil. In urban farm oasis, we plant everything together. That balance is why it thrives all year round.”
Gardens that support your health
Beyond actual (such as cutting out fresh herbs for dinner), overall gardening brings deeper types of nutrition. This is a way to reconnect with more ground. “In a world that moves very quickly and revolves around so many technology, gardening helps us plug,” says Camila. “Nature is our teacher. It reflects who we are. Synchronizing with that rhythm is essential to inner health.”
Certain plants can support a calming atmosphere. Lavender, chamomile and rosemary are all known for their unpleasant properties. Surrounding yourself with herbs and flowers that promote relaxation can help transform your garden into a personal sanctuary.
And the simple act of touching the soil? Thanks to this, you can boost your mood and immunity Beneficial microorganisms It functions like a natural antidepressant. Camila also suggests planting flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. “They bring a sense of joy and movement. Your garden begins to feel like its own vibrant ecosystem.” Add gentle water features or hang a chime of the wind for soft, ambient sounds.
Create a sensory experience
- Vision: Bright flowers, trail vines, and dancing butterflies.
- odor: Fragrant herbs and flowers that perfume the air.
- sound: A rustling of grass, trickle of a fountain, or a soft chunk of wind chime.
- touch: Textured leaves, coarse bark, cold soil between fingers.
“I love the different seats throughout the garden,” Camilla shares. “Next to our chicken coop, overlooking the bed, by the fire, each place gives a unique perspective. I choose a different seat every day.” This is a simple exercise inviting connections, both inside and outside.
Beyond actual (such as cutting out fresh herbs for dinner), overall gardening brings deeper types of nutrition. This is a way to reconnect with more ground.
Nourish the Earth while nourishing yourself
At its core, the overall gardening is regenerative. It’s about feeding the soil so that it can feed you. That means moving away from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and embracing more earth-friendly ways. Camilla emphasizes the importance of composting, even in small ways. “Random waste in landfills is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions,” she points out. “When compost is collected and used, it is actually carbon negative. It feeds our soil and future.”
Companion planting is another way to support soil health and increase garden success without chemicals. Additionally, it creates natural biodiversity, attracts pollinators and helps plants thrive. Among other things, Camila encourages you to start a beginner. “Anything, anything,” she says. “Whether it’s a windowsill herb or an urban farm, the greenery issue is everything.”
Space to gather and slow down
The garden is more than the total plant. They can also become a sacred space to pause, reflect and connect with themselves and others. Camilla proposes to carve out the corners of the garden intentionally. This is where you dig into coffee, a diary, or a place to soak in the sun. For sharing moments, consider a simple outdoor dining setup. Think of a picnic table, string lights, and a large platter of homemade vegetables. “Sharing the food you grew up with people you love can be very special,” says Camilla. “It’s going to bring everyone back to their roots – literally.”
Camila’s favorite Zero Waste Ingredients and Recipes
As the founder of West to Bone Author My playing kitchenCamilla brings garden philosophy to the kitchen. One ingredient she swears? “Tokyo Turnip. Most people throw away the greenery, but they’re the best part like kale chips, but better.”
If you’re new to recycled dishes, she recommends discarded melon cucumber soup. “While I was developing a cookbook, it came from the rest of the bits. It honors the whole plant and reminds me that beauty can come from what others throw away.”
More than a garden – How to live
When we embrace the overall gardening, we reconnect with our food, our environment, and ourselves. It’s not about the size of your plot or how perfect it is, it’s the intention. Plant what you like. Sit quietly. Composting scrap. Invite your friends to the table. And above all, let your garden nourish you – mind, body, soul.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
