Anya Lautenbach, a passionate gardener, digital creator, and author, shares her love for nurturing plants and how she has propagated 95% of the greenery in her Buckinghamshire garden. Her gardening journey, deeply rooted in childhood experiences and inspired by her Polish heritage, has blossomed into a fulfilling practice of growing, propagating, and promoting sustainability in nature.
Born in Poland, Anya’s love for gardening started early, influenced by her mother and grandparents’ deep connection with nature. From a young age, she was taught the value of resourcefulness and the importance of not wasting anything, lessons that still guide her gardening philosophy today. At just 12 years old, Anya became obsessed with propagating plants, a passion that remains at the heart of her gardening routine.
Over the years, whether in Berlin as an au pair or in the Scottish Highlands, she found solace in nurturing plants, especially herbs, which helped her stay grounded. Anya is proud to say that 95% of the plants in her garden are propagated by her, a feat that gives her immense satisfaction. This dedication has cultivated a garden rich in biodiversity, full of fragrant flowers and sustainable gardening practices.
Gardening has also played a vital role in Anya’s mental health journey. After being diagnosed with ADHD, she embraced the condition as a “superpower,” and her heightened sensitivity to scents has transformed her garden into a sensory haven. Her garden is filled with aromatic plants like honeysuckle, sweet peas, lilac, and roses—fragrances that remind her of home and bring a sense of comfort and peace.
Spending time outdoors and tending to plants has helped Anya cope with grief and change. She believes in the healing power of nature, noting that gardening provides a profound way to nurture both the body and mind. Whether through cultivating scented flowers or simply spending time in her lush garden, Anya finds solace and grounding in the act of growing.
Through her YouTube videos and social media platforms, Anya shares her 35 years of gardening experience with others. She aims to inspire people to embrace gardening, no matter their background or experience level. For her, the joy of watching a seedling grow into a flourishing plant is nothing short of magical. Her latest book offers readers practical advice, budget-friendly tips, and a month-by-month guide to gardening, all while promoting mindful moments in nature.
One of her most beloved projects is a lavender hedge, propagated from 80 tiny cuttings. Anya takes pride in every plant she grows and loves sharing her propagation techniques with her audience.
Anya’s passion for nature extends to her children, whom she has taught to respect and care for the environment. She emphasizes the importance of reusing materials and making the most of what nature provides. Her garden is full of sustainable practices, from using grass cuttings as mulch to repurposing pruned branches for plant support. Anya even uses nettles to create a powerful homemade fertilizer.
Her garden is not only a place of creativity and relaxation but also a playground for the senses, where she continues to find joy in every new leaf, flower, and harvest.
