About Us
Kate Jackson, founder and chief Afuerian
I grew up in a neighborhood where yards were prized and plants were purchased for the look of the moment. It was the best that people knew to do, and they did it with vigor. Fast forward many years living and working across the country as a non-profit leader and business consultant, and I had my own yard to contend with when two giant oak trees had to be taken down. Some neighbors recommended just paying the $12,000 for new sod across the yard but I'd recently read about the collapse of bird species across America, and decided to learn more. Maybe just maybe lawns and birds were...connected?
From there, it's been a fast paced journey of learning, applying new knowledge, and realizing that I was not alone! Going to a garden center with thousands of plants to choose from is overwhelming. Even pollinator-promoting cities have confusing information about what to plant, providing Latin names but not much else. How big will it be and does it do well in sun or shade? Is it OK to still maintain some yard? Will encouraing bees mean a summer of be stings (the answers are: depends, yes, no!)
Afuera empowers people across the country to transform their outside spaces too. You'll get to experience the joy, health benefits, and beauty of pollinator gardens. I can't wait to help you achieve your vision for your outside space - or to help you create that vision - and to make it a reality.