Plant Joyously
The Story Grows
About McKenna
With a lifelong passion for farming and years of experience, I want to bring the Garden of Eden back to life. Having grown up on a farm and worked alongside local nurseries, the natural world has always been my calling. My mission is to to cultivate a sustainable, resilient food system on Maui by empowering local agriculture, supporting regenerative practices, and raising community awareness about the importance of food sovereignty.
Initiatives Bloom
Tree Grafting
Grafting is a centuries old horticultural technique used to preserve heirloom cultivars, improve disease resistance, and ensure reliable fruiting. It starts with forming a union of the tissues of two plants so they grow as one — combining the strengths of a hardy rootstock with the desired qualities of a chosen variety.
Tree Pruning
When I prune a fruit tree, I’m thinking of its life ahead — shaping not just its branches, but its future. I start by removing any dead, damaged, or crossing limbs to open the canopy and let in light and air, which keeps the tree healthy and reduces disease. From there, I focus on creating strong, balanced structure: selecting main limbs and thinning excess growth so energy goes into creating quality fruit.
Sustainable Care
Healthy trees begin with living soil. I use organic methods that work with nature, not against it. I build soil health with compost, mulch, and natural amendments, encouraging beneficial microbes and earthworms that keep nutrients cycling. Instead of synthetic chemicals, I rely on observation, balance, and time-tested practices to strengthen the tree’s natural defenses.
Green Gardens
My goal is to make gardening accessible, even for beginners — with edible plants, low-maintenance designs, and soil-based health at the heart of it all. These gardens invite you to slow down, grow your own food, and reconnect with the simple joy of tending the earth, right outside your door.