Welcome!
I’m Jess
Your go-to girl for all things Gardening
Hi, I’m Jess, and I believe a meaningful life is cultivated slowly.
Cultivate & Navigate is a reflection of the life I am creating now, one rooted in gardening, mahjong, intentional living, community and a strong sense of place. Around here, you will find practical ideas for growing something beautiful, gathering people around a table and making everyday life feel more meaningful.
I’m Jess — gardener in progress, mahjong enthusiast & longtime Emerald Coast local.
Behind the blog
How it all started
My relationship with gardening began during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. After unexpectedly losing my beloved yellow Labrador, Nicole, in December 2021, I found comfort in caring for plants. What started as a way to work through grief became something I genuinely loved. I am still learning, experimenting and occasionally wondering what happened to a plant I was certain would thrive, which is exactly why I enjoy sharing practical advice for other gardeners who are learning too.
Mahjong has become another important part of this chapter. I love the strategy, the community and the ritual of gathering around the table, as well as discovering beautifully designed tiles, mats and accessories. What began as a new hobby in 2026 quickly became one of the subjects I am most excited to explore and share here.
Life looks a little different these days. I married Cameron, my Australian husband and former high school sweetheart, at 50 after a 28-year hiatus in our story. We now share our home in Sandestin with Byron, our mischievous Mini American Shepherd. Byron was named after Byron Bay, Australia, where Cameron and I began the newest chapter of our life together.
When I am not in the garden or playing mahjong, you will probably find me making tea, trying a new recipe, exploring somewhere along the Emerald Coast or searching for something beautiful and useful to bring into our home. I have lived on Florida’s Emerald Coast for 25 years and work as a Global Real Estate Advisor with Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, so this community is deeply woven into both my personal and professional life.
Travel will always be part of my story, but my broader travel guides and planning expertise now have their own home at Navigate & Wander. Cultivate & Navigate is where I return to the everyday things that help a life flourish: growing something, gathering around a table, connecting with our community and paying attention to the moments happening close to home.
