In the verdant landscapes of Kingston, Jamaica, a young Denise Buchanan found solace and purpose amidst the natural beauty of her family’s garden. The seeds she planted in that fertile soil would later grow into a flourishing career as a landscape designer and Psychoneurologist, as well as a mission to help others heal from their deepest wounds. But Denise’s journey was far from easy. Behind her radiant smile lies a story of profound pain, perseverance, and ultimately, transformation.
Denise’s life took a tragic turn at the age of 17 when she was sexually abused by a trusted religious figure, resulting in a pregnancy that ended in a traumatic abortion. This harrowing experience left her scarred, both physically and emotionally. She buried her pain, focusing instead on her education and career. After earning a scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture in Canada, Denise began to channel her energy into cultivating spaces that promoted environmental sustainability, a responsibility dedicated to supporting health and well-being by conserving natural resources and protecting global ecosystems. However, the unresolved trauma from her past continued to haunt her, leading to depression, devastating romantic relationships and a deep sense of unworthiness.
It wasn’t until Denise moved to California to pursue a Masters degree in Spiritual Psychology that she began to heal. There, she faced the roots of her trauma and learned to nurture her inner child, the wounded part of herself that had been running her life. As she healed, she realized that her work with plants and gardens was more than just a career—it was a form of therapy that could be used for both herself and for others. This revelation led her to establish Sacred Garden Designs, Inc., a sustainable landscape design-build business dedicated to healing the outer world while helping clients heal their inner wounds.
Thrive in Your Prime: Redefining Aging and Embracing Purpose
As Denise entered her 60s, she found herself with more energy and a renewed sense of purpose. She realized that many people in her age group were struggling with feelings of regret and a lack of direction. Inspired to help others, Denise wrote the book Thrive in Your Prime, a guide to empowering men and women over 60 to embrace their “wisdom-hood” and make the years beyond 60 count. Through nature-inspired metaphors and educational courses, Denise encourages her readers to pivot to a renewed purpose and let go of the limiting beliefs that have held them back.
Denise’s work is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She believes that it’s never too late to transform your story and that the power to create a fulfilling life lies within each of us. By cultivating both our inner and outer gardens, we can heal our wounds, nurture our potential, and create a world that benefits both people and the planet.
The Transformative Power of Nature: Healing Wounds and Building Communities
Denise’s approach to landscape design is deeply rooted in her belief that there is an inextricable link between how we treat each other and how we treat the natural environment. As a Licensed Landscape Designer and Contractor in Los Angeles, she focuses on addressing the challenges of drought, climate change, and food insecurity, particularly in underserved communities. Her company, Sacred Garden Designs has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and social justice, earning her accolades such as the California State Senate Certificate of Recognition for uplifting equitable business practices.
Denise’s gardens are more than just beautiful spaces—they are places of healing and transformation. She integrates her background in Spiritual Psychology and Psychoneurology into her designs, creating environments that promote mental and emotional well-being. Whether she’s working with Hollywood clients or community organizations, Denise’s goal is always the same: to cultivate spaces that uplift the human spirit and foster a sense of connection with the natural world.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Education
In addition to her work as a landscape designer, Denise is a passionate advocate for children’s rights and a co-founder of ECA: Ending Clergy Abuse-A Global Justice Project. She has dedicated her life to addressing the deep-seated issues that allow abuses like the ones she experienced to persist. As a Certified Human Rights Consultant, Denise travels the world speaking about safeguarding children, seeking justice for survivors and working to ensure that every child has a childhood free from clergy sexual abuse.
Denise’s achievements are many, but perhaps her greatest legacy is the lives she has touched through her work. From the gardens she designs to the books she writes, Denise’s message is clear: no matter what you’ve been through, it’s possible to transform your pain into purpose and create a life filled with joy, adventure, and meaning.
Conclusion: Finding God in the Garden
Denise Buchanan’s journey is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, no matter how deep the wounds. Through her company, Sacred Garden Designs and her advocacy for survivors of abuse, Denise has shown that it’s never too late to start over, to pivot to a new purpose, and to cultivate a life that reflects your true self. As she continues to plant new seeds in her garden and in her life, Denise invites others to do the same—to find solace, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose by drawing from the metaphors and beauty of being in the natural world.
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