Hi there!

I’m Chia-Ming, a Los Angeles-based Food & Cut Flower Focused Landscape Designer & Educator - Crafting gardens where culinary and floral beauty coexist.

My earliest gardening experiences were focused on cultivating rare Asian fruits and vegetables with my mom because produce was often too pricey or scarce in local grocery stores. We relied on a network of family friends for unique seeds and cuttings, nurturing these plants in repurposed containers to be frugal and also because we moved around a lot. This not only taught me the value of sustainable gardening but also instilled a lifelong passion for growing exotic and hard-to-find edible plants.

Fast forward to today, I’ve transformed my own home to a developing urban homestead by trading concrete and lawn for raised beds.

In 2020, driven by a desire to expand beyond my 17 year corporate finance career in accounting and finance, I started Coastal Homestead. My transition was fueled by a commitment to pursue a more fulfilling path in sustainable living and urban gardening, aiming to empower others to transform their spaces into sources of food and beauty.

At Coastal Homestead, we specialize in combining culinary gardens with flower gardens. Our approach empowers you to cultivate a thriving, diverse garden, regardless of your starting skill level. With our expert guidance, you'll learn to grow sustainable produce and stunning blooms right in your backyard. Join us to turn your black thumb green and embrace a fulfilling, eco-friendly lifestyle filled with fresh flavors and natural beauty.

Talk soon, Chia-Ming

When I’m not gardening, you can find me cooking up a new recipe in the kitchen or spending time with my supportive husband Patrick, amazing 2 boys Evan and Griffin, and our 2 dogs Kira + Beau