Hi! I'm Aley Young, the heart behind Natural Companion

As a mother of four with a deep-rooted connection to nature, I grew up helping my mum in the garden, carrying buckets of manure and fending off white butterflies with derris dust, it never felt right to dust this around the garden, but it was a generational practice with my Granddad being a keen gardener too. I have vivid memories of his garden and how big his veges were. And Mums Garden, well, she grew ginormous marrows and pumpkins and sowed any seeds she could get her hands on. Beautiful memories of them both.

Inspired by my early experiences and motivated by a desire to work harmoniously with nature, I embraced natural gardening practices, steering clear of chemicals and sprays. Before Mum passed away, she often said that while granddad might be surprised by my methods, he would undoubtedly be proud of the way I nurture the garden, honoring both tradition and nature.

Through the garden, I also feel deeply connected to my mum, and to our family’s legacy of caretakers of the earth. There’s something grounding about tending to the soil—it's as if each seed planted is a thread that ties me to generations before me. My ancestors understood the delicate balance of working with the land, not against it, and I carry that wisdom forward in every step I take in the garden.

Nothing feels more rewarding than cooking a meal for my family knowing I’ve had a hand in growing it. The nourishment isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, spiritual, and a reminder of the love and care that has been passed down through the generations. Each plant I nurture is a living connection to my roots, a way of honoring the past, and a promise to future generations to continue the tradition of cultivating, not only the land but the bonds that hold us together.

-Aley Young