Inspiring Conversations with Benjamin Johantgen of Amongst the Flora

Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Johantgen

Hi Benjamin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The natural world around me has always been my primary passion. Since I could walk and talk, I have been consumed with exploring the animals, fish, plants, and trees around me. Initially, Ichthyology was my first love, and in college, I intended to study fish, and their habitats, as well as the restoration, and conservation of species. While studying at Oregon State in Corvallis, I took a Horticulture class and was hooked. I had always enjoyed being in the dirt, looking for bugs, and gardening. As my studies evolved, the importance of native landscapes and habitats became my passion. In 2021, I undertook my first landscaping job in Oregon. The work achieved a platinum certification from the Portland Audubon Society. Since returning home to Los Angeles, I have been on a mission to transform the world one yard at a time! Leveraging my expertise in horticulture with my love of native plants, my restoration projects are changing lives and our planet!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Launching a business has been my biggest challenge, but because I love the work so much, that determination carries me forward every day. As a young business owner, I have encountered struggles related to fairly pricing my work and recognizing my value. I’ve learned the most important component of success with clients is communication. It sounds simple but if my clients and I are not on the same page, no one is happy, Therefore, I am learning to identify client’s priorities and manage expectations.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Amongst the Flora transforms outdoor living space – one plant at a time! We implement our client’s vision and canvas to create a masterpiece of flora and fauna. Restoring space to its native state restores biodiversity and attracts native dwellers as well. Amongst the Flora offers high-quality garden landscapes tailored exclusively to California’s Native Plants. Our maintenance service keeps landscapes fresh all year long.

Amongst the Flora also is a native plant nursery, growing local native plants that are sometimes rare and hard to find.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The Native Plant community in Los Angeles is pretty vast, given how niche that market is. It is a community of like-minded individuals who care deeply about the planet, restoration, and biodiversity. This close-knit network of native plant lovers has been my network. As informal as the network is, given how passionate we all are, there is always someone who has a hard-to-find plant, has advice, or has helped with a supplier or vendor for a job. I lean on this community or network to get advice on business practices as well.

Pricing:

• Landscape Estimate – Free of Charge
• Maintenance Rate – $50/hour (2 hour minimum)
• Plant prices – vary
• Project Pricing – available upon request

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amongsttheflora.com/
• Instagram: @amongsttheflora

Image Credits:
Benjamin Johantgen