A prominent Korean-American fashion designer is making headlines for her dedication to promoting native plants in California. Elaine Kim, founder of the “Elaine Kim Collection,” is now actively involved as an environmental advocate, aiming to restore the natural ecosystem by planting native species and making Los Angeles a more sustainable, eco-friendly city.
Kim collaborates with environmental organizations such as the Theodore Payne Foundation (theodorepayne.org) to promote native plant gardening across Los Angeles. Her efforts include expanding native plant gardens in areas affected by drought and reckless urban development, highlighting the importance of native species for the environment.
The plants Kim propagates and distributes include 50 species native to California, such as white sage, manzanita, and toyon. “Los Angeles is the perfect place for native plant gardening,” Kim remarked. “These plants have adapted to the local climate and soil for centuries, making them ideal for our environment.”
Elaine Kim, third from the right, leads a tour of a Los Angeles home featuring native plants. [Sangjin Kim, The Korea Daily]
One major advantage of native plants is their water efficiency. Unlike non-native species, which require substantial watering, native plants need approximately 70% less water, making them highly sustainable in drought conditions. Kim noted, “While non-native plants need watering every week, native plants can thrive with watering just once every two weeks, making them a practical choice for modern lifestyles.”
Besides her fashion career, Kim has taken on the role of a native plant gardening ambassador. She hosts monthly seminars at her Laurel Canyon home, inviting local residents to learn about native plants and sustainable gardening practices. These events have gained popularity, attracting about 50 participants each month. She also publishes a regular newsletter, sharing gardening tips with over 500 subscribers.
Kim’s shift toward environmental advocacy was inspired by her son, who suggested adding native plants to their garden in December 2019. “He noticed our garden only had non-native plants and encouraged me to grow native species,” Kim recalled. “What started as a small initiative has now become a thriving community effort, inspiring many to begin native plant gardening.”
Kim believes community-based activities like these can transform Los Angeles’ landscaping culture. “When native plant gardening becomes part of our neighborhoods and spreads citywide, we all contribute to making LA a greener, more sustainable place,” she said.
She also emphasized the ecological benefits of native plants, explaining that they thrive without the need for artificial fertilizers or pesticides and foster long-term relationships with pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. “Expanding native plant gardening will not only restore California’s ecosystem but also enhance biodiversity,” Kim added.
Kim sees native plant gardening as an opportunity to express cultural identity. As a 1.5-generation Korean American in the mainstream fashion industry, she remarked, “A garden reflects our identity and history. With native plants, we can create uniquely Korean-American gardens, rich with philosophical and literary elements.”
At the heart of Kim’s passion is a desire to preserve nature for future generations. She expressed concern about rapid urbanization and development, saying, “I hope the next generation grows closer to nature and coexists with it. I want them to experience the same birds and plants we see today.”
Kim’s work exemplifies how fashion, culture, and environmental advocacy can intersect, leaving a lasting impact on both the community and the environment.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
