Interview: Naturengen.
Sandra founded Naturengen.dk to bring life back to Danish gardens and protect biodiversity. Read on to discover how one woman’s passion for wild gardens can make a difference – and how you can help too!
Naturengen.dk is much more than just a webshop; behind it stands Sandra Engen with big ambitions for the future. We gained insight into how Naturengen began and also met her wonderful family and her dog, Ninja.
Bringing Unique Natural Joy to Your Garden: Naturengen’s Mission
Naturengen’s mission is simple: bring life to your garden. The goal is to provide everything needed for a wild garden, though it all started with native wildflower seeds, known as Danish meadow or host plant seeds. These seeds are essential for Danish insects, which depend on them to reproduce.
On Instagram, Sandra shares the joy of wild gardens and promotes the diversity of Danish species. She also sells wild garden signs, nature books for both children and adults, and even games. She believes it’s easier to reach parents- who have the power to transform gardens-through children, whose natural fascination with wildlife can inspire change.
Naturengen’s mission is clear: helping people learn about the species right outside their doors. Only by knowing them can we learn to protect them. "Our biodiversity is threatened, we must do something to save it," Sandra Engen, Naturengen.
A Seed Takes Root: How Naturengen Began in Sandra’s Own Garden
Naturengen began when Sandra got her own garden. After a few years, she realized that traditional gardening with neatly trimmed grass and flower beds didn’t feel right for her. She experimented with edible plants but quickly discovered her passion for wildflowers. Through self-study and networking, she became aware of the challenges facing Danish biodiversity.
Over time, she convinced her partner to mow the grass only a few times a year and embrace beds filled with “weeds.” The family found joy in their wild garden, where the children love to explore, and the dog can freely dig in the soil. “It’s changed how we use our garden. Now it’s a place we relax and enjoy as a family,” Sandra Engen, Naturengen.
Being Part of the Community – and Standing Out
Sandra began sharing her message about wild gardens within her network, but she faced resistance and scepticism. Instead of giving up, she became even more motivated. When DR’s show Give Us Nature Back premiered, she knew it was the perfect time to spread the word.
From Dream to Reality: The Start of Naturengen
Sandra had previously worked as a freelancer in communication and graphic design, but she’d always dreamed of building a business with physical products. Although she felt she lacked enough knowledge about biodiversity, a wild garden mentorship course gave her the final push. The course confirmed she had the necessary expertise, and shortly afterward, she quit her job to fully focus on Naturengen.
Naturengen primarily targets first-time homeowners who, like Sandra herself, ask, “What should I do with my garden?” She aims to show them that a wild garden can benefit both nature and the planet.
The Entrepreneur Behind Naturengen: Sandra’s Journey as a Business Owner
As an entrepreneur, Sandra manages everything herself: The webshop, communication, purchasing, graphic design, and social media. With so many tasks at hand, she hopes to get help with operations in the future, allowing her to focus more on the consulting work she’s passionate about.
Naturengen’s Heart: Raising Awareness of Denmark’s Unique Nature
“The most important thing for me is to spread awareness of our native species and how we can support them through our gardens,” Sandra Engen, Naturengen. Her dream is to build a sustainable business that also provides a healthy balance between work and family life.
The Future of Naturengen: A Vision for a New Garden Culture
Sandra dreams of Naturengen becoming Denmark’s leading portal for knowledge and guidance on wild gardens. She hopes to inspire as many people as possible to rethink their gardens – and to create spaces where nature can truly thrive.
Naturengen and pensopay: A Partnership Focused on Simplicity and Support
Sandra chose pensopay as her payment solution after seeing recommendations on Facebook. “I was drawn to the fast and helpful service. As an entrepreneur managing everything on my own, that was crucial,” she explains. “pensopay is simple and user-friendly, and I always feel welcome when I have questions," Sandra Engen, Naturengen.
Thank you, Sandra, for sharing your business and passion with us. We’re incredibly proud to call you our partner.
Best of luck with everything ahead; we look forward to following your journey.
