Nairobi, Jan. 12 -- As far as New Year's resolutions are concerned, Joyce Wangeci plans to add 100 new plant species to her already thriving garden, instal 15,000 litres of rainwater harvesting capacity, and open her sanctuary to community tours.

It's an ambitious plan that will cost her least Sh680,000. An investment she says is absolutely worth it as she transforms her once bare, dusty land into a thriving sanctuary of over 700 plants.

Standing in the shade of mature palms that have transformed her Kajiado property, Joyce surveys what she's built and what she plans to build next.

"I want the garden to evolve into a learning and healing centre," she says. "This year is about expansion of plants, of space, of purpose, and of community....