Why Plants?

Peace Lilies, snake plants, monsteras, fiddle leaf figs; they’re all plants that we know and see everyday. They’re big, beautiful and can easily give a home or office that elegant, yet wild feel. They're extremely popular and it’s easy to see why. But, what’s the move if you already have these plants, or if you want something different? Terrariums that feel like a tiny oasis right on your coffee table. A living wall that can turn a home into a tropical paradise. A wine glass or a coffee mug with a little succulent in it. That’s what I do. I bring plants into your home or office. But I dont bring them in a ceramic or a terracotta pot, because, where’s the creativity in that? And while I'm fully capable of putting a plant in a pot, I've never been asked to do that for someone, because it's too easy. It’s too “basic”.

The question I get asked the most is, “why plants?” or “how did you get into plants?”. It’s not an easy question for me to answer. I have to ask myself, “Why do I like plants?” “Why do people like plants?” Is it because they bring an elegant and relaxing vibe to a space? Is it because they can purify our oxygen, detox our bodies, increase our mood and production rates? Is it because they give us food, shelter, oxygen, vitamins, warmth, clothes, life? Life. Do we like plants because they’re alive? Because they live and grow and thrive and die? Or do we like plants simply because they look cool and they’re trendy?

I believe the answer is “YES!” Yes to all of the above. Yes because we have a connection. An ancient connection inherited from our ancestors that tells us that plants are a part of us. Have you ever asked yourself, “Why do I keep buying plants even though they keep dying?” It’s because there is a deeply rooted connection that makes us want to be closer to nature. They are a symbol of peace, and happiness and paradise. So why wouldn’t we like plants? Why wouldn’t we bring them into our homes and surround ourselves with life and beauty? Who wouldn’t want their home to feel like a paradise? Why do plants make a home feel like a home, when truly, they belong outside?

In Japan, there is a practice called “Shinrin Yoku” which translates to “forest bathing”. Just to be clear, this is a metaphorical bath which I would advise to be done fully clothed. Forest bathing means to absorb the forest atmosphere. Breath it in and enjoy the effects that it has on your senses. Take in its beauty, its smells, the sounds, the feeling of the breeze on your face. Maybe don’t taste anything unless you know what it is. Forest bathing is even recommended by many Japanese doctors as an alternative to antidepressants as well as many other medications. Now, I’m not suggesting that Shinrin Yoku can cure depression, but researchers have found that a forest bath can have an immense impact on a person’s well-being.

The idea of a forest bath comes from the belief that thousands of years ago, people lived outside. But along the way, we’ve slowly been losing our connection with nature. We’d rather be inside in the AC watching Friends. It’s too hot out there, it's too cold. It’s too humid. Ross and Rachel aren’t out there; they’re in here. And I get it! Sometimes I'd rather be inside too. That's why we bring nature inside.

So, what’s the point; why am I saying all of this? If I can help increase someones well-being, or help make their home feel like their own personal utopian wonderland through what I love, plants, then one of my biggest life goals would be fulfilled. That’s why I do what I do. That’s why I love plants.