On a street piqued by the occasional coffee pitstop, semblances of an alfresco nightlife and the constant markers of cars making their way through town; we seek solace in a sanguine setting of stolen green. Where leaves might unfurl, and morning dew glistens.
The first gleam of morning light refracts through a paneled glass window…and one might bear witness to the wild yet serene creatures, from ceiling-hung staghorn ferns to potted philodendrons, residing in the care of The Botanist & Her Thieves.
As fervent plant-lovers themselves, the four friends behind the label have taken it upon themselves to provide a community for the laborious yet budding hobby: providing smarter tools in the market, aesthetically-appealing accessories for a homegrown garden and a relaxed, open space for discussing all things green.
We steal a few moments with the green fingers behind The Botanist & Her Thieves, asking after their own experiences of gardening in an urban climate, how TBHT came to be, and tips for aspiring plant mamas.
When and what was your first foray into gardening like?
I’ve enjoyed gardening since I was a child; it has always been a part of my growing up years! About 5 years ago — when the 4 of us got more serious about collecting philodendrons and alocasias — we also started stealing cuttings from each other’s garden…and that’s how we all ended up being plant mamas to hundreds of plants in each of our homes.
What inspired you to turn this hobby into something more?
It definitely started out as a hobby, and we made so many mistakes at the beginning! So we shared tips on potting mixes, propagation, mites treatments etc. Coming from a design background, we weren’t satisfied with the pot styles that were sold then: we couldn’t find stylish planters to pair with our plants and homes. We also felt that there was a lack of nice-looking tools and plant care accessories in the market that could ease our gardening hobby. This was just one of our driving motivations as to why we started TBHT.
We’re curious. Why ‘The Botanist & her Thieves’?
We wanted a playful name; one that paid homage to the memory of how we used to like to “steal” from one another’s plant collection. Who’s the botanist you may ask? That’s something we might never reveal!
It isn’t the easiest thing caring for plants. Why do you find yourself drawn to the tedious job of being a ‘plant mum’?
It can get disheartening at first, especially when your plants don’t do well. After a while, you do learn to understand what your plants really need.
It takes time, effort & commitment to tend to them and really understand each plant’s personality and traits…but the therapeutic feeling you get in return is priceless! It is truly very satisfying when your plants do well: you watch them flourish and you get to propagate and share plants with friends!
What does the idea of ‘slow living’ mean for you?
Taking time to watch the leaves unfurl while enjoying my morning coffee.
There’s something about your space that refuses the usual commercial experience — care to share more about the concept behind The Botanist & Her Thieves’ home?
We designed the space with the intention of bringing a community together, rather than designing a space based on a trend or look. We are in the business of bringing people together…so half of the space was designed to showcase our products and the other half was meant to be flexible enough for events, or simply an extension of our brand’s experience.
We are also big supporters of local talents, so having Zul Mahmod’s sound installation artwork as the center stage to the space felt right. Titled “Of Nature & Technology” the installation is made of driftwood, wood chips, and sound sensors that are triggered by movement: playing familiar sounds of nature and everyday life such as birds chipping or a plane flying by.
How did you curate what goes into your space?
We usually ask ourselves: Is the product something we would buy for ourselves? Is it a clever plant care solution? Would this solve a specific problem?
To us, The Botanist & Her Thieves exists to empower and ease the community’s desire to connect with nature a little more; we exist for the passionate love of a greener life and all that is alive, and we hope to contribute in creative ways that would look and feel good as well.
You’re the experts. Could you share some tips for an aspiring plant-mum?
A good read up about your plant, a potting mix of good stuff only, a regular watering routine (with some of our Stolen Magic!) – and you should have a happy plant! Don’t forget that all your plants are alive…they need light, and you should only water them when the soil’s dry.
Oh, and never fear getting your hands soiled and dirty!
THE SWEET SPOT
When I’m not obsessing over plants, I’m…
Obsessing over pots and the next gardening solution.
Favourite plant species?
Philodendrons; quite frankly they’re easier to care for than most and have such beautiful leaf forms.
Your go-to comfort food?
A BIG Cookie from Mother Dough Bakery.
A must-have in your wardrobe:
A White Shirt.
Visit The Botanist & Her Thieves at 21 Cavan Road or find out more@thebotanistandherthieves or their website here.