TODAY’S POST IS THE SECOND INSTALMENT OF MY ‘GET TO KNOW’ SERIES ON HPH, WHERE I CHAT TO INDEPENDENT PLANT SELLERS TO GET TO KNOW THEM (AND THEIR BUSINESSES) A LITTLE BETTER.
I THINK IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT AS HOUSEPLANT COLLECTIONS GROW AND INTERESTS GET FUELLED, MANY PLANT ENTHUSIASTS TEND TO LOOK FOR MORE SPECIALISED SELLERS TO FIND THE PLANTS THAT THEY DESIRE. LARGE CHAINED GARDEN CENTRES AND SUPERMARKETS IN PARTICULAR, GET QUITE A BAD REPUTATION FOR PLANT CARE, SO BUYING DIRECTLY FROM A SELLER WHO LOVES PLANTS AS MUCH AS YOU IS A GOOD MOVE.
TODAY I AM INVITING YOU TO ‘GET TO KNOW: PLANT MORE PLANTS’. PLANT MORE PLANTS IS A PLANT SHOP RUN BY PHILLIP GRIFFITHS. HE IS BASED IN SWANSEA, SOUTH WALES BUT POSTS PLANTS ALL OVER THE UK.
🌿 COULD YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW YOU GOT INTO PLANTS?
My mother has green fingers so I think I got it a bit from her, but since I was very young I’ve always had an interest in nature. I spent a lot of time up mountains behind my house. As I got older, my fascination with trees and plants grew too. I’ve worked with plants for many years, in markets, as a seller and a landscaper.
🌿 PLANT MORE PLANTS IS COMING UP TO IT’S FIRST BIRTHDAY, WHAT WAS THE IDEA BEHIND THE NAME?
When I opened the shop almost a year ago, I started out mainly selling outdoor plants but as time has gone on, there has been a definite shift towards houseplants too – now I stock a good mixture of both. The ethos behind PLANT MORE PLANTS was quite simple really – to get people planting more plants around them; in peoples’ homes and gardens, and supplying business with amazing plants, both interior and exterior.
🌿 WHAT IS THE OLDEST PLANT IN YOUR PERSONAL COLLECTION AND WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITES?
60 years old! It’s a Japanese import Bonsai, I also have a 50 year old Juniper that I rescued from a garden shop. I love Bonsai so I have lots at various stages; my favourite bonsai material is the very humble contoneaster. A bit of a vintage classic perhaps, but I also love streptocarpus for their long lasting flowers and colours, and azaleas too. I really like acers for their cycle of growth, and I love moss. I find all succulents very interesting and these sell really well in the shop too. I come across new varieties all the time, which is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job. It’s a very difficult question though, I love all plants, including what some people call weeds!
🌿HOW MANY PLANTS DO YOU HAVE AT HOME?
I have approximately 2000 plants, probably closer to 3000 if I counted properly! I know that sounds a lot, but I have some polytunnels and a conservatory which houses a lot. I’ve been collecting plants for years!
🌿 HAVE YOU GOT ANY INTERESTING PLANT STORIES?
Well I did end up doing something a bit bizarre to get hold of a cutting… I travelled quite a distance across a cliff face to get a delosperma (jewel of desert/ hardy ice plant) cutting! I’m happy to say this plant is now huge in a friends garden.
🌿DO YOU HAVE ANY BESTSELLERS, AND WHAT HAS BEEN POPULAR SO FAR THIS SPRING?
Aloe Vera is always popular, as are Monstera deliciosa. Succulents always do really well too, so I always have quite a selection with something to suit everyone. String of pearls are really popular, as are hanging plants like string of hearts and philodendron varieties. Laura (HPH) got her philodendron brasil here, which a lot of her followers on Instagram really loved (editors note – see below)! Airplants are also having a bit of a ‘moment’ and bonsai are perpetually popular. My regular customers know how passionate I am about bonsai so I can offer plenty of help and advice to those that might want to get into this area.
🌿 ANY TIPS OR TRICKS FROM A PRO-PLANT LOVER?
FEED YOUR PLANTS! Most commercially grown plants are grown in innate mediums on grow beds hydroponically rich in nutrients. Every time I water, I feed, and I would recommend growth technology products. Another tip is cat litter (sophisticat pink) – I use this with perlite and compost for a good bonsai, cacti/ succulent mix. Finally, if you are really getting into your plants, grow lights are a worthwhile investment. They really can make a big difference to plants in the winter months when light levels are lower, or for plants kept in a poorly lit room. If you have the space, I also really recommend a small grow tent where you can put your plant propagations or plants that need a bit of TLC or a bit of a boost in growth.
🌿 ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD?
I learn something new everyday, I enjoy the simple process of looking at healthy plants and taking note of their situation. If they look good, no need for water, and don’t forget – food, food, food. As I have been in this business for quite a lot of years, I have built up a great network of plant loving people around me, so in my shop, I pride myself on selling high quality stock at a good price. If there’s a plant you are looking for I’d be happy to try to help you find it!
I hope you enjoyed this post and be sure to visit PLANT MORE PLANTS over on Instagram HERE
If you are based in the UK and see anything of Phil’s you like, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him. I can testify that he is a great plant packer and can post most days of the week. He often shares photos directly from the buyers auctions on his Instagram page to show stock that is arriving into his shop soon, so this is a good place to keep checking!
If you have any requests for independent plant shops or sellers you would like me to feature on this ‘GET TO KNOW…’ series, please send me a DM on Instagram HERE
Alternatively if you sell plants or anything plant related would like to be featured on HPH get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for reading!
Laura
*This post is not sponsored!
HOUSEPLANTHOUSE 