Plants Make People Happy (Win!)

With summer almost in full bloom, Plantd Life is here to share the top plant tips and trends for the season (and into the next). Plantd Life, founded by plant designer Tara Soloway, began as a passion project and has evolved into a forward-thinking plant design consultancy based in Toronto. Rooted in the biophilic concept that plants are essential for a healthy home or workspace, Plantd Life believes that plants inspire creativity and enhance happiness. We spoke with Tara to learn more. —Vita Daily

With summer almost in full bloom, what are the top plant design trends you’re seeing this season, and how can people incorporate these trends into their homes or workspaces?

One of the biggest trends this season is deliberate pruning or shaping your plants into art. Similar to the idea of bonsai, pruning can help turn an average house plant into a beautiful specimen. This is also a very therapeutic exercise as you can slowly work away at your plant and thoughtfully shape to your liking.

Another trend is thrifting saucers and planters. Say goodbye to plastic saucers that break easily and are not environmentally friendly and hello to glass plates and vintage pots. You can get super creative with your finds!

Can you explain the biophilic design concept and how Plantd Life integrates this into both residential and commercial projects? What are the key benefits you’ve observed for mental health and wellness?

The word biophilia describes the innate connection humans have with nature, and by extension, biophilic design is a notion that seeks to connect our living and working space with nature. Indoor spaces are our main focus at Plantd Life, and plants are an obvious natural way to incorporate nature into design. We thoughtfully outfit spaces with greenery, flowers and other natural elements like moss bowls. We also consider biophilic elements like natural light and water, and how plants can fit into the built environment alongside views of outdoor nature through windows.

Plants make people happy, and I can honestly say that every space we work on proves the biophilic concept to be true. People feel calmer, they can breathe easier and feel more at ease when around plants and greenery. And there’s something about being around living entities that evoke more empathy and awareness in people.

You’ve mentioned that terracotta planters are making a stylish comeback. Could you elaborate on why they are beneficial for plants and how to best utilize them in interior plant design?

What’s old is new, again and again. And Terracotta has been making a strong comeback into the plant and design world alongside natural colours, neutrals and curves.

Terracotta is made from natural, porous clay, which means that moisture is released more quickly from the soil after watering. And since many people tend to over water their plants, terracotta helps with root rot prevention and gives the plants a better opportunity to breathe. Imagine sitting around in a wet bathing suit all day vs. being able to dry off quickly! You can actually see the terracotta planters turn a darker colour after watering as they absorb it immediately.

But to make things even better, there are now many beautiful potters that create stylish terracotta planters for your design needs. And if you’re looking for an antique look, which works well contrasting in a modern setting, there are so many great options to choose from.

How do you approach creating a harmonious flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, especially in settings like cottages or country homes?

I love this question as my most favourite thing to do with outdoor planters is to use many species that you’d more typically see indoors. I tend to place indoor plants outdoors, and vice versa (after all these plants live outdoors in warm climates). As long as the chosen plant is appropriate for a planter, in that it’s getting adequate light and water, then why not plant things you love and make it look like beautiful art. I also like to plant only one or two species max in each planter so that it doesn’t look like an unplanned planter, and this works well in the country!

Since the pandemic, there’s been a significant increase in people’s interest in plants. How have you seen this shift impact your clients, and what advice do you give for using plants as a form of therapy?

The explosion of plant interest since the pandemic has increased the number of people wanting plants in their homes, as well as an overall interest in wellness. Caring for your plants can be a form of therapy that you incorporate into your weekly routine. From watering to shining and pruning, all of these activities are slow and methodical and often very meditative, which all promote well being and mindfulness. Simply being in the presence of your plants and tending to them can uplift your mood and provide a rewarding sense of responsibility.

Plantd Life is committed to minimizing environmental impact by sourcing plants and planters from local growers. Can you discuss the importance of sustainability in your work and how it influences your plant selections?

Sustainably plays a role especially in the warmer months when locally grown plants and native species become available. Also, I prefer to work with growers who have local greenhouses and do plant propagation. I’m also on the hunt for non-plastic growing pots, or at least cleaning and reusing them as often as possible!

For those who might feel overwhelmed by plant maintenance, what holistic plant care tips do you recommend to ensure their plants thrive? How do your seasonal care services support clients in maintaining their greenery year-round?

I provide plant care instructions after all of my installations to give clients an upper hand on care. This includes proper watering, fertilizing and ways to make sure they’re thriving and free from pests. I am also available for questions (there are always questions!) to ensure good plant health. I also offer plant maintenance services to ease the burden of care for my clients. Particularly in work spaces, but also in many homes, I am like a plant doctor who keeps things green and happy!

Win! A $175 Plantd Life Prize Pack!

Congrats Christina F. of Toronto, ON, who will receive a $175 Plantd prize pack, including a tabletop terracotta planter and plant (lush palm) and a mini virtual plant consultation! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.