A beautiful creation from our friend, The Weekend Mixologist. Find his recipe here!

According to the New York Times, 5 o’clock cocktail hour is back. It’s no surprise either. While we navigate through these tough and uncertain times, little moments of beauty in our lives—like a really good cocktail at the end of the day— have surfaced as the stars of the show.

As such, and with warm summer days on the horizon, our team put together a list of refreshing cocktails to stir up at home at the end of the day. Recommended pairing? Lush indoor greenery!

Coconut Thyme Gin Old Fashioned

A robust, herbaceous Old Fashion substituting whiskey for gin.

Get the recipe →

Lavender Collins

A light and refreshing take on the classic gin cocktail.

Get the recipe →

Gin Basil Gimlet

A simple, verdant twist on a traditional cocktail.

Get the recipe →

Herbal StoneFruit Sangria

A refreshing Prosecco and stone fruit Sangria to make in batches!

Get the recipe →

Plum Rosemary Fizz

A simple homemade fizzy soda to experiment with!

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Mandarin Ginger Gin Sour

A citrusy cocktail as easy as it is bold.

Get the recipe →

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Rheanna and her daughter found home in a historic 19th century farmhouse, tucked away in San Francisco’s Mission District. A sanctuary of sorts, their space is filled with small treasures and moments of inspiration that make it their own.

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How did you know this home was for you?

I was living down the coast, in San Luis Obispo, but wanting to come back to San Francisco. My daughter's former nanny knew I was looking and gave us a call when the house across the street had a sign in the window. The block already felt like family, my daughter knew the neighbors, and while the place needed some major work, I saw potential. But what really sold it was the idyllic backyard full of beautiful plants and flowers; it felt like a mini escape in the Mission and reminded me of what I had loved at my house on the coast. I later learned that it's also an old historic pioneer-era farmhouse built sometime around 1860, so while it's old, it has a special history too.

A slice of heaven in the city, Rheanna’s backyard is filled with gorgeous greenery.

What inspires you when you decorate?

I like to feel a sense of calm and lightness at home. For me, that comes from a type of minimalist meets bohemian style. I have a lot of textiles from Mexico, art from local creators, and hand-crafted furniture from my brother who's a designer and builder. I also love having little moments of inspiration around the house like well-designed housewares, fragrant candles, beautiful magazines, paintings and art by my daughter, and those classic old family photos that can only be found in your home.

A Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush adorns a bright minimalist-meets-boho living room.

What are your plant care secrets?

Honestly, I don't have many secrets. I get so nervous that I'm not doing it right, but the plants from Leon and George have been some of the most beautiful and healthy plants I've had. My daughter and I have given them names, we wipe them down regularly, stroke the leaves, and I actually think the poor insulation in this home benefits the plants with extra moisture in the air. Sometimes I think that my daughter's constant singing makes them happier.

Photos by Aubrie Pick for Mother Mag & Rheanna Martinez.

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Snake Plant

Magenta Triostar

Cascading Pothos

Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush

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There is no denying that indoor plants can really brighten up a space. If you’re looking to improve your work-from-home set up, think about adding a bit of greenery to the areas you most frequent. Our stylists this week are chiming in with a few tips on how to get creative with your new leafy office mates!

1. Create a plant grouping corner

   One of the best ways to make an impactful addition to your space with plants is by grouping them together. Whether it’s on the floor or atop a desk, try grouping three plants of differing heights and textures together to create a lush corner that looks and feels calming.

2. Invest in a statement plant

   When it comes to indoor greenery, there’s nothing like a big statement plant to really pull a space together. Especially if your home office shares a space with a living room or bedroom, create a space in a corner or next to another piece of furniture to add something with at least three feet of height.

3. Use plant cuttings for smaller spaces

   No room for an actual plant on your desk? Snip off a leaf or vine from one of your other plants and place it in a glass bottle for the perfect green accent on your desktop!

4. Choose the perfect desk plant

   Adding a plant to your desk seems like a no brainer, even if your desk is a kitchen table! It’s incredible how much happiness one small plant can inspire, and having a plant within your direct vicinity while working can truly act as a mood booster. In terms of size, stick to small plants—unless you have a very large desk, usually something between 6-8 inches in diameter is a good size. On the other hand, something in the medium range (8-10” in diameter") is good for a kitchen or dining room table— at the end of the work day, it can double as a centerpiece!

5. Use vertical space with hanging plants

   Hanging plants are a great way to add visual interest, particularly when square footage comes at a premium! Trailing plants like the Cascading Pothos or ivies work well for this, and it’s usually best to anchor the hanging planter to a corner or other point of interest in a room.

Still looking for the perfect greenery? Check out the plants we recommend for every type of work-from-home space!

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A monthly round-up of what we’re reading in the world of plant styling, interior design, and more.

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They say that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. This spring we’ve seen so many businesses both big and small step up to the plate amidst the current global health crisis, finding ways to be creative, stay afloat, and give back to their communities. From pivoting production at their factories to donating much needed supplies, to simply doing their best to maintain the livelihoods of their employees, we’re proud and in awe of how resourceful we humans can be.

As a team, we’re connecting every day to share tidbits of good news, and resources to support each other and our communities. Here are a few that we thought our sophisticated plant community would also enjoy:

1. Haus - The Restaurant Project

   For the foodies out there, here is an immediate way to make an impact on America’s struggling restaurant industry. Haus is a chic alcohol brand that is working with restaurants across the country to co-create apéritifs that reflect their unique culinary approach. 100% of the profits go directly back to the restaurant to help them cover costs, support their employees, and ultimately stay in business.

2. Allbirds - A Pair for you, A Pair for Healthcare Workers

   The trendy wool sneaker brand has already made significant donations to support healthcare workers, but now they’ve created an option for their customers to give back, too. Shoppers can bundle their purchase with a pair for donation, or donate a pair with just one click.

3. Headspace - Tools for weathering the Storm

   Ask anyone who’s ever tried it, and they will swear by the powers of Headspace. The leading app for mindfulness and meditation is offering a wealth of free resources for all publics, including free access to Headspace Plus for healthcare workers.

4. Hedley & Bennett - Wake Up & Fight

   Many retailers are repurposing factories to make hospital gear. Hedley & Bennett (known for their colorful, chef-grade aprons) have meticulously designed stylish yet practical face masks, teaming up with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to ensure their effectiveness. They’re calling them the “Wake Up & Fight” mask, and for each one purchased, the brand will provide one to a hospital, nursing home, or other organization in need. 

5. Everlane - Support Your Local Food bank

   This clothing brand is donating 100% of the profits from its 100% Human collection to Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund, which is using its network of 200 food banks across the country to provide support to communities impacted by the pandemic. The unisex t-shirts and sweaters make great, admittedly memorable, gifts.

We know this is a far from exhaustive list. Let us know in the comments your favorite companies and brands making a difference during this time!

Photo credit: @brandaohh via Unsplash

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Barlow Gilmore a.k.a. @theweekendmixologist knows how to make a mean cocktail, and likes to shake things up in his home with a heavy dose of natural, lush greenery.

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How did you know this home was for you?

We'd been looking for a few years and had seen so many places, and finally this home felt just right. The light here is amazing, as photographers we knew it would be perfect for us (and our plants). 

The Parlor Palm adds an organic softness to geometric shapes.

What inspires you when you decorate?

To be honest, we are inspired by plants! Our style tends to be more modern, and it’s a nice balance to add lush, organic shapes and colors to break up the straight lines. 

Large statement plants like the Kentia Palm can tie all the elements of a room together.

What are your plant care secrets?

Name them! Spend the time to nurture them, and delight in their new growth.

All photos by Hailie & Barlow Gilmore//The Weekend Mixologist.

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Kentia Palm

Parlor Palm

Pink Rubber Tree

Bird of Paradise

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The Kentia Palm pairs well with ultra lush botanical wallpaper. Photo by @theweekendmixologist, wallpaper from Etsy.

Wallpaper is truly having a moment. More and more makers and brands are out there creating unique designs, patterns, and essentially beautiful works of art to hang on our walls! And there are so many perks to wallpaper, too, but above all we love how easy it is to create a customized look in your home, whether it be a jewel box bathroom, an accent wall, a baby’s nursery, or beyond. Wallpaper is also now within reach for renters or indecisive home improvers, with trendy removable designs that offer the freedom and flexibility to go to town with bold choices.

We obviously have a soft spot for all things green, and that’s why our plant stylists have made a round up of some of our favorite botanical wallpapers to bring the great outdoors in.

Our favorite botanical wallpapers

A bold statement

The iconic split-leaves of the Monstera Deliciosa are the perfect statement maker for big and small spaces alike, and we love this bright design by Kate Zaremba.

Spring inspired

A hand watercolored print, the bright Spring Leaves design by Chasing Paper is the perfect botanical wallpaper for Pilea lovers and anyone who can appreciate bright spring vibes.

soft & whimsical

Floral wallpaper is an obvious classic, but give it a whimsical twist with “Secret Garden” wallpaper by Abnormals Anonymous.

Palm deco

Samantha Santana has a handful of fun and quirky botanical wallpapers, including her Palm Deco design inspired by art deco patterns and the magical palm trees of Southern California.

Dark & moody

Dark-toned wallpaper can have an incredibly dramatic effect. We love subtle tropical vibes of this botanical-inspired wallpaper by Milton & King, reminiscent of a Bird of Paradise or Red Congo’s stunning foliage.

a Hollywood classic

A bit of Hollywood glamour, anyone? Designer Don Loper's famous Bird of Paradise wallpaper has graced the Beverly Hills Hotel since the 1940's, an is also available for your home.

Flora & fauna

Looking for something truly unique? Try something by small French design studio Bien Fait, like this exotically captivating jungle-themed wallpaper. Photo by Julie Ansiau.

serene & peaceful

Inspired by the “eternal calm and serenity of an open field”, the Wildflower design by Calico Wallpaper is a gorgeous take on some of nature’s most simple yet beautiful creations.

plants on pink

Green and pink makes for the perfect combination with this Plants on Pink wallpaper also by talented designer Kate Zaremba.

Caribbean vibes

Slow things down with a wallpaper that is as beautiful as it is subtle, using Kentia Palm leaves make for a subtly lush backdrop like this one by Graham & Brown.

Looking for the ultimate jungle vibes? Try pairing botanical wallpaper with your favorite indoor plant!

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Shane loves a clean, modern look, but keeps things warm and cozy with thoughtful and timeless pieces, big west-facing windows, and of course, plenty of indoor greenery.

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How did you know this home was for you?

We were in the market for a bigger spot and had a few must-haves for our new space. Besides in-unit laundry and a parking spot (#citylife), we knew we wanted lots of light and an open floor plan. We found a random listing online for a loft-style apartment and decided to check it out. When we first walked in and saw the huge west-facing windows, cement floors, and high ceilings, we were sold. No questions, we had to move in! 

Shane has had his Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree for over six years.

What inspires you when you decorate?

My two favorite colors are white and gray, and I tend to gravitate towards more minimal looks. Luckily, my partner Ben and I have really similar tastes and styles, but I'd say he pulls us back towards a homey vibe when I get too carried away.  We're both super into clean, functional, and modern looks. More than anything, we don't like junk. We try to be super thoughtful about the pieces we buy and usually plan on keeping them for the long haul. The only downside is that sometimes we're slow to make decisions. It took us 9 months to decide on a couch for our downstairs living area, but hey, we love it! 

Books and plants add color and character to an otherwise minimal space. Pictured: Jade Pothos

What are your plant care secrets?

I try to be intuitive with plants and not overthink it. Typically I'll select a plant based on looks, and then research what conditions it prefers when I get it home. After that, I'll place it somewhere I think it will do well and try and check in with it regularly. If I notice any changes I try not to overreact (easier said than done sometimes) and make small changes in watering or lighting and see what happens. Other than that, I mist, clean, love on, and talk to them daily (more for me than the plants, but I think it helps)! 

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Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Desert Cactus

Cascading Pothos

Magenta Triostar

Ashley and Danny have lived in their San Francisco home for almost ten years. In a way, taking care of plants together has been a crash course for the real parenting adventure they have only just begun.

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How did you know this home was for you?

It actually took us leaving this apartment to realize how special it is. We had to patiently wait for the new tenant to move out so we could move back in! There is something about having an expansive view of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge ... seeing that beauty everyday must calm the nervous system or something. It has an ineffable quality. 

What inspires you when you decorate?

We wanted to honor the older details of this building by adding a more antique, vintage touch. Comfort is also a key decorating theme so we sought beautiful, cozy pieces that jived with the historical elements. 

What are your plant care secrets?

Top secret: pick easy to care for, healthy-already plants! We also had a bit of negotiating to do as it relates to their care-taking. One of us (we won’t name names!) is a bit more enthusiastic about owning plants than the other, and that person also happens to be the one who travels more often and needs more help keeping up with them. But even though we aren’t equally passionate about the hobby, we both benefit so much from having plants, and in the end we found a care routine that works for both of us. Splitting the responsibilities means every plant gets what it needs and we maintain our marital bliss. Kind of like regular parenting, but maybe a little easier!

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Rubber Tree

Bird's Nest Fern

Cascading Pothos

Also the home of George of Léon & George.

Barbie and Nico are team members at Léon & George, and partners in real life. Here they share with us some of the behind the scenes of getting this startup started in their very own home.

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How did you know this home was for you?

A very finicky Fiddle Leaf Fig we named Fifi #2.

The morning we saw our apartment listed, there were no photos and we were feeling hopeless after visiting 30+ places in the span of 2 weeks. But this one was just around the corner from where we were staying so we had to give it a try. As soon as the door opened, we were welcomed into a long hallway and bright living room with the charming details of a San Francisco home. We looked at each other and knew this was it.

What inspires you when you decorate?

A blank canvas is always nice, but chaos also works. We see the opportunity of creating order, space and beauty. We're pretty minimal when it comes to decor, mostly only buying pieces out of necessity, but we take a long time to decide on each piece. We do our best to buy pieces we really love, that spark inspiration or have personal meaning, items we want to invest in and keep for a long time.

What are your plant care secrets?

Let them do their thing. We try to cover their basics of having the right amount of light and we err on the side of underwatering. But mostly we leave them alone. Barbie likes to talk to them. She greets them in the morning or at night. When we leave on trips she reassures them that we'll be back.

Bootstrapping a startup means your home becomes your office, distribution center, photo studio, and lastly the place you sleep. It was also a great way for us to learn about plants and how they react in a real home environment over time.

Moving can be a stressful experience, and transporting your beloved houseplants to a new home adds an extra layer of complexity. Whether you're moving across the city or crossing state lines, follow these valuable tips to ensure your plants arrive unscathed!

1. Pre-Move Hydration: Watering Your Plants One Week Before

One week before the move, remember to water your plants. This step might seem obvious, but it's crucial. Well-hydrated plants are heavier, so giving them a week to drink up ensures they're adequately nourished during transit.

2. Prune for Stability: Ensuring Balanced Plants for the Journey

If you have larger, top-heavy plants, prune them before the journey to prevent tipping. Trimming excessive foliage helps maintain their balance during transportation.

3. Protect Delicate Foliage: Safeguarding Fragile Leaves during Transport

For plants with delicate leaves, safeguard them by wrapping them in paper or enclosing them in a plastic bag. The plastic bag not only shields the foliage from harm but also helps retain moisture, which is beneficial for humidity-loving plants. If embarking on a long trip, consider adding a few air holes for ventilation.

4. Secure the Soil: Preventing Soil Spillage and Keeping Plants Intact

When dealing with tall plants that may need to lay down to fit into your vehicle or moving van, cover the soil with newspaper and securely tape it to the pot. This prevents soil spillage and keeps your plants tidy during the move.

5. Guard Against the Elements: Protecting Plants from Cold Climates and Freezing Temperatures

Transportation in a truck, especially overnight or through cold climates, presents challenges. Keep in mind that most indoor plants cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Consider this before deciding to move them. If you have smaller plants, you may bring them indoors overnight (just like pets!), but exercise caution when leaving them in the car with sub-freezing temperatures.

Can’t move your plants?

If your plants can’t move with you for whatever reason, here are some ideas of what to do with them before you go!

• Take a cutting - Take a small cutting off each of your plants, wrap the cut area in wet tissue, and place in a plastic bag to bring with you. You can propagate the cuttings and enjoy them as your plant grows along with you in your new home.

• Give them to friends - Plants make great gifts, and can be an incredibly symbolic (and much desired!) parting gift for a friend. They can continue their life in a new home!

• Donate to a school or other organization - Indoor spaces could always use a touch of living greenery to brighten things up. If you can’t take your plants with you, give them a new life where others can enjoy them as much as you have!

Once you’ve moved your plants, remember that they may take some time to adjust to their new home. It is not uncommon for plants to drop some leaves during this time, but as long as you keep a consistent watering schedule and give the plant the light it needs, all should go well. Good luck, and happy moving!

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Julia lived in her perch above Valencia Street for seven years before taking off to London for a new adventure. Just before the big move, she remembers what inspired her to make this place her home.

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How did you know this home was for you?

I remember I had to dash out of a mid-afternoon meeting to view the apartment. The main building was still under construction, so I had to duck under a tarp to get in. Needless to say it wasn’t a perfect start! But when I entered the apartment and took one look at the huge windows and the view of Sutro Tower overlooking Valencia Street, I knew it needed to be my new home. Having just ended a 9-year relationship, this was my first-ever “big girl” apartment - living on my own, completely free to do things exactly as I wanted. It was luxuriously freeing.

Julia’s plant care motto: leave them alone.

What inspires you when you decorate?

So many things inspire my taste! The record that’s on at my local coffee shop, Four Barrell, in the morning. A stack of old books at the barber shop I pass on my way to work. In the case of my living room interior, I was very inspired by a version of the Life Aquatic movie poster and mimicked the colors and tone when painting and decorating. Plus I’m a bit of a globe freak and have a small collection of antique ones in various shades and versions of the USSR.

Julia looks for low-maintenance when it comes to houseplants, like the ultra-hardy Pothos.

What are your plant care secrets?

Leave them alone (some) and sing to them (all).

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Dragon Tree

Jade Pothos

Photo by Atelier Doré

Natasha Feldman a.k.a. @noshwithtash is changing the way we see cooking by offering delicious recipes that fit busy lifestyles. She shares with us the important ingredients of a chef’s home.

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How did you know this home was for you?

Natasha wanted a lush plant as an accent piece in her kitchen, she went with a Cascading Pothos

As a cook, the most important thing for me was a nice sized kitchen, with a stove that could withstand my constant abuse and enough room for a big dining room table. Having people over and being able to cook and serve family style is always priority number one. That being said, if I were going to do it all over again, I'd focus more heavily on the second most important element... natural light! I can usually be found in front of my apartment on the street, wearing an apron with forks in my back pocket and taking photos of food, looking like a total crazy person because of the lack of natural light inside my place.

What inspires you when you decorate?

I love supporting local artists and more often than not an object will just speak to me and I'll have to have it. Then I take it home, and after putting it in five different locations, I'll find its home. I don't love having a ton of stuff around, I like a clean and easy environment with bold pops of color and lots of food-related adornments.

As a new plant parent Natasha wanted plants she couldn’t kill that also looked cool and modern. She picked out a cute Staghorn Fern, the bubbly Pink Rubber Tree and super resilient Cast Iron Plant.

What are your plant care secrets?

LEON AND GEORGE. Until finding their service I was never able to keep plants happy because I just didn't know how to find the kinds of plants I could keep alive, and how to care for them like tiny silent children. My secret is to follow the instructions to a T and adjust watering based on the seasons, they've really just made it so easy for me!

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Pink Rubber Tree

Cascading Pothos

Staghorn Fern

Cast Iron