Two design-savvy Angelenos, Christine and Nick, give us a peek into their bright and beautiful home on LA’s breezy westside.

Teachers, partners, and plant parents: angelenos Christine and Nick share about what they and their plants did this summer, and the best part about starting a new school year.

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Summer’s coming to a close and school’s back in session: there’s no better time than the present to find our rhythm, settle into routine and set new goals.

For inspiration, we talked to Christine and Nick, two Los Angeles based educators, about how they kick off the new school year and how their plants serve a valuable role in settling back into routine.

From Roger the Rubber Tree to an enormous Zanzibar Gem named Nigel (“He just does what he wants, when he wants to!”) the thriving plants at Christine and Nick’s were truly a treat to meet, and an intrinsic part of this fun and energetic modern family.

HOW DID YOU SPEND YOUR SUMMER BREAK?

This summer we had a chance to do some planning for our wedding - we picked a venue and I found my wedding dress with the help of some friends! We also spent time with family, read a lot of great books, played soccer, and watched Roger (our Rubber Tree) grow a ton of new leaves.

Roger the Rubber Tree

WHEN YOU WENT ON TRIPS, DID YOUR PLANTS MISS YOU?

We didn’t leave the plants alone too much this summer, but when we did, Nick made sure they were fully watered before we left. We also moved a few plants around so they could get the appropriate light while we were away.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL AND THE START OF A NEW YEAR?

Seeing and catching up with all the students from previous years and meeting our new students!

HOW DO PLANTS CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR HOME?

Our plants bring us a lot of joy. We talk about them a lot and celebrate their growth! This whole experience has brought us a lot of joy. And the ritual of pruning the Dracaena and watering, and just paying attention to the things around us in our space. It’s been a nice routine and has brought life to our home, especially during this past year as we spent more time indoors.

CAN YOU SHARE A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR PLANT CARE ROUTINE?

Nick really handles most of the plant care (thank you, Nick! :) ). We have water meters from Leon and George in most of our plants, so Nick waters our indoor plants whenever the water meter is white and he waters our outside Leon and George trees 1-2 times per week. We also try to fertilize the outdoor trees once a month. Every once in awhile I wipe the leaves on Roger the Rubber Tree and Nigel, our Zanzibar, with warm water and dish soap. After talking with the Plant Doctors at Leon and George we're considering repotting a few of our plants to give them some more room to grow!

What are your plant care secrets?

We talk to them a lot! We use our hands to feel how they’re doing, we feel their soil, rotate regularly and make adjustments to make sure they’re getting what they need. 

*And two key hot pro tips*: we read the weekly Leon and George newsletter every Sunday morning. As soon as it comes in, we immediately go do the thing it says to do! It’s been a helpful reminder to check on them and expand our care techniques.

Secondly, any time we’re panicked, or are trying to figure something out, we either Google it, or check in with the Plant Doctors at Leon and George. These methods keep our anxiety down and overtime we’ve learned just how resilient plants are!

Floor to ceiling sliding doors gives their home a spacious indoor/outdoor opening, a must for enjoying Southern California’s beautiful weather! Their plant collection includes a Rubber Plant, Dracaena Compacta, Meyer Lemon Tree and Olive Tree.

Photos by Jess Issac

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Dracaena Compacta

Rubber Tree

Zanzibar Gem

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Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned astrology buff, you likely know that your zodiac sign can offer valuable insight into your many strengths, your disposition overall, and the things that are important to you. As a plant owner, insights like these are especially useful. We all want our plants to thrive, and choosing the right plant variety for our unique circumstances is the first (and most important!) step. 

If you’re purchasing a new plant friend from Leon & George, you probably already know that bringing a new, living plant into your home is a special and exciting time, as well as a big decision. So find your sign below and read up on our galaxy of guidance. You can feel confident in your choice, because we’ve curated the perfect Leon & George plant for you! 

The Perfect Plant For You, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Capricorn

Braided Money Tree

Clear-eyed, straight-shooting Capricorn! You’re a grounded and pragmatic soul. You’re not afraid of responsibility, and you don’t leave things half-finished. This makes you a deeply responsible plant owner, and we’d trust you with any Leon & George variety! But you also deserve a break from all your hard work, which is why, with its marriage of intricate beauty and easy-care simplicity, we think the Braided Money Tree is the plant for you. 

Aquarius

Zanzibar Gem

Aquarians, you’re like the ocean: sometimes calm, and sometimes crashing in tsunamis of creative energy, but never still. And while you love to get lost staring out the window, Aquarians also don’t like to be bored, so you’re often on the go. That’s why an easy-care plant that’ll do fine when you float off on an impromptu road trip is the perfect choice for you. And with their super-lush foliage, the Zanzibar Gem reflects your dewy disposition. 

Pisces

Calathea Medallion

Beloved Pisces, you’re a gentle and deeply creative soul that brings imagination and artfulness to all you do. You’re deeply attuned to all that’s around you, and any plant will be fortunate to call you friend. Pisces are often thought to be near-or-truly psychic, because of their intuitive connectedness to all living things. The Calathea Medallion, or Prayer Plant, is the perfect match for you: spiritual and beautiful, reacting with an otherworldly grace to the shifts in light from day to night.

Aires

Red Congo

Aries, you’re coming in hot! With your courage and drive, you’re a force of nature, ruled by the sun, with fire as your guiding element. The Red Congo is a perfect match for you- vibrant and bold, Red Congos respond to the brightness of the light they receive with deeply pigmented, red variegation on their beautiful leaves.

taurus

Snake Plant

There is so much to love about the strong and earthy Taurus. And Taurus, you may be a stable and practical soul, but you also have a deep love of sensory experience- so it’s only natural that a stunningly variegated and sculptural plant would be the right choice for you. Enter the Snake Plant: grounded in the earth, but reaching toward the sky, the Snake Plant is strong (read: virtually indestructible) but innately graceful. 

gemini

Golden Petra

Like you, Gemini, the Golden Petra is expressive, charming and has an enchanting natural charisma. Happy to bask in the haze of indirect light, the Petra can also handle the spotlight of direct light once in a while- she’s adaptable, like you. And just like Geminis, Golden Petras are naturally sociable, appreciative of the microbiome and humidity produced by being placed among a group of plants with similar care preferences. 

cancer

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Cancer, you’ve been famed throughout the ages for your skill as a naturally supportive friend and an artistic spirit. Your emotional acuity can also mean that you experience a wide range of moods- not unlike the beautifully iconic diva, the Fiddle Leaf Fig! With your sensitive nature, you have just the disposition to pamper your Fiddle through any rough spots and appreciate the overall beauty of this sometimes tricky, but always worth it, showstopper of a plant.

leo

Bird of Paradise

How dull our garden would be without a Leo (or a Bird of Paradise) in the mix! And you’re so easy to care for, too. All you need is lots of light (and love, and admiration) to flourish and thrive. Truly birds of a feather, Leos and Birds of Paradise light up their environment and don’t quit. Vivacious! Eye-catching! It always feels good to stand next to a Leo or a Bird of Paradise’s fire.

virgo

Jade Pothos

The earthy Virgo has so many admirable qualities- you always take the high road, and your patience can seem infinite to your fire-sign friends! That’s why the Jade Pothos is a natural match for you. Gentle and beautiful, the Jade Pothos rewards patient plant owners with a cascade of jewel-tone leaves in its own time. (Often quickly-the Jade Pothos is a swift grower!)

libra

Silver Evergreen

Peaceful Libra, your compassion nature and love of balance is a gift to all you meet- and it serves you well as a savvy home stylist, too! The Silver Evergreen is a seamless fit for you: with lushly full, variegated foliage and exceptional air-purifying effects, the Silver Evergreen promotes tranquility, luck (according to legend!) and lends a sophisticated grace to Libra homes. 

scorpio

Ruby Ficus

Scorpio, you’re the best friend a plant could ask for. Loyal, honest and brave, you’re a natural leader, and you don’t follow trends- you set them. And we think that every Ruby Ficus must sprout under the Scorpio sign, because they are hands-down your astrological doppelganger! Pick a Ruby Ficus for its boldly hued foliage, and keep it for its easy-care watering needs. And like you, Scorpio, Ruby Ficuses also have a penchant for self-growth. (These can grow up to eight feet tall!)

sagittarius

Magenta Triostar

Sagittarius, you’re most well known for your deep sense of honesty and justice. But you’re also spontaneous, fun and dynamic, with an appreciation for life’s variety. The Magenta Triostar is a great fit for you: a true individual with a richly independent life. (As a member of the Prayer Plant family, the Magenta Triostar’s leaves close during the night, and open to salute the sun during the day. (A fitting friend for you, Sagittarius, as you’re a fire sign!) 

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In our Dear Plant Stylist series, we share styling and lighting inquiries received by our in-house stylists with our audience. So read on-- you just might find that your plant styling questions are answered below! 

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Dear Plant Stylist, 

I’ve heard that plants like to be arranged in groups, but I don’t know which look best together. Also, do they need to have the same care instructions?

Thanks,

V.F.

Dear V.,

You heard it right. Plants do benefit from being situated in groupings together. But your second question is very astute— it’s important that the plants you choose for your grouping have the same requirements for light. It’s helpful, as well, if they have the same requirements for watering, because that mitigates the chance of over or under watering one as you attend to its friend with different needs.

The Snake Plant and Golden Petra make an adorable couple at this workspace.

So why do plants benefit from being grouped together? Apart from looking great, one reason is because plants release moisture into the air around them. When grouped together, they create a mini micro-climate of boosted humidity, which almost all houseplants, especially tropical ones, love.

In terms of aesthetics, I don’t think you can really go wrong with plant pairing. Grouping plants is all about maximizing the beauty of the plants’ textures through contrasting and mirroring, and different foliage types and coloration look lovely together. So it’s best to approach this from the more pragmatic lens of plant care requirements, as that is the part that’s really key to a successful plant grouping. 

Low to Medium Light Plants

If you’re creating a grouping for an area that receives low to medium light, you have a wealth of options. Consider grouping Zanzibar Gems with Snake Plants. Both are exceptionally flexible in regard to light, and both like for their soil to dry out entirely before being watered. Parlor Palms are an ideal accent for these large plants, and prefer low light and to be watered only when dry. 

Medium to Bright Light Plants

The Lady Palm, Monstera Deliciosa, and Tineke Rubber Plant making a bright and enviable corner in this living room.

This is the moment for Monsteras! One of the most iconic houseplants, with foliage that is immediately recognizable and inarguably fun, Monsteras love to be situated by friends. Monsteras enjoy medium to bright light, and like to dry out entirely between waterings, so they’re a perfect pair for the beloved Braided Money Tree and Rubber Plant. These gorgeous, glossy-leaved plants are renowned for their gleam and lush, jungle aesthetic. And you can choose your preferred coloration: the classic, emerald and burgundy Rubber Plant, the gently variegated Tineke Rubber Plant, or the rosy pastel Pink Rubber Plant. Pileas are also a wonderful option for a small accent plant, with their preference for bright light. They should also be watered only when their topsoil is dry. 

Pet Safe Groupings

If you need a jungle for your little jaguar or a curious dog friend, don’t fret! It’s totally doable. Consider pairing a Parlor Palm with a Braided Money Tree and a large and lovely Cast Iron Plant. Tailor the light of this grouping to the Cast Iron Plant. Parlor Palms prefer low light and Braided Money Trees are wonderfully adaptable, but Cast Irons require low light and must be kept from direct sun. All three plants can thrive in a shady spot. 

Pet Safe plant duo

Create an indoor jungle for yourself…and the one you couldn’t live without. Flora and fauna will live beautifully together with a set of two plants that are non-toxic, low-light adaptable, and bright in both color and style.

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Arrange! 

Arranging plants in groups is incredibly fun. You can explore varied pot and wood stand colors, incorporate baskets or macrame, and create a wonderfully textured microbiome that plants crave. Remember that if any of your plants should experience pests, you’ll need to separate the affected plant from the grouping while you treat it, so that the pests don’t spread.

And that’s that— you can enjoy the practice of liberally misting your grouping, and all of our plants (with the exception the Fiddle Leaf Fig, which prefers special plant food) will benefit from the same gentle houseplant fertilizers. Enjoy the journey and send photos! We would love to see your creation. Now, get grouping!

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A Zanzibar Gem like the one pictured above can survive with next to no light, but some artificial light will definitely help!

All plants need at least some light to survive, but does it need to be natural light? For those of us with limited sunlight in our homes, owning our favorite indoor plants can be tough. But luckily, having our favorite sun-loving plants in low light places is in fact possible, and that’s where artificial light comes into play.

Growing indoor plants with artificial light

First things first, not all artificial light is created equal. The typical lightbulbs in your home, for example, generally do not contribute much in the way of photosynthesis, especially if they aren’t on for 12+ hours a day. Low-light plants will grow just fine in areas with nothing more than overhead lights or lamps, but others will quickly deteriorate without proper grow lights.

What makes a good grow light?

So what is a proper grow light? The world of grow lights can seem technical and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be! When using artificial light for indoor plants, the goal is to simulate the light of the sun. You may see the words “full spectrum”, “cool light”, and “warm light”, and effective grow lights are simply full spectrum bulbs: bulbs that generate all useful wavelengths for plants with a mixture of cool (blue) and warm (red) light. While you can get extra specific about the exact needs of your plant, generally speaking a balanced ratio of cool and warm is just fine for indoor houseplants.

There are many different types of bulbs you can use to supplement your plant’s light intake and growth, but most would agree that LEDs are not only highly effective but also by far more efficient than their counterparts like incandescent, fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (HID) lights.

And as a tip: you don’t necessarily need an entire fixture to get the job done. The lamps in your home, if positioned correctly, will work just fine with the right bulbs.

Top grow lights for indoor plants

There are hundreds if options when it comes to great grow lights, but not all of them are attractive or take your home’s decor into account. Truth be told, grow lights up until recently were mostly manufactured for commercial purposes and not necessarily residential homes or offices.

Our favorite grow lights are ones that complement your style rather than detracting from it, such as Soltech Solutions for sleek, modern looks, or Modern Sprout for colorful and creative lights.

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Just in time for one last summer hurrah, LA based architecture studio Laney LA has drawn back the curtains to their latest project, an oceanic Manhattan Beach residence that seamlessly invites the outdoors in. The exquisite property “reveals itself slowly”, combining layers of indoor and outdoor spaces to create a soothing feeling of being surrounded by nature.

To tie the space together, we paired the minimalist aesthetics with living greenery that would contrast and in turn complement the geometric interior floor plan. Soft, rounded foliage balances straight lines and corners, accentuating the calming aura of each individual space.

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Schefflera Tree

Parlor Palm

Ficus Audrey

Rubber Plant

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Rubber Tree

Cascading Pothos

Ficus Audrey

Bird of Paradise

Architecture & design by Laney LA.
@laneylainc

Photography by Jess Isaac
@jess_isaac

Looking for the perfect houseplant for your bedroom?

The bedroom is one of the most intimate places in our home. It’s where we go to rest, relax, and recharge, and in many ways serves as a sanctuary for our bodies and minds.

Indoor plants can help create the perfect environment for some quality R&R, and their benefits go far beyond simply beautifying the space. Natural greenery has a long list of mental health benefits, helping to reduce stress and boost feel-good chemicals in our brain. They also aide in cleaning the air by filtering out harmful toxins often produced by common household items like carpet, paint, or the finish on our furniture.

Almost any living plant will improve your bedroom’s atmosphere, so when selecting your plants for the bedroom, choose something that speaks to you and that you will enjoy waking up to each day. For a bit of inspiration, read on to find our plant stylists’ picks for the best plants for your bedroom!

The Best plants for a Bedroom:

Snake Plant

Voted by Nasa as one of the best air-purifying plants, the Snake Plant is one of the best choices for the bedroom thanks to its unique ability to emit oxygen at nighttime, making for better and sounder sleep.

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Fiddle Leaf Fig

Serene and structural, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is an excellent choice for the brightly-lit bedroom, instantly creating a magazine-like feel in any space it adorns.

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Pink Rubber Plant

Add a splash of color to your bedroom with the Pink Rubber Plant, a lovely air-purifying ficus ideal for spaces with plenty of bright indirect light.

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Rubber Tree

The Ficus Elastica, or the Rubber Tree as it’s commonly known, is an excellent air purifier with deep burgundy leaves, guaranteed to bring beauty and calm to your bedroom oasis.

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Queen of Spades Anthurium

Bring everlasting flowers to your bedside table with the Queen of Spades Anthurium, an easy-care “flowering” plant that brightens any space and refreshes the air.

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Parlor Palm

Palms in general are known for their air-purifing qualities, and the Parlor Palm is no exception. This adorable plant comes in a variety of sizes and will bring instant jungle vibes to your bedroom. If you have the space, go for an extra large Kentia Palm.

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Need more inspiration? Check out how to make your bedroom a sanctuary, with tips from the experts at Parachute.

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Oscar, his partner Denys, and a beautiful Ficus Audrey in their colorful Mission district apartment.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, writer Oscar Raymundo took advantage of a rare dip in San Francisco’s real estate market to upgrade to a bigger, brighter pad. The result? A budding green thumb, of course.

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Living in a house full of plants wasn’t always Oscar’s story. Like many San Francisco residents, he and his partner Denys had been hustling to make the most of an increasingly impossible city for over 10 years. Factors like small spaces and limited light left little to be imagined in terms of living greenery.

But also like many San Francisco residents, they took advantage of a truly unprecedented lull in the city’s real estate market during the pandemic to upgrade to a bigger, brighter spot to call home. 

And with both working from home, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

From left to right: a Kentia Palm, Silver Evergreen, and Dracena Lisa + Kentia Palm.

A writer and producer at Instagram, Oscar’s day to day involves everything from crafting content about internet cat personalities to finding creative ways to showcase movers and shakers across different communities.

He and Denys had never expected to be spending so much time at home, reveling in the company of their mischievous cat, Tokyo. After a few months of making their one bedroom apartment work, they realized there was no better time than the present to consider a move. With so many San Francisco residents leaving the city to work remotely elsewhere, the opportunity for an upgrade was ripe.

A sprightly Dragon Tree enjoys Oscar’s attention.

“My plant care secret? Have conversations with them.”

— Oscar raymundo

Cue in an adorably charming Edwardian walk-up, flooded with light and spacious enough to house not only a home office for each but a guest-room-meets-gym, a dining-meets-meeting room, and a chef’s kitchen that would leave any urbanite envious.

Though Oscar has called the Mission home for over a decade, it wasn’t until moving to this apartment that he really began to nest— and collect houseplants. With all that space and light, how could he not? His collection includes everything from an impressive Ficus Audrey and lush Kentia Palm to small cacti that, as he believes, should keep the curious Tokyo at bay.

He credits his green thumb to his grandmother, who believes the ultimate secret to keeping plants happy is speaking to them. He says, “It’s hard to find things in common with a 90 year old. But the plant thing– we can talk about that. Her secret is to have conversations with them.” And he blames his cat Tokyo for the occasional casualty.

His plants look fabulous, so maybe there’s something to it. As far as the cat is concerned, he hasn’t found a solution yet.

Photos by Margaret Austin

Oscar’s Picks

Dragon Tree

Kentia Palm

Silver Evergreen

Ficus Audrey

The rare and elusive Variegated Monstera. Photo: @lucidmonstera

First there was the Fiddle Leaf Fig, a beautifully sculptural plant that became a sensation of the interior design world seemingly overnight. But although the trend has not seemed to wane over the years, there’s a new plant in town that is quickly catching up in popularity. The only difference? It’s next to impossible to find.

The Variegated Monstera: Instagram’s most elusive plant

You may not know its exact name, but odds are it’s caught your eye before. The iconic split leaves of the Monstera Deliciosa are unmistakable, except rather than green, this plant’s foliage is either partially or entirely hypnotic white. It’s a plant commonly referred to as the Variegated Monstera, and though pictures of it populate our Instagram feeds, getting your hands on one is no easy task.

What is the Variegated Monstera?

The Variegated Monstera is a type of Monstera that sports variegation, or genetic makeup that is altered or mutated to produce various colors on the foliage and even stark white leaves. Variegation can come in many different patterns and colors across different plant varieties, but the Variegated Monstera is usually green and white, or all white.

Types of Variegated Monstera

There are at least two different types (or cultivars) of the Variegated Monstera:

• Thai Constellation - more common as well as easier to care for, the Thai Constellation Monstera produces leaves with small splashes of cream coloring, reminiscent of stars in a galaxy.

• Albo - less common and more difficult to care for, this plant produces leaves with large white splotches, and in some cases, half or full leaves that are entirely white.

Two different cultivars of the Variegated Monstera: Albo and Thai Constellation. Photos: @foreverplanty (left), @monstera.maven (right)

Why are Variegated Monsteras so hard to find?

Many plants with white variegation tend to be more delicate than their green counterparts, and the Variegated Monstera is no exception. They produce less chlorophyl, and as such photosynthesize a great deal less. Growing them is not only slow, but also requires a certain level of skill. Combine this with incredibly high demand, and you’ve got a rare plant that is going to be tough to find, and if you do find it, it will cost you!

Rare plant aficionados and growers do an excellent job of growing them from cuttings, and this is usually what we see when we search the hashtag #variegatedmonstera on social media. So beautiful, yet so out of reach! But could you do the same?

Propagating variegated Monsteras

One great way to get your hands on a Variegated Monstera is through propagation. Propagation is the multiplication of plants from one mother plant. If you are able to get a cutting, either by purchasing or through a friend, you can propagate your own plant. Here’s how to propagate the Variegated Monstera (the same method for regular Monstera propagation):

Step 1 - Take a cutting from a plant and be sure the stem has a node. The node is a small junction on the stem that sticks out and is where new stems sprout.

Step 2 - Place in a glass of water and put in a spot with bright indirect light.

Step 3 - Wait anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. You should eventually start to see roots forming.

Step 4 - Place in a small pot with fresh soil, and keep the soil just moist to the touch for the first few weeks until it feels firmly rooted in its pot.

Where can you buy a Variegated Monstera?

A mature (and staked!) Variegated Monstera. Photo: @craigmilran

Unless you have a local plant store that specializes in rare plants, your best bet is going to be online. Finding a mature plant will not be easy, though there are many people selling cuttings on Etsy. You’ll need to nurture the plant yourself from a cutting, but perhaps that will make you love it all the more!

At Léon & George, we occasionally are able to get our hands on one or two (which we’ve been known to hold giveaways for!), so make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop!

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Some of the best songs ever written are about mothers, and everything they bring to our lives. From unconditional support, to side splitting laughter, to words of wisdom that we cherish throughout our lives.

We gathered our favorite songs about moms (and their gold-star advice!) for this special Mother’s Day Playlist. From Motown classics to little-known gems, they’re all here for some impromptu dancing. Enjoy the tunes with our best wishes for all plant moms, pet moms and human mom alike!

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Love Fest Fiber’s Britt-Marie Alm and her family in their charming home in the Sunset District.

San Francisco is a kaleidoscope of inspiration, renowned for its rich culture and the global influences that enliven every aspect of the city. So when we had the opportunity to tour the gorgeous, bohemian home of fiber artist and owner of Love Fest Fibers, Britt-Marie Alm, you know we were thrilled. Located in the Sunset District (itself an icon of multiculturalism, and San Francisco’s largest neighborhood), Britt-Marie’s nest is a dream: lovingly decorated with treasures from her far-flung travels and ample living greenery, we think you’ll agree that this home is truly a jewel in the crown of SF’s Sunset District.

A World Traveler Finds Her Home Base

Since her first, fateful visit as a teenager on a community service mission, Britt-Marie has been driven by her love for the culture and the people of Tibet, and she has found ways to return to the country ever since that initial trip. Over the years, Britt-Marie visited again and again, exploring the country’s culture, learning Tibetan, researching Tibetan spiritual traditions, and finally falling irrevocably in love with regional Tibetan fiber traditions. A life’s passion was born. 

From left to right: a feathery Zanzibar Gem, glossy Rubber Plant, and stunning Red Congo.

Much has come to pass since those early years, from a decade-long career in philanthropy to the ultimate adventure, motherhood! But Britt-Marie’s love of Tibet, and of sustainable fiber practices, has been a constant and her San Francisco based, globally-minded company, Love Fest Fibers, carries her passion worldwide, offering small-batch, sustainably harvested yarn and fiber goods from Nepal, Tibet and the West Coast of the US. 

From The Mission To The Sunset

Prior to the pandemic, Britt-Marie tells us, she and her family were living in a studio in the Mission District. Space was a challenge, and with the new normal of spending most time at home, they quickly learned that their little brood was outgrowing that space. So they did what so many of us have done during the past couple years: they moved! From the admittedly cramped bustle of the Mission to a charming new home in the Sunset District, Britt-Marie suddenly had the space to go wild, and room for her eclectic decor and textile art to breathe. 

Love Is In The Details

Colorful texture and playful decor make the perfect kids’ room!

Is there anything more inspiring than feasting your eyes on the decor of a world traveler? We think not and Britt-Marie’s home proves us right! Every object has a story, from a lovingly hand-hewn wooden bench from Tibet (estimated to be over three hundred years old!) to the canopy in her daughter’s room, repurposed from the altar crafted for Britt-Marie’s wedding by Oakland-based fiber artist Meghan Shimek.  

Sky-High Foliage And A Fab Fiddle

From feathery Zanzibar Gems to a gorgeous Red Congo Philodendron, greenery reigns supreme in this house and it’s the perfect complement to a collection of furniture and decor that’s both precious and functional. The piece de resistance, though, is unquestionably Britt-Marie’s towering Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, standing at well over eight feet tall (and brushing the ceiling)! The living greenery is itself an ongoing project: “Most of our plants have been with us for years. There's one in particular that I've had since I was in college—that means it's been with me for well over two decades!”

A sky-high Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree leans into the light.

A Dose Of Green Goodness

“Beautiful plants are like great artwork to me, I love what they add to a space.”

— Britt-Marie Alm

Attuned to the natural world, Britt-Marie’s home incorporates the palette and poetry of nature with a stunning array of living plants. “Plants feel like part of the family to me,” Britt-Marie says, “and they help create that sense of home in a space. I love returning back to them at the end of a long day, seeing how they grow and change over time, and watching them thrive when they find just the right corner in our house.”

The overall feeling of this eclectic, lively home is one of peace, invigoration and creativity. And we think there’s a lesson here for all of us: if you follow your inclinations, your passions and your heart, you can’t go wrong.

Britt-Marie’s Plant Picks: Red Congo, Zanzibar Gem, Rubber Plant, Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, Kentia Palm.

Photo Courtesy Orchid Digest

The U.S. has no shortage of beautiful outdoor spaces, but for a dose of tranquility and inspiration (not to mention a dreamy picnic spot!), we think that botanical gardens offer a truly special experience.

Because they’re frequently located in urban areas, botanical gardens are able to make the full spectrum of nature’s beauty accessible and offer us a glimpse into environments we might otherwise never see. (Where else but at a botanical garden could you find a desert landscape of cacti and succulents, and a water garden complete with lotuses and turtles!) Additionally, many botanical gardens in the US have put extra care into physical accessibility, which means that these outdoors spaces can be enjoyed by people with limited mobility- and that level of accessibility can be hard to come by in other public spaces and preserves, where paths are often less well-tended and accessibility-friendly landscape architecture is less common.

We’ve rounded up the very best of the best big botanical gardens in the US for this list. But if these far-flung locations are a bit outside your stomping ground, you still have a tremendous bouquet of options! There are so many local gardens across our country, both big and small, and all can offer a wonderful way to spend a day in contemplation and wonder with family and friends.

Photo Courtesy Visit Pasadena

1. Huntington Library- Pasadena, CA

A fine art museum, research institution and botanical garden, the Huntington Library is not to be missed if you find yourself in Los Angeles County. Featuring 120 acres of landscaped gardens, as well as a substantial collection of 17th to mid-20th century European and American art, The Huntington may well be the jewel in the crown of Pasadena, itself a city beloved for its abundant historical architecture and cultural institutions. Don’t miss the Huntington’s Amorphophallus titanum, or Corpse Flower, an enormous, carnivorous plant with a Jurassic appearance and, yes, an unforgettably funky odor!

2. San Francisco Botanical Garden- San Francisco, CA

Located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Botanical Garden is renowned for its variety of beautifully curated gardens, from its tremendous Ancient Plant Garden to its Moon Viewing Garden, which features Japanese stone pagodas and enchanting pools. The San Francisco Botanical Garden is equally beloved for its events, including the Flower Piano series, a yearly event in which piano concerts are held al fresco in the Garden’s verdant groves.

Photo Courtesy photospydie

3. Missouri Botanical Garden- St. Louis, MO

With over 4,800 living trees and 89 acres of gardens, The Missouri Botanical Garden is unforgettable to all who visit. Featuring an Ottoman Garden, Chinese Garden and a thriving rainforest of tropical plants within the Climatron Conservatory, this botanical garden is one of the nation’s largest. Its Japanese Garden alone spans over 14 acres, and with cultural days, plant shows and seed sales all on the calendar, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers an abundance of horticultural experiences year-round.

Photo Courtesy Atlanta Botanical Garden

4. Atlanta Botanical Garden- Atlanta, GA

In the heart of Atlanta’s Midtown lies the Atlanta Botanical Garden. There are 30 acres of outdoor gardens to enjoy, including the iconic Storza Woods, which spans ten acres and features sculptural installations by Dale Chihuly. The Atlanta Botanical Garden has been dazzling visitors and fostering horticultural research since 1973, and is home to The Southeastern Center for Conservation, which works with partner institutions to foster habitat restoration, biodiversity research and more.

Photo Courtesy Experience Columbus

5. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens- Columbus, OH

Founded in 1993, the grounds of the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens encompass the historical John D. Wolfe Palm House, constructed in 1895. If you haven’t yet visited, we guarantee you’ve never seen anything quite like the John D. Wolfe Palm House: a massive, Victorian glass greenhouse which is home to 43 species of palms. The Palm House also features a Ficus lyrata, or Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, that was planted around the time the house itself was erected. That’s right, a Fiddle from Victorian times! In case you’re wondering: yes, it’s massive, brushing the ceilings of the sky-high greenhouse itself!

Photo Courtesy Trekearth

6. ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden- Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque’s BioPark is itself a tremendous achievement, featuring a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden and a beach with fishing ponds containing trout and catfish. Clearly, there’s something for everyone! But we’re preoccupied by its exceptional botanical garden, which spans 52 acres and features a 10,000 square foot glass conservatory, a Japanese garden and a 10 acre heritage farm.

Photo Courtesy United States Botanic Garden

7. United States Botanic Garden, Washington DC

The United States Botanical Garden is the stuff of legend: it’s the oldest continuously operating public garden in the country, with construction dating back to the 1830s. The garden has seen various iterations of development since then, and now features a Primeval Garden, Hawaiian Garden, an Orchid Garden with over 5,000 specimens, and more. Its iconic, glass-clad greenhouse was built in 1933 and contains almost 29,000 square feet of growing space. The United States Botanic Garden’s National Garden is something that we can all be proud of: a three-acre array of plants endemic to the mid-Atlantic, featuring a Rose Garden and the First Ladies Water Garden, adorned with gorgeous tile fountains and dedicated to- you guessed it- America’s First Ladies!

Photo Courtesy New York Botanical Garden

8. New York Botanical Garden, New York NY

Located in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden was founded in 1891 on the northern half of Bronx Park, alongside the Bronx River, rocky gorges and 50 acres of old-growth American forest. At 250 acres, the New York Botanical Garden is the country’s largest, and it’s chock-full of diverse landscapes and gardens. Among the standouts are its Orchid Collection, located in the Conservatory’s Rainforest Galleries, an expansive conifer arboretum, and the Cherry Collection, which features over 200 flowering cherry trees, with blossoms in shades of pink and white.

Photo Courtesy Chicago Botanic Garden

9. Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe IL

Since 1965, the Chicago Botanic Garden has charmed visitors with its ample gardens, situated along six miles of lakeside coastline. It features a 17 acre Japanese Garden containing three islands, a renowned bonsai collection, and a sensory garden, cultivated to showcase plants that engage our senses of smell and touch as well as sight. (Tasting the plants might be taking it a little too far.) The six miles of coastline set the Chicago Botanic Garden apart as one of the most aesthetically beautiful and horticulturally diverse public gardens: the lake, and the six islands it contains, are home to an array of plant varieties you simply won’t see anywhere else.

Photo courtesy Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

10. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables FL

Constructed in the 1930s, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is the stuff green dreams are made of. This Miami wonder features a tropical flower garden, a collection of water gardens cultivated within 11 lakes and seven pools, breathtaking waterfalls and so much more. Floridians are renowned for loving their plants, and the moist environment enjoyed by the Fairchild (along with its passionate staff of horticulturalists) means that the tropical plants you’ll discover here are among the most gorgeous in the world. Don’t miss the Butterfly Garden or the frankly mind-blowing Jewels of the Caribbean exhibit, which features 7,000 plant species exclusively found on the Caribbean islands.

So there you have it- ten of the most breathtaking botanical gardens that the U.S. has to offer! Are you putting these on your to-do list? We know we are- what better way to explore the country than to visit its most vibrant and gorgeous public spaces?

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Bohemian spaces are at their best with ample, vibrant greenery. Stylings by @theweekendmixologist

The bohemian look never goes out of style, but it does evolve. And so do you! Luckily, there are plenty of directions to explore when our hearts are set on a bohemian aesthetic. Whether you’re inclined toward a neutral, earthy palette or a rich array of vibrant color, your design dreams are in reach. The one thing that successful bohemian spaces can’t do without? You guessed it: plants. Vibrant, living plants are a mainstay of bohemian decor, and it’s easy to see why: they’re lush, sculptural, and bursting with life. But not every bohemian abode calls for the same leafy greenery, and we’ve curated an array of perfect plants for your pad. Read on to discover enchanting curtains of trailing foliage, palms that brings the vibe of a permanent vacation, and even more leafy options to sparkle in your bohemian space.

schefflera TREE

Luxe, bohemian style doesn’t have to be high-maintenance. With flexible light requirements and a decidedly easy-going watering routine, The Schefflera Tree, or Umbrella Plant, is the definition of a shoo-in. This bountiful statement tree features an iconic canopy of fluttering foliage and is an age-old favorite of the feng shui tradition, legendary for bestowing good fortune, fulfillment and prosperity to its owner by capturing positive chi in its umbrella-shaped fronds. And there’s even more good news: the Schefflera is also a scientifically proven, potent air purifier that converts carbon monoxide to oxygen while removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air.

Bird Of Paradise

If you’re looking to emulate paradise in your space, the Bird of Paradise is a great way to go about it! These gorgeous statement plants feature enormous foliage, renowned for its bright coloration and trademark feathery splits and frays. Birds of Paradise can grow exceptionally large, but you might be surprised to learn that they’re among the most low-maintenance plants available for indoor spaces. Their needs are simple: direct sunlight (as much as possible!) and occasional light watering, exclusively when their topsoil is dry.

Dracaena Lisa

Towering statement plants are a trademark of bohemian style, and the Dracaena Lisa is emblematic of luxury and abundance. But it gets even better: these sultry beauties are also low-maintenance and genuinely easy to care for. Like a carefree friend that’s always happy to come along for the ride, the Dracaena Lisa is laid-back and flexible. Tolerant of varied light, Dracaena Lisas seem to thrive effortlessly, and require water only sparingly, when their topsoil is dry to the touch. With a tall and slender structure, their deep, emerald foliage makes the Dracaena Lisa an instantly mysterious, rich focal point. 

Zanzibar Gem

Dreamy texture: the Zanzibar Gem is an ideal plant variety for bohemian spaces, with long, slim wands of luscious foliage. Available in a wide variety of sizes, Zanzibar Gems evoke a tropical aesthetic and can thrive even in very low light. They’re a great plant from corner or hallway placement, and can maintain beautiful health where many other plants cannot. If you need a gorgeous plant that is just as content to dance in the shadows as it is to bask in light, the Zanzibar Gem is it.

Ficus Audrey Tree

For greenery that defines elegance and nuance, the coveted Ficus Audrey the gold standard. Serene and romantic, the Ficus Audrey Tree features a graceful, slim trunk and a canopy of delicate, spade-shaped foliage.The Ficus Audrey Tree requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive, and is native to India and Pakistan. Also known as the Banyan Tree, rumor has it that Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating beneath a Ficus Audrey. And if that makes you picture a towering tree, you’d be right! The Ficus Audrey can grow quickly with appropriate care, and have been known to even exceed 100 feet in height in the wild.

Pink Rubber Tree

Color is key to a bohemian look, whether your palette consists of rich sands and grays or is awash in waves of vibrant hues. (We think both approaches are stunning!) Pink Rubber Trees add a gentle splash of rosy tones with variegated foliage in shades of strawberry and jade. Perfect for adding intrigue to sunny spaces, the Pink Rubber Tree brings a natural, elegant ombre coloration to any room, and its pink tones will deepen and brighten with steady light. 

Dracaena Compacta

A laddered canopy of foliage is a wonderful way to inject your space with dimension and sculptural appeal. Enter the Dracaena Compacta: a gorgeous, easy-care statement plant with multiple slender trunks crowned with lush pom-poms of jewel-like, emerald foliage. Because of their slim structure and laddered formation, Dracaena Compactas are ideal for corner placement. They thrive in medium light and require little attention to flourish, needing water only when their topsoil is dry to the touch. 

monstera deliciosa

The Monstera Deliciosa defines wild beauty with sculptural, textured foliage, and is prized for its ability to grow abundantly. This large Philodendron variety is low maintenance and adaptable to medium light. If you’re looking for a cheerful and energetic burst of color, the Monstera Deliciosa hits the spot. Just gazing at a Monstera is sure to boost your mood, and watching them grow is a wonder. Enchanted by the vents and splits and their leaves? You can get even more by placing your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot. Water sparingly and your Monstera will reward you with generous (even rapid!) growth.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Possibly the most downright envied statement tree on the scene, the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree is a seamless addition to luxurious, bohemian spaces. With large, violin-shaped leaves and a tall, slender trunk, the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree is a breathtaking tree for owners with some plant experience. Fiddles require a light touch to thrive and should not be overwatered, but once you familiarize yourself with your tree’s needs, the reward cannot be overstated. A Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree’s sprawling canopy of gorgeous foliage, aglow in afternoon light, is a sight you won’t soon forget.

ponytail palm

If your environment is blessed with a super-bright spot (maybe where your cat’s always napping, or where your cacti soak up the sun) then congratulations! You’ve identified the perfect place for a charming and energetic new Ponytail Palm. These lushly textured floor plants are from the Agave family, so you know what they want: plenty of light and very little water! Their thick trunks hold moisture, so Ponytail Palms are truly a plant you can set and forget. They typically need water every two weeks or less. 

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