Real Plants, Real People: The Weekend Mixologist
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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.

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.

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.


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8 Plant-Themed Activities To Do With (Or Without!) Kids
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In the mood for some fun plant-related activities to do with kids? We tapped into our resident super mom, Léon & George France operations manager, and creative craft project extraordinaire, Angèle, for some inspiration and ideas she’s either tested out or are on her list to try with her daughter at home.

According to Angèle, you don’t need to be a Pinterest expert, nor do you need special materials beyond what you might find around the house. Above all, she says, “keep things simple, let nature inspire, and voilà! You’ve got activities to keep your kids curious for weeks!” Read on for a handful of different plant-related activities to do at home with (or without!) children.

Build a (paper) cactus garden

Having a cactus in the house is probably not a reality for most parents with young children. But a cactus that doesn’t stick?! These adorable paper cacti are not only fun to make but look great on any shelf (and need even less care than real ones!).

Angèle’s daughter, Michelle, watering her sprouted sunflower seeds.

Angèle’s daughter, Michelle, watering her sprouted sunflower seeds.

Sprout seedlings

A classic tried and true home experiment, starting a seedling project with seeds or beans takes almost no time yet will fill subsequent days and weeks with wonder as your kids check in with their mini gardens (I have my daughter document their progress each day with a drawing!).

Construct origami plants and flowers

For older school-age children (and us adults!), making origami is not only a fun way to pass the time but also incredibly therapeutic. I’ll admit there are some relatively complicated patterns out there, but for the difficult ones I have my daughter decorate the paper and I construct. A few of my favorites are the plant seedling, lavender flowers, and Elephant’s Ear.

Make simple macrame hanging planters

Have some rope or yarn lying around the house? This simple pattern for a macrame hanging planter is a unique way to let your kids display their favorite indoor plants with something they made on their own.

Start a cutting collection

Propagating plants is incredibly simple and a very fun, interactive way for children to learn about how plants grow. Make an experiment of it by taking cuttings from various different plants and watching what happens next.

This paper sprouts! Tutorial + photo by alphamom.com

This paper sprouts! Tutorial + photo by alphamom.com

Make plantable paper

We all know that the best projects are the messiest ones. Let your kids enjoy the truly hands-on nature of making their own plantable paper—and then use it to send letters to all their loved ones!

Start a cutting collection

Propagating plants is incredibly simple and a very fun, interactive way for children to learn about how plants grow. Make an experiment of it by taking cuttings from various different plants and watching what happens next.

Press flowers for bookmarks

Another classic activity with plants, teach your children the beauty of pressing and conserving flowers, and use them to make an art project like a bookmark or a letter.

Practice still life drawing with plants

The basics of still life drawing are accessible to children of all ages. Use the plants around your home to inspire a quiet drawing session (and play the Léon & George Sounds of Nature playlist to really set the mood while you do it!).

What are your favorite activities to do with plants and children? Let us know in the comments!


Meet Angèle

Angèle is the Operations Manager of Léon & George France, and has been helping bring plants and people together in France, Belgium and Luxembourg since 2018. Follow Léon & George Europe on Instagram!

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5 Ways To Pamper Your Plants
Photo by @marta_bart

Photo by @marta_bart

The latest in plant care tips for keeping your foliage happy and healthy, brought to you by premium plant delivery service Léon & George.

We have a secret to share when it comes to giving your plants a little extra TLC every once in a while: they are not the only ones who enjoy it! As we enter a new month, spend an extra therapeutic hour or so pampering your plant(s):

  1. Give them a bath. Plants love to have a big drink every once in a while. Take your plant out of its decorative pot and place in the bathtub, shower, sink, or outdoor area. Water to your heart's delight! Let it drain, or even consider letting it sit in a few inches of water before draining and placing back in its pot.

  2. Shine their leaves. Using a damp cloth (or a spray bottle with water), gently dust your plant's leaves. This not only makes your plant look nicer, but it helps it soak in light more easily, too!

  3. Aerate their soil. Who doesn't love a bit of fresh air? Use a chopstick to loosen up the soil and give your plant a bit of extra breathing room.

  4. Trim excess growth. Put those plant styling skills to work and trim off any excess growth. Cut at a 45 degree angle to help with future growth and don’t over prune! Leave at least 70-80% of your plant’s growth intact as to not shock your plant. Your plant will look just like the day you got it -- brand new!

  5. Clean up browning edges. Trim your plants’ leaves but be sure to still leave a thin sliver of brown at the tip. This will avoid opening a fresh wound in your plants’ leaf. Browning at the leaf’s edge is usually a result of overwatering, so consider our watering tips if this is a reoccurring issue for you.

Who doesn’t love a little pampering? Get to work and both you and your plants will reap the benefits!

 

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5 Creative Ways To Use Plant Leaves As Decor
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Taking cuttings from our houseplants isn’t just for propagation purposes. Plant leaves also make wonderful accents, last for ages, and instantly add a dash of style to any corner or surface they adorn. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose the foliage after pruning!

Wondering how to take a cutting? There is no secret. Simply snip off a stem of your plant several inches below the leaf or at the base and place in water. Many plants will easily sprout roots on their own, and will stay “fresh” in their water for months if not years. Some plants (bulbs, for example, like Elephant’s Ears) will be more like flowers in the sense that will need to be replaced more frequently.

Because this is such an easy and simple way to get more from our leafy housemates, we asked our plant stylists for a few tips on how to get creative with plant cuttings and leaves. All you need is a pair of scissors and a vessel of sorts (think vase, bottle, or simple kitchen glass) to bring instant, no-mess greenery to your home! Read on for our tips on using plant cuttings as decor.

Go big and bold

Want to make a bold statement with just one leaf? Take a leaf from a big-leafed beauty like a Bird of Paradise or Monstera Deliciosa. Use it either as a centerpiece for a table or place on a side table as an easy accent.

An Elephant's Ear leaf makes a big statement in this modern dining area. Photo: West Elm

An Elephant's Ear leaf makes a big statement in this modern dining area. Photo: West Elm

Use them as wall art

Walls looking a little bare? Consider making your own vertical garden with plant cuttings! And if a living wall seems a bit ambitious, start simple with three simple wall vases or propagation stations on a smaller surface area.

Propagation stations as wall decor! Photo: Margaret Wright

Propagation stations as wall decor! Photo: Margaret Wright

Double up

While single leaves look gorgeous in their simplicity, there’s no reason why you can’t put multiple pieces in one glass for a fuller or richer effect. You can even mix up different textures to make a type of plant cutting bouquet!

Two is better than one, right? Two Monstera leaves complete this cozy corner. Photo: Cash VanBuskirk

Two is better than one, right? Two Monstera leaves complete this cozy corner. Photo: Cash VanBuskirk

Add some color

Make your greens pop with a bit of color. Consider styling a Monstera leaf with florals (the flowers you may need to refresh after a few days, but the leaf will last for ages!), or accessorize with something like these Anywhere Vases that make any vessel an instant modern vase.

We love these colorful Anywhere Vases that make any vessel the perfect vase. Photo: Poketo

We love these colorful Anywhere Vases that make any vessel the perfect vase. Photo: Poketo

Decorate a sill

Unless they’re tiny, most indoor plants won’t fit on typical windowsills, but you know what will? Cuttings! Add some charm to a bathroom or kitchen windowsill with a simple cutting in your favorite glass or recycled bottle.

The perfect accent for a kitchen or bathroom windowsill. Photo: Margaret Wright

The perfect accent for a kitchen or bathroom windowsill. Photo: Margaret Wright

How are you styling plant cuttings and leaves in your home? Share your look with us on Instagram by tagging @leonandgeorge!

 

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Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

Stay At Home (With Your Plants)
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We’re glad you’re here! Please note that we are updating this page daily to reflect current processing and shipping timelines.

Since day one, it has been our mission at Léon & George to help bring plants and people together more easily and more often, and at no other time has this mission mattered more to us than now. 

As we navigate uncertain times, we have made and continue to make updates to our service:

  • Processing times and shipping updates: For all shipping orders, our processing time is currently 3-5 business days, and once your plant ships, it may take anywhere from 2-5 days to arrive to you. Please note that delivery services such as UPS and USPS are currently experiencing delays due to extremely high volume, and this may add a day or two to your wait time. Don’t worry, we packaged your plant with a lot of love and it will be just fine on its journey!

  • Contactless delivery: we are currently offering contactless delivery for extra large plants in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California. Choose your delivery date and time at check out, and our team will deliver your plants to your front door. 

  • Virtual chat: our live chat system is activated and we’re here  to answer any questions you may have, whether it be about processing times or plant selection.

  • Social distancing and sanitation: we have taken every precaution necessary as recommended by the CDC to ensure the safety of our employees and customers, including staggering order fulfillment shifts and fully sanitizing our workspaces daily.

On behalf of small businesses everywhere, each order, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you so much for your support!

To good health and staying indoors,

The team at Léon & George

10 Botanical Wallpapers That Bring The Outdoors In
The Kentia Palm pairs well with ultra lush botanical wallpaper. Photo by @theweekendmixologist, wallpaper from Etsy.

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

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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.

 
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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.

 
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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.

 
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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.

 
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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.

 
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plants on pink

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

 
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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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Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

7 Spring Care Tips For Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf fig spring care

A post by resident plant expert Claire Akin of the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource.

Spring is an exciting time for plant owners! Even if you aren’t planting outdoor gardens or flower beds, spring often promises lots of gorgeous new growth in our houseplants, and Fiddle Leaf Figs are no exception! 

Fiddles are tropical plants, so they are capable of growing year-round, but many fiddle owners report incredible growth spurts in the spring. This is also a great time to do a little “spring cleaning” with your fiddle to prepare for another year of healthy growth. 

For fiddle owners, spring is also a time of relief because it usually brings increased temperature, light, and humidity, which these plants love! 

So how can we care for your Fiddle Leaf Fig in the spring to ensure the most healthy growth possible? Here are some of our favorite tips. 

7 Spring Care Tips for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

1. Repot

Fiddle Leaf Figs usually need to be repotted every two years, and spring is a great time to do this because weather conditions can help your tree recover from potential root shock. 

Warmer temperatures also mean it’s possible to repot your fiddle outside, which is especially helpful if your tree is large! 

If your fiddle is ready for an upgrade, find a pot with drainage that’s 2-3” bigger than your fiddle’s root ball (but no larger). Make sure to use a fast-draining soil like cactus mix or our Premium Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil.

Note: Don’t fertilize your fiddle for a month after repotting because the roots are extra vulnerable right now. You don’t want chemical burns on your roots or leaves!

The spring is a time for lots of new growth!

The spring is a time for lots of new growth!

2. Prune

If your fiddle’s leaves are getting crowded or if the lower leaves are drooping, now’s a great time to remove them

Simply use a sharp, clean knife or pair of pruning shears to remove those leaves. Make sure not to remove more than 10% of your fiddle’s leaves at once to avoid shock. 

Bonus tip: If you prune any healthy leaves or branches, you can propagate them! Dip the cut end in some rooting hormone and put it in a glass of water so it can grow roots. Change the water every day and plant in soil when the roots are 1” long. 

3. Clean your fiddle’s leaves

Your fiddle might appreciate a little spring cleaning! Dust and dirt on your plant’s leaves doesn’t just look bad, it can also clog pores and interfere with both photosynthesis and respiration, so it’s important to keep the leaves nice and clean. 

To clean, use a hose, give your plant a shower, or spray it down with lukewarm water in a spray bottle before gently wiping the leaves with a cloth. 

We suggest using our Leaf Amor spray, which helps you clean the leaves and also protects leaves from insects, bacteria, and fungus as well as dust and debris. 

4. Adjust your watering routine

You’ve probably gotten used to watering less over the winter when the temperatures were cooler, but now that things are heating up, make sure to play close attention to your fiddle’s soil.

Use a moisture meter to monitor your plant’s root ball and note how long it takes the soil to dry out. You may find that your plant wants a little more water as the temperatures rise. 

5. Fertilize

If you haven’t been fertilizing your Fiddle Leaf Fig, now is a great time to start.

Fertilizer is like a multivitamin for your plant and provides the nutrients necessary to support stem and leaf growth, as well as beautiful, glossy green color! 

Make sure to find a 3-1-2 NPK liquid fertilizer and follow the directions on the bottle. Be careful to follow the recommended fertilizing schedule. 
I can never remember to fertilize on a schedule, so I just use Fiddle Leaf Fig Food, which is gentle enough to use with every watering. I just add a little to my watering can whenever I water my fiddles, and my plants love it! 

The gorgeous Fiddle Leaf Fig thrives best in bright indirect light. As spring approaches, adjust your plant’s positioning to avoid direct sunlight.

The gorgeous Fiddle Leaf Fig thrives best in bright indirect light. As spring approaches, adjust your plant’s positioning to avoid direct sunlight.

6. Adjust your light

In the spring, the angle of the sun’s light changes, so make sure to keep an eye on the kind of light your fiddle is getting. If the sun is now shining directly on your plant’s leaves, you may want to move it a few inches to avoid direct sunlight that could scorch your plant. 

7. Branch out

Spring is also a great time to encourage your fiddle to grow some new branches! If you’d like new branches on your fiddle, you can try notching or pinching. 

If you want the tree to branch from the top, try pinching: Grab some pruning shears, find the newest growth on the top of the tree, and snip that growth off. (Watch out for the sap!) You should see new branches beginning to form within 2-3 weeks. 

If you want your tree to branch further down the trunk, try notching: find where you want a branch, locate the nearest node, and use a sharp knife to make a ⅛” cut in the trunk. Wipe the sap away with a towel. 

Notching has about a 50/50 success rate, but if it works, you’ll see new branch buds within a few weeks! 

A caveat: don’t make too many changes at once. 

Spring is a fantastic time to step up your Fiddle Leaf Fig care and take advantage of growth spurts, but remember, fiddles don’t like too much change at once. In order words, don’t repot, prune, notch, and fertilize all in one day! 

Wait at least a few weeks between major procedures like this so your tree can recover. And remember to focus on the basics first: light, water, fertilizer, and climate. 

You’ll have the most gorgeous fiddle around! 


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About Claire

Claire Akin is a Fiddle Leaf Fig lover and created the Fiddle Leaf Fig Resource to share what she's learned about growing healthy and vibrant plants. She even created her own fertilizer specific to the needs of Fiddles! Learn all you'll ever need to know about these gorgeous plants at fiddleleaffigplant.com

 

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March Reading List
Photo: Caren Alpert for Dwell.

Photo: Caren Alpert for Dwell.

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


Deep cleaning, fresh air, and color. Spring is nature’s form of inspiration, and we’re going to let it inspire! This March we’re spending our time discovering impressive women in the design world, pondering new accent hues for spring, and talking about the style that will never go out of style—mid-century modern. Spring has us inspired, and we hope you feel inspired, too.

  1. Women make the (art) world go round

    In light of International Women’s Day, we loved learning about these inspiring female designers from Wescover. From furniture designers to muralists to fiber artists, there is so much female talent to discover (and support!).

  2. Pausing with plants for better health

    New Yorker Brittany Gowan knows a thing or two about mindfulness and the impact nature can have on our wellbeing. Combining her love of plants with a background in executive coaching and psychology, she created Pause With Plants in an effort to help other city-dwellers like herself connect to the natural world. Read about her project in an exclusive interview here.

  3. What do indigo, lavender, and cornflower blue have in common?

    There’s no time like spring to make some decor updates. Start to get inspired with this round-up of super specific spring color trends in Domino Mag, fielded from 21 different designers surfacing surprising colors like dusty purple and mint.

  4. Mid-Century Paint Colors

    While we’re on the topic of colors, we’ve been talking all things mid-century this month and found much delight in these colors that really do nail the MCM look. So if dusty purple and mint are not for you, try golden yellow or tangerine.

  5. Minimalist collaborations

    Any home renovation junkies out there? Whether or not you’re a big fan of this line of entertainment, one thing is for sure: the new collaboration between Crate & Barrel and Leanne Ford (Restored by the Fords) is total eye candy, especially for those of us who lean towards a minimalist aesthetic.

 

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Using Nature To Reduce Stress, With Brittany Gowan Of Pause With Plants
Brittany Gowan leads mindfulness workshops Pause With Plants.

Brittany Gowan leads mindfulness workshops Pause With Plants.

It’s no secret that plants are good for us. But what happens when we are truly cognizant of their powerful effects?

Brittany Gowan, founder of Pause With Plants, might have the answer. Combining both her passion for greenery (see her Instagram @IHaveThisThingWithUrbanJungles) and a background in psychology and executive coaching, she leads mindfulness, movement, and meditative practices that connect us to nature. We asked her a few questions about Pause With Plants, why greenery is so important for our wellbeing, and how we can lower our levels of stress with the help of our leafy friends.


What are the origins of Pause with Plants? Where did you come up with the idea?

As a long-time New Yorker I attribute my love of, and longevity in, city life to the intentional daily practice of connecting with the natural world. In the rush of the busy city, I take time to "pause" with nature as a way to practice self-care and focus on my well-being. In 2018, I gave this practice a name and founded Pause with Plants to connect people with the natural world, elevate personal well-being and encourage collective environmental action. My work is centered around the belief that we all can breathe in nature and breathe out stress.

“My work is centered around the belief that we all can breathe in nature and breathe out stress,” explains Gowan.

“My work is centered around the belief that we all can breathe in nature and breathe out stress,” explains Gowan.

Where do the worlds of nature and psychology intersect?

Nature and psychology meet at many intersections. Psychology studies how our minds work and how our behavior is influenced by people, situations and environments. To be well in mind and body, it helps to interact with natural environments. Exposure to nature is proven to have significant psychological benefits, supporting positive self-awareness and mental health. The more we draw parallels between nature and psychology and teach what specifically happens when we connect with greenery, the more people will activity seek out nature to support their mental and physical health.

Why is it important to incorporate nature into our daily routines?

By incorporating plants and nature into daily life we gain the opportunity to stay connected to the calming qualities of the natural world in all settings. Being in the presence of greenery serves as a powerful wellness tool, helping to relieve stress and anxiety, boost our mood and increase positivity.

Bringing plants into our homes and tending to their needs so they can grow and thrive can translate into increased gratitude, compassion and serve as a rewarding act of self-care.

Mindfulness has essentially become mainstream over the last few years. What is your definition of mindfulness, and why is it important to practice?

I define mindfulness as in the moment, non-judgmental awareness. Through the conscious act of mindfulness, we can see ourselves, others, settings and situations more clearly and respond more thoughtfully. Awakening our senses and focusing our intention to stay in the present can benefit our mental, physical and emotional well-being.

“As a long-time New Yorker I attribute my love of, and longevity in, city life to the intentional daily practice of connecting with the natural world.”

“As a long-time New Yorker I attribute my love of, and longevity in, city life to the intentional daily practice of connecting with the natural world.”

What are some tips you have for keeping our stress levels down at work?

We can get in a routine of taking shallow breaths, not fully breathing in and letting it go slowly out. I encourage the people I work with to practice intentional deep breathing while focusing on being in the present moment. Not ruminating about the past or what is yet to come. While you breathe, bring to mind a natural scene or if you have plants or nature in view, focus your gaze on greenery during this exercise. The daily practice of breathing for stress management is a great way to increase calm and the mind/body connection. 

I also teach the value of movement and the importance of stepping away from your desk for a quick walk outside and engaging in whatever nature is available. Also, doing some light stretching is a great way to reconnect with yourself, align your mind and body, and release stress.

You do a lot of corporate workshops. What does one of these typical workshops look like? 

A Pause with Plants workshop typically runs 1-hour and is interactive, experiential and collaborative. Employees learn and practice the Pause with Plants Method to breathe in nature and breathe out stress. Through exercises to connect, move and meditate, these workshops provide tools for sustainable nature-centered stress management and well-being.  

Research from my Applied / I-O Psychology Msc and NYU Professional Coaching Certification and experiences in mindfulness exercises, teaching and team building are woven into each Pause with Plants workshop.

You’re also the human behind @IHaveThisThingWithUrbanJungles. What spurred the start that project?

@IHaveThisThingWithUrbanJungles started in 2017 out of my love for plants and nature in urban settings, and connecting nature to wellness. I really enjoy sharing my favorite nature-in-the-city spots with all the plant people on Instagram. I also wanted to share other people's nature photos to celebrate our online community, as well as inspiring collective environmental awareness through the words in my post captions.

Any notable urban jungles you’ve discovered along the way?

I'm partial to all the unique pieces of nature that make up our urban jungle of New York City, especially the West Village but I also love where nature and city life combine in cities like Rome, Paris and Istanbul.


About Brittany

Brittany Gowan is a nature girl in an urban world and the founder of Pause with Plants. The mission of Pause with Plants is to teach and empower all people to integrate nature-focused self-care and wellness into their lives. Though accessible mindfulness, movement and meditative practices that connect us to the Earth, Pause with Plants elevates healthy living and inspires collective environmental action.

Brittany's Instagram accounts @Ihavethisthingwithurbanjungles and @PausewithPlants, combine her background in athletic and executive coaching, MSc psychology and mindfulness practices to show how to stay in the moment with the natural world.

 

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5 Popular Houseplants Of Mid-Century Modern Decor
What were some of the most popular houseplants during the rise of mid century modern style?

Houseplants have a long history, but it wasn’t until the 20th century did owning them really become mainstream. And given both the beauty they bring to any space and the functionality with their many benefits, it is no surprise that they were and continue to be popular additions to mid-century modern decor.

The Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Plants

Wondering what some of the most popular plants during mid-century modern times were? Whether you’re looking for inspiration or to truly mimic the look, read on to find out some of the most typical mid-century modern plants to add to your home!

The dracaena compacta

The architectural shape of Dragon Trees works well with the mix of natural and geometric shapes we often see in mid-century decor. The Dracaena Compacta is a perfect leafy addition for modern versions of this look.

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The zanzibar gem

Plants with deep green hues were popular in mid-century modern homes, and the Zanzibar Gem is no exception! It’s also great for low-light areas and as an accent plant in different sizes.

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The monstera deliciosa

With its iconic split leaves, the Monstera Deliciosa is easily one of the most recognizable retro plants around. This plant is the perfect choice for creating more of a jungle vibe and are often “trained” to grow upright with the help of a stake.

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The fiddle leaf fig

Should we be surprised that the most popular plant today was also quite popular during the height of mid-century modern? With its soft yet sculptural shape, this plant nicely accentuates this type of decor.

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Bird of Paradise

Let’s be real: the Bird of Paradise flatters any decor. While mid-century tends to be on the more minimal side, the love of lush makes the Bird of Paradise a perfect fit!

Shop now →

 

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Red Congos And Their Dropping Leaves
Red congo loosing leaves? Here’s our theory why.

The latest in plant care tips for keeping your foliage happy and healthy, brought to you by premium plant delivery service Léon & George.

Red Congos are easy care plants that require little to no maintenance to thrive! Simply a bit of light, water, and love is all it takes to enjoy this gorgeous philodendron for years and years to come.

That said, there are some things the Red Congo simply will not tolerate, and one of them is cold temperatures. Belonging to the philodendron family, this plant’s native environment is warm and humid, and it prefers similar conditions indoors: think a comfortable room temperature between 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit. Much colder than this and the plant will quickly start showing signs of distress, often times in the form of dropping the stems that grow from its main stalk.

If your Red Congo is beginning to mysteriously drop leaves, check to make sure the plant’s environment is warm enough for it to feel comfortable. As always, a plant’s distress could be caused by many different things, and troubleshooting its environment and care is the only way to truly know what works best for your plant! For more information and troubleshooting tips, read our full guide on how to care for the Red Congo.

 

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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

Mid-Century Ceramics: Behind The Design
The Zanzibar Gem in our white mid -century ceramic with an optional wood stand.

The Zanzibar Gem in our white mid -century ceramic with an optional wood stand.

Getting to Know Our Mid-Century Ceramics

When we started Léon & George, we knew we wanted to offer not just beautiful plants, but also beautifully designed vessels as well. But finding the perfect ceramic pot was not easy. We didn’t want something that just looked good. We wanted something that would last, too— high quality, durable, and stylish enough to stand the test of time. We believe that truly great design encompasses form and function, and what we found was that many ceramic planters fail to meet both.

That’s why we decided to take things into our own hands, partnering with LBE Design to create something that met each and every one of our standards, and with that our mid-century ceramics were born. Crafted with high-fired stoneware that is both durable and 100% waterproof, our handmade mid-century ceramics are modeled after vintage designs and made to stand the test of time. We use sustainably sourced wood for our stands and reduce their environmental impact with a non-VOC natural oil finish.

Our mid-century ceramics are 100% handmade, using high-fired stoneware and sustainably sourced reclaimed wood.

Our mid-century ceramics are 100% handmade, using high-fired stoneware and sustainably sourced reclaimed wood.

A perfectly-designed pot = a happy and healthy plant.

We strive to set our plants (and customers!) up for success. We don’t want our plants to just look good— they need to feel good, too. That means our 100% waterproof ceramics are designed to fit most grow pots, allowing us to “stage” plants inside them and thus set them up for optimal health. The plant not only has sufficient room to breathe in its grow pot, but it’s also raised up inside, reducing the risk of overwatering.

Inside their decorative mid-century ceramics, our plants live in their nursery pots, allowing for better control over moisture levels, optimal root health, and easy repotting (when the time comes!). Illustration by Kailie Barnes

Inside their decorative mid-century ceramics, our plants live in their nursery pots, allowing for better control over moisture levels, optimal root health, and easy repotting (when the time comes!). Illustration by Kailie Barnes

A partnership with a purpose.

Building a socially and environmentally sustainable business is core to our values. It drives our choice to work with makers who care deeply about the materials they use and the people they employ. With LBE Design, we traveled the world to find the best partners in ceramics and wood working. We visited multiple factories, met with artisans and managers, and ultimately built relationships with the partners that aligned most with our desire for quality and opportunity for each and every employee. From the nurseries where our plants grow to the natural wood finish of each stand, our plant sets are truly made with love by mother nature and humankind. 

Our mid-century ceramics and plant stands are available for purchase here, and can be shipped nationwide!

 

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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com