A Natter with Nook Houseplants
It’s been a busy few years for Plymouth-based bezzies Becca and Nieve. But the best is yet to come…
Remember [shudder] Lockdown? I know, I know, you’d rather not. But now we’ve all had a bit of space to reflect on that weird, sometimes terrifying, period, dare I suggest that some positives actually emerged from such a life-changing event?
In fact, somewhere, in a lush green, Atlantis-like Plymouth paradise, GREAT THINGS HAPPENED.
Nook Houseplants happened.
It was during this time that owners and friends Becca Langsford and Nieve Perry finally had the chance to sit down, plan and bring to life something they’d been having snatched conversations about in the pub for the past couple of years. “If we didn’t lockdown, Nook would probably never have happened”, says Becca.
“We’d have been too busy working, Nieve’s a mum and an art teacher, I had two tours booked [Becca’s a musician, as well as a mental health counsellor], you know how it is, life would have just carried on”.
Instead, in the space of just months, the vague concept of an online venture selling houseplants accelerated from a pair of green-fingered mates propagating at home, to a weekly sell-out delivery service all over the city and beyond.
Then came an actual, bricks-and-mortar shop.
From small, yet mighty beginnings on Plymouth’s Barbican, the ladies have more recently found their space along the city’s indie enclave, Ebrington Street. It’s here that you’ll find them, like happy little caterpillars, tending to the enticing curation of plants that’s won them an army of fans this past few years. What a treat for the city.
The pair seem genuinely surprised at their success so far, but I’d say it’s got something to do with their ethos of being available to all: “houseplants can quickly become a bit elitist”, says Becca, “but we reckon if somebody wants to buy a houseplant for five or six quid, they should be able to”.
And that’s exactly the drill. Whether you’re already hooked on houseplants or a novice with The Fear of failing to care for your new green friend, Nook works for everyone with a penchant for plants. You have a little nosey at all the leafy goodness and pick whatever catches your eye, for your budget.
The stock changes weekly, so if you become addicted to plants, a concept like this is catnip.
Next, and before you commit to adoption, you can read the little hand-written description and easy-to-decipher care guide. “We don’t want people to feel nervous and some plants do need some more care, so we want to be upfront – there’s no fun in spending twenty quid without the knowledge”, say Becca and Nieve.
No, that’s not fun, but I’ll tell you what is: being able to fully pick their brains in person, now there’s a shop that we can visit; these girls really do know and love their plants and it’s infectious, actually.
But the best, brand-new news of all?
With the space next door recently coming free, we are in for a treat. Because any day now, Nook 2.0 is coming: a Houseplant Cafe! It’s a no-brainer, really and I can’t wait to pay a visit for a dose of caffeine, with a side of calathea. I’d wish them luck in this latest chapter in their venture, but I have a feeling these two will totally ace it. You only have to take a look at the workshops and events in the pipeline to know that Becca and Nieve are fizzing with ideas to make the most of their space. Autumn going into winter looks set to be all about getting cosy and creative, from festive wreaths to ceramic tree decorations and mini terrarium gifts.
There’s something quite hopeful about seeing a brand go from strength-to-strength and, literally, grow. But team Nook remains floored at how it’s all taken off. “We’re massively surprised, we’ve had so many messages of local support and we really feel part of the Plymouth community. Social media has definitely played a huge part [that’s how I discovered them]; we encourage people to take pics of our plants in their new homes and tag us. People write things like ‘this has made my day’ – the nicest thing is seeing how happy it makes people!”
Want in on the fun? Live local?
Go show your support and pay this leafy jungle a visit.
I bet you don’t leave empty-handed…