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House plants don’t have to be complicated! In fact, they shouldn’t be.

Emma Terrell, owner of the Urban Botanist, an Ottawa-based company specializing in urban greenery, has built a successful business helping people find the right plants for their life and home, and teaching them how to care for them, too.

In addition to an incredible collection of for-sale plants, the Urban Botanist offers virtual terrarium workshops, online consultations, and other great services, both locally and to clients throughout North America.

“Urban Botanist began out of a sincere desire to engage with nature in an urban environment,” Terrell explained. “Plants are for everyone and work in every home, big or small.”

Urban Botanist will be at the Ottawa Fall Home Show at the EY Centre, October 28 to 31. Terrell is bringing a selection of plants and other products for purchase and will be leading live demonstrations to teach event guests valuable skills, like pruning, watering, and re-potting.

In the meantime, she was happy to share her top reasons to add plants to every home today. Check them out! 

The Urban Botanist’s Top Reasons to Bring Plants into Your Home

Mindful horticulture is a healthy habit. Caring for plants is a great way to be present in the moment and slow down during a busy day. “Plant care, if put into your day, can help you take a minute for yourself while you tend to your plants,” explains Terrell. “In a lot of ways, plant care is self-care.”

Plants breathe life into a space – literally. Plants add colour, lushness, and texture to any space. Plus, they are stylish and can enhance the overall décor of a home. Looking to soften a corner, fill an empty space, or brighten a room? Add plants!

Plants help detoxify the air. Nature knows what it is doing. Plants are known to help de-toxify the air and can help remove chemical offsets. Great for homes and offices alike, plants can reduce allergens and remove negative ions, as well as VOCs, benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia, from homes.

Horticulture is an all-season hobby. Even in chilly Ottawa, horticulture is not a two-season activity. In fact, caring for indoor house plants is a habit that can – and should -- be enjoyed all year round. “As we head into the tougher winter months,” says Terrell, “Starting off your day with a green-thumb activity can help set a great tone.”

Never fear! There IS a plant for all spaces. The Urban Botanist offers a wide variety of detoxifying house plants for beginner and advanced growers, suitable for any space. From tiny apartments to huge houses, with low light, bright light, or indirect light -- the perfect plant is out there, and it will breathe life into your home.

The Urban Botanist’s Top Reasons to Bring Plants into Your Home

• Mindful horticulture is a healthy habit. Caring for plants is a great way to be present in the moment and slow down during a busy day. “Plant care, if put into your day, can help you take a minute for yourself while you tend to your plants,” explains Terrell. “In a lot of ways, plant care is self-care.”

• Plants breathe life into a space – literally. Plants add colour, lushness, and texture to any space. Plus, they are stylish and can enhance the overall décor of a home. Looking to soften a corner, fill an empty space, or brighten a room? Add plants!

• Plants help detoxify the air. Nature knows what it is doing. Plants are known to help de-toxify the air and can help remove chemical offsets. Great for homes and offices alike, plants can reduce allergens and remove negative ions, as well as VOCs, benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia, from homes.

• Horticulture is an all-season hobby. Even in chilly Ottawa, horticulture is not a two-season activity. In fact, caring for indoor house plants is a habit that can – and should -- be enjoyed all year round. “As we head into the tougher winter months,” says Terrell, “Starting off your day with a green-thumb activity can help set a great tone.”

Never fear! There IS a plant for all spaces. The Urban Botanist offers a wide variety of detoxifying house plants for beginner and advanced growers, suitable for any space. From tiny apartments to huge houses, with low light, bright light, or indirect light -- the perfect plant is out there, and it will breathe life into your home.

Find the Urban Botanist at the 2021 Ottawa Fall Home Show. In addition to their booth and live demonstrations, they are also the proud sponsor of the Urban Botanists’ Rotating Local Market, a mini market that features some of Ottawa's femme-powered creative and up-and-coming small businesses and artists. New to the show this year, guests will be able to find a variety of hand-crafted ceramics, pots, house plants and décor, rare finds, pre-loved baby apparel and accessories, and so much more at the market. Don’t miss it!