Who's hungry? We're checking in with the food geniuses at WOODHOUSE Vegan, located in Italian Village. Their plant-filled restaurant is owned and operated by a talented team of ladies who produce an array of amazing plant based dishes that will please any palate. Enjoy!
How many plants do you have in your business? (Take a guess!)
50+ during the winter, close to 100 during the summer with the addition of our patio. In-house right now we have about 75.
How have you acquired your plants (purchases? gifts? employee cast-offs?)
All of the above! Local purchases, online monthly subscriptions, thoughtful gifts, propagation exchanges, etc. We also take in sick or dying plants (that are not obviously diseased - gosh darn mealy bugs - massive quantities of neem oil on hand at all times) and try and give 'em one last go before a funeral is scheduled.
What prompted you to include plants in your space?
Because: In Plants We Trust! We are literally fueled by plants in every way - physically, spiritually, visually, mentally. Our mom always had indoor + outdoor plants and gardens growing up, so it was a no brainer to include them in our plant-based space.
Who takes care of your plants? Do you have a plant-parent on your staff?
Cara + Nicole, the owners of WOODHOUSE vegan take care of all the plants. They individually own well over 100 plants that are proudly reside in their homes. Our plant knowledge comes from decades of growing up with plant loving parents, along with the consistent effort (sometimes struggle, let's be real) to keep all types of plants thriving.
How do your clients, customers, or guests respond to your plant collection?
People are surprised at the sheer amount of plants that we fit in our tiny space. They often comment about how vibrant and fresh our café feels, being surrounded by living green. It's also created some beautiful conversations on how they can better care for their houseplants and often introduces them to some interesting plants they've never seen before. We have a "free propagation" jar that is full of succulents + cacti - available for customers to take as they please to help their plant habits flourish.
What's your favorite thing/s about having plants in your business?
Working inside all day can leave you feeling deprived - having plants inside brings in life and freshness so you don't feel so stale and stuck within four walls. Plants move with the flow of the day, they bloom + die, they get sick sometimes, some are more temperamental than others....kinda like us humans. It puts life into perspective. PLUS! Have you ever basked under a grow light in the depths of winter?! It's glorious.
Anything else you want to share about the intersection of plants and your business? Got any favorite plants in your space?
Plants give you life! During patio season we love our palms, bird of paradise + dracaenas! They dance in the wind. We also grow a small herb, tomato, pepper garden in the summer on our patio. We've got a soft spot for Calatheas - so finicky, kinda like us. Pothos are eye catching and work well in low lit areas so we can fill every corner and ledge with green, AND they are kind enough to give you a heads up when they're thirsty.