Creake Abbey Plant Lover’s Day in aid of The Old Cottage Hospital with garden experts on hand to give advice

A day for plant lovers will be taking place in the grounds of Creake Abbey tomorrow.

Plant Lovers’ Day will feature sumptuous houseplants at the annual gardening event from 10am– 4pm.

It will welcome an increased number of nurseries specialising in succulents, ferns and cacti, as well as beautiful locally-made pottery.

These specialists will feature alongside more traditional garden plant nurseries that the event has become so well-known for.

Since the pandemic, and the increase in working from home, houseplants have taken on new meaning and purpose.

The psychological benefits of indoor plants have been shown as improving mood, reducing stress levels, increasing productivity and improved attention span.

Houseplants such as the Spider Plant and English or common ivy can improve indoor air purity by absorbing airborne pollutants .

People buy on average four house plants a month, versus an average of two houseplants per month and stated that they bought a plant to bring nature into their homes, and that they owned plants because they improve their mood.

Holly White of Ilex Alba, a houseplant specialist and newcomer to this year’s event said: “This is the trend I’ve been seeing.”

“My most frequent buyers are aged between 15 and 30.

“They are inspired by what they’ve seen on social media platforms and want to buy a specific plant, such as the popular Swiss cheese plant to achieve exactly the same look.

“I often have to explain that the much sought-after gaps in the Monstera’s leaves only come as the plant matures, so they have to be patient.”

“It’s so exciting to see this younger demographic really enjoying their plants.

‘It is essential that we seize this current trend and encourage the younger generation to appreciate the huge benefits of plants and gardening for your general wellbeing.

“I sell all my individual cacti and succulents for under £10 ll accessible price points. and my succulent wreaths are now £14 each.

“Provided they have adequate light, the wreaths have the potential to live well over a year so they make fantastic presents, although many of my customers are simply treating themselves.”

For further information contact 07801 418907.