Plantsmith

Have you ever bought a plant and watered it like clockwork only to watch it die a slow, mysterious death? Liz Turner, owner and curator of Plantsmith, says overwatering is one of the biggest killers of plants.

And she should know. Turner studied a now-unavailable degree in horticulture at Melbourne University and interned at the Royal Botanic Gardens before running a garden-design consultancy for more than a decade.

Plantsmith aims to fill in knowledge gaps for the plant-purchasing layperson, keen beginners and experienced gardeners who want to learn more. You’ll leave with a new green friend and the specialised information on what to do with it once you get it home.

The name Plantsmith is a play on old trades, such as goldsmiths and blacksmiths, and speaks to the skills and craftsmanship celebrated in-store.

More than 200 varieties of indoor plants are here, carefully selected by Turner and sourced from predominantly Victorian growers, with some from NSW. She avoided going any further away to ensure climate compatibility and to support local businesses.

Ferns, cacti, succulents, palms and all manner of “unusual” plants blanket benches and tables. Terrariums chill in the window. A range of hanging plants spruce up the deliberately stark, white space, including the dynamic Rhipsalis or “jungle cactus”. Begonias and string of pearls are other favourites.

The store also sells pots by local makers and gardening tools such as secateurs, misters and gloves, which suit beginners and make great gifts.