& Co – Online Rare Plant Community
Sean Gatenby found a love of photography after starting a house plant collection a few years ago.
“I really wanted cats but I live by the bush and like to travel a lot so getting a cat felt irresponsible,” says plant collector Sean Gatenby “So I filled that void with nurturing something else, which just happened to be houseplants.”
Sean has curated a collection of 40 plants in around two years after a housewarming gift became a hobby. As he gestures around his plant-laden flat, he describes the way the collection spiraled “I was like ‘oh, another one’ until it turned into this!”
Between propagating, watering, repotting, fertilizing, arranging, and photographing his plants, this newfound hobby keeps him busy, spending many hours a week in his greenhouse. Through his love of plants, he also found a love of photography.
Practicing and perfecting his photography has led him to a crisp and minimalist style showcasing the lush colours and textures of the different plants around his home with a macro lens – especially large leaf philodendrons.
Sean started an Instagram page because, while he really enjoyed taking photos of plants, he realised his partner and parents probably didn’t share his enthusiasm quite as avidly. On Instagram, however, his images have attracted people that are really interested in his plants and who are keen to share advice, collect or trade.
Each plant has its own unique way of growing, some climbing the walls, others crawling and trailing. The part of having indoor houseplants that brings Sean the most joy is watching them grow and their leaves unfurl. He finds philodendrons especially interesting as they only get one new leaf a month. He says “each time a new leaf is coming out, it’s more exciting than other plants because you have to wait for it to unfurl to see if it is going to be big and what it’s going to look like, rather than getting new little leaves all at once. I like the anticipation of it”.
Finding a creative outlet in plants has been a great way of finding peace and mindfulness for Sean, especially taking the time to nurture something, and be rewarded for that love with big, beautiful leaves.
The flip side is that he has found his hobby can be quite overwhelming sometimes and it can be stressful looking after so many different plants with different needs. This has led him to slow down his collecting.
“I needed to refine my collection, I haven’t brought a new plant in so long because I love all the ones I have and I want to focus on nurturing them and making them the best plants that they can be, as opposed to swamping my house”.
Filling the cat-shaped hole in his life with plants has given Sean many opportunities. Starting with the small monstera gift three years ago, his plant collecting has helped him create an aesthetically pleasing home, develop his creative skills, make friendships and earn money.
Along the way, he has learned to become more mindful and present.
It’s amazing what can grow from one small pot.
