The Design
The Greens are an environmentally aware couple who prioritized sustainability in their wedding planning. They chose to use houseplants, which can be reused afterwards, instead of flowers that are often disposed of the next day.
The design shows us that - on a day when every choice is important, and sometimes even painstaking - we don't need to choose between sustainability and elegant design.
The plants in the design have been selected because they symbolise aspects of a successful and long-lasting marriage. Ferns represent sincerity and new beginnings, peace lilies signify tranquility and balance, and pilea pepperomioides are for wealth and prosperity.
The average wedding produces about 180kg of waste.
Sustainability
The wedding industry faces significant sustainability challenges, epitomising single-use living and over-consumption. So, when designer and houseplant enthusiast - Emma - was planning her own wedding, she wanted to challenge this. She put indoor plants at the heart of the design, replacing disposable floral arrangements and decorations for plants rented from a local plant shop that were rented again or sold on after the event.
Emma's show garden design demonstrates that sustainability can still be at the forefront of a formal and elegant wedding. It champions the idea of ‘using what we already have’, bringing houseplants – that often sit in the background of our homes – squarely into the foreground.
Where possible, all furniture, tableware, and non-plant decorations has been sourced through either second hand purchase or rental to ensure sustainability and minimise waste. Items have also been sourced locally to further reduce the design’s carbon footprint.
The Plants
All the plants included symbolise aspects of a successful and long-lasting marriage.
Boston Fern
nephrolepis exaltata
Ferns have long since been associated with various meanings across cultures. In Victorian England, they symbolised sincerity. In New Zealand, they represent new beginnings, while in Japan, they stand for hope. Their rich symbolism makes ferns a beautiful choice for conveying deep sentiments.
Peace Lily
spathiphyllym wallisii
The peace lily is a beautiful symbol of peace and tranquility. According to the Chinese art of feng shui, it has the unique ability to cleanse the energy of a room, promoting a harmonious atmosphere. This elegant plant not only enhances your decor but also contributes to a serene and balanced environment.
Chinese Money Plant
pilea peperomioides
Pilea peperomioides symbolises wealth and financial gain. Additionally, it represents friendship and affection, as its ability to be easily propagated allows for sharing with loved ones. Giving cuttings not only strengthens bonds but also fosters a sense of attachment and connection.
About the Designer
My name is Emma Angold, but you may know me better as Good Growing.
I started collecting houseplants in 2018 after moving to London, where I
missed being so closely surrounded by nature. I now live with 200+ houseplants, my rescued cat, and my husband in a small London flat.
For the last 5 years, I’ve been sharing the ups and downs of my urban-jungle journey on social media as Good Growing, aiming to help others successfully care for their plants, regardless of knowledge or past experience.
With support from
Contact me
For enquiries or to discuss renting houseplants for your upcoming event, please feel free to contact us. We are here to turn your sustainable event dreams into reality!