Gabriela Holland and Andrew Walker first met by chance about 10 years ago in Barcelona, where they were both living at the time. After losing contact, they bumped into each other a year later, whilst both enrolling at Melbourne Uni. After a few more serendipitous encounters in different corners of the globe, the pair finally decided to give in to fate, and navigate the world together!  Since then they have moved back to Melbourne, started a little family, and somewhat inadvertently, also seem to have built a growing business together!  Originally launched in December 2012, Pop Plant has become a busy and rewarding operation for Gabriela and Andrew, who currently run their business from their home studio in East Melbourne.

Pop Plant originally came about when Andrew and Gabriela first moved to Melbourne after a stint living in Peru, working in film production and tending to an incredible walled garden! 'This is where our fascination with plants really took hold!' says Gabriela. When the pair moved back into a tiny one bedroom apartment in Melbourne, they found themselves craving the luscious greenery that had surrounded them in South America, and slowly began to fill their home with indoor plants. It didn't take long before they had replicated their own lush garden at home, using indoor plants.

The pair soon realised that having plants in their home not only brightened up their living space, but also made them happier and healthier.  'Plants are incredibly effective at detoxifying the air, oxygenating, reducing humidity and regulating temperature, and as a result they have significant health benefits including the reduction of respiratory issues, headaches, eye irritation, as well as increasing productivity and generally making one feel happier' says Gabriela.

Pop Plant specialises in a range of beautiful, hardy indoor plants, succulents and air plants that are practical for city living.  Gabriela and Andrew hand-craft their own concrete planters and holders, as well as string gardens, made from 100% recycled plastic and often used in vertical gardens.  There is also a hanging string garden DIY kit, so people can create their own unique indoor jungle. 'We hope to inspire urban dwellers to improve their quality of life with plants' says Gabriela.