The Dreamers #102 - With Botanica Lane

July 25, 2024

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Written by

July 25, 2024

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Written by

Welcome to Botanica Lane, a lush green oasis nestled in the Sutherland Shire. This family-owned nursery is more than just a place to buy plants, it is a vibrant hub for the plant-loving community.

WELCOME TO THE DREAMERS.

COME INSIDE THE HOMES OF EVERYDAY FAMILIES AND BUSINESS OWNERS DOING LIFE THEIR WAY.

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Hey, Botanica Lane team – the Banabae tribe are very familiar with your faces. Could you formally introduce yourselves?

My name is Kat. Kurt is not here; he runs his own business. These are our kids, Kip, Leon, and A.J. We also have Gabbie and Mitchell. And Mom, or Mum, as some would say.

Could you share your business story with us?

It all started when I received a message on Instagram on 16 January 2021. The shop was started by a talented, passionate, gorgeous crew - shout out to Chrissie, Johnny and Dave. They are landscape architects who are well-known in the industry for site design and what used to be known as Botanica Lane Horticulture. They reached out while I was a Store Manager at Flower Power Taren Point. Covid was still a thing in 2021, so I was hired to manage the tiny team, which had only opened in August 2020.

Plants and gardens sales skyrocketed during Covid. We were able to get super creative and started live sales, where we would log on to social media and explain to people who joined in the benefits and care requirements of certain plants. Heaps would sign on just to learn about new tips and tricks of taking care of species, and some loved the sales so much they made it a weekend weekly event where they would log on and have their wine ready and just have fun discussing plants with fellow garden enthusiasts. We truly started gaining lots of attention online as a garden club rather than just a garden nursery.

You studied horticulture. Can you tell us what’s involved in that?

Yes, because of Covid and before Botanica Lane, I was constantly educating myself on platforms and garden clubs to figure out the latest growing trend, so when the world slowed down, I made sure to ramp up my knowledge on plants and dirt. I was taught by some great teachers at Padstow TAFE, a gorgeous campus with knowledgeable staff. Thanks to Tony and Stephen, who diligently taught me the importance of soil (most important, by the way), pruning techniques, the difference between fertilisers, composting, propagating, and my favourite, how to handle the gardening tools. They even had us on the ride on lawnmowers and how to properly dispose of chemicals. It is such an excellent course for anyone slightly interested in gardens!

Do you have any tips for fostering a love of gardening and nature with kids?

Let them play with dirt. Let the kids get muddy and wet—DIRTY. Let them explore with their little hands the different textures of rocks and twigs. Let them smell the different types of earth and flowers. Nature connection is natural. Kids are washable. We need to protect their curiosity and natural connection with Earth at all costs.

What’s it like juggling family life and running a business? Do the kids get involved?

The juggle is real. The kids are heavily involved; our third was almost born within the nursery, haha. We don’t have much family here; my entire family is overseas, and we only have our gorgeous Mom, Cathy, who helps with the kids AND the shop. Safe to say, Kurt and I have always thoroughly believed in ‘Carpe Diem’, and the kids have just always grown up knowing we live fully each day. Whether in chaos or calm. At least they are surrounded by nature when they come to work with me, and Kurt is teaching them building skills when they go onsite with him as a builder.

Any tips for plant care in winter? What is your favourite variety of winter plants?

Winter is a beautiful season that reminds us to truly slow down. It’s the time to clean up the garden that was or to clean up and start preparing for the garden of your dreams. It’s a great time to start sowing little seeds indoors or get into indoor plants. Indoor plants are so much more than just ‘pretty’. There is a huge beneficial science to them that helps aid us in our health and nervous systems.

Where can people find you?

People can find me on Instagram @botanica_lane or Facebook. Email me as I have my phone nearby. Kurt is always laughing at me, knowing that if I am messaging at 7pm, it’s probably someone’s roses or hedge that needs aiding. It truly is such a passion project for me. I want everyone to get amongst the garden. It’s therapeutic, beyond tranquil. I don’t want people to find the magic behind the garden ONLY when we retire; that’s just too late. There is so much to unfold. We need to get everyone planting roots now more than ever with our world warming up.

What are your favourite Banabae pieces?

Oh, man! That’s the toughest question! The first thing that comes to mind is the Banabae bags. My goodness, they are so practical. Also, I really love the socks—they are so cosy. Obviously, the rad dad t-shirts—Kurt lives in them, and I always steal them. The cutest earthy colour palettes—everything just works! Banabae is just a closet staple.

Shop Kat's family favourites:

Good Sport Organic Cotton Tee - Kids - AUD $49.00

Rad Mama Heavy Fleece Crew Jumper - Ecru - AUD $149.00

Corduroy Sliced Convertible Backpack- Adults

Rad Kid Tonal Long Sleeve Tee - White - AUD $59.95

Corduroy Spliced Convertible Backpack Adults - AUD $159.00

Rad Dad Tee - Tan - AUD $59.95

Rad Dad Organic Cotton Crew Sock Pack - Mens Natural And Brown - AUD $49.00

From humble beginnings, as a family-owned business, our team of landscape architects and horticulturalists bring our plant knowledge online for a convenient shopping experience.

Visit botanicalane.com.au

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The Dreamers #102 - With Botanica Lane

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