Folha Plant Shop: an eden in the city

“Gardening is the greatest tonic and therapy a human being can have. Even if you have only a tiny piece of earth, you can create something beautiful, which we all have a great need for.” — Audrey Hepburn

Going back to our roots

Have you ever wondered why a stroll in the park or a hike through the forest gives us a sense of calm? It’s this fundamental interconnectivity between people and nature that the inspiring plant shop, Folha, strives to maintain and nurture. 

Folha’s owners, Sandy Michell and Michelle Viljoen, believe that nature holds the key to their aesthetic and mission in satisfying the growing trend towards seeking out indoor plants. Translated as ‘leaf’ in Portuguese, the interiors of Folha have been designed as an oasis of comfort and calm utilising contemporary design. Often described as an ‘eden in the city’, Folha offers a literal breath of fresh air, nestled between the bustling streets of Cape Town.

The best of both worlds: international and local plants come together

Sandy and Michelle bring their 35 years of experience in the gardening and plant industry to Folha’s retail experience. Folha not only provides an oasis of local plants but also stocks plants from all over the world. They cater to all interests and needs with a focus on rare, speciality and large specimens. 

They work hard to build international relationships in order to source the best and most desirable indoor plants. Folha also aims to promote a close co-operative relationship within the ever-growing local plant community. They do this by creating meaningful relationships with local plant specialists and styling traders. This means you could have a combination of local and exotic plants in stylish, limited edition decor living right on your apartment floor or office desk. 

Read more: Sealand Gear: turning yacht sails into responsible sales

Fohla also specialises in sourcing locally and internationally made products (their collection of pots is drool-worthy!) and furniture to complement the abundance of lush greenery.

From seedlings to green thumbs 

Folha aims to educate and inspire everyone in their plant journey; from fresh beginners to green-thumbed experts. They do this with their amazing variety of plants and expert sales staff. Folha is the perfect place to find those rare plants that have been on your wishlist – and then get inspired to display them in a novel way. 

Their mission is to show the practical considerations of caring for plants while also working with amazing local artists and designers. Folha understands that gardening can often be intimidating which is why they offer a very useful repotting service and always supply amazing quality soil for your plants, so you know your plant babies have been looked after before you bring them home. With their extensive range of plants, beautiful displays, and expert staff, you are bound to find your very own green friend (or two) to care for and nurture.

Folha provides a one-of-a-kind environment that is both stimulating and a balm to the senses. After walking among the collage of greenery and beautifully crafted pots and decor you can’t help but bring home your own slice of paradise. The open-plan layout allows for the flexible and creative display of seasonal plants, pots, gardening tools, outdoor furniture, display vessels and books – in short, an inspired new retail concept that effortlessly marries people, nature, architecture and design.   

Plant lovers can find Folha at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market held every Saturday or Sunday at their lush ‘roots and mortar’ Folha Plant Shop in the De Waterkant. 

If you’d like to share your business’ SnapScan story with us, please get in touch at stories@snapscan.co.za.