You would think there’s only so much to learn about living with tropical house plants yet Caro Langton and Rose Ray—the two designers behind the London-based, botanical themed brand Ro Co—have transformed what could be a dry subject (no pun intended) into a beautifully shot and inspiring guide with their debut book House of Plants: Living with Succulents, Air Plants and Cacti.
Photography Erika Raxworthy courtesy of Frances Lincoln.
Above: The authors originally met at university before starting out as a print designer and set designer respectively. But their mutual love of plants brought them back together when they began selling macramé planters, ceramic pots, and terrariums from a market stall on Broadway market in East London. Since then the pair have opened their own store in Tufnell Park as well as running workshops and a busy sideline in styling.
Above: The book is dotted with inspirational interior shots including the Victorian house and conservatory on the edge of Hampstead Heath that originally belonged to Caro’s grandmother and has become the Ro Co HQ. The house, which was packed with inherited plants and a library of gardening books, was, it turns out, key to Caro and Rose’s carving out their new horticultural careers.
Above: Throughout the book are DIY projects with instructions on how to make terrariums, coir and concrete planters, hanging gardens, macramé ,and Nordic “himmeli.”
Just like garden plants, your house plants all have different needs. The authors provide a plant-by-plant guide to the perfect conditions divided into typical areas of each home, from shady windows to sun-filled living spaces.
The book begins with an instructional section covering each type of plant, with general care and tips on watering, light levels, pruning, and possible problems and diseases. But practical advice is dotted throughout covering everything from potting mediums to propagation.
Above: House of Plants is £16.59 at Amazon UK.
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation