The Leaf and Stem Co.

I have a habit of making more of the things I love than I could ever use myself.

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How a Jungle Became a Nursery

It began with crochet. I kept creating until I looked around and realized I had far more finished pieces than I needed. That led me to farmers markets and the idea of sharing what I made with other people. Eventually, the same thing happened with plants.

I have always loved learning about plants—trying ideas, testing advice, and discovering what makes each variety happy. Nothing is more exciting to me than new growth: the first roots appearing through a clear propagation cup, a tiny new leaf beginning to unfurl, or any little sign that a plant is thriving.

Before long, I had propagated more plants than I could reasonably keep. My house was becoming a jungle, my minimalist husband was trying very hard to remain patient, and nearly every suitable window was full. When winter arrived in Western North Carolina, grow lights began appearing everywhere. With tropical plants needing long hours of supplemental light, our home eventually looked a little like a carnival.

My mother had been telling me that I needed a greenhouse. I resisted that idea for quite a while—until it became obvious that she was right. Once the first greenhouse was filled, I discovered something every plant lover probably understands: no matter how much growing space you have, you can always imagine needing just a little more. The Leaf & Stem Co. began growing from there.

The Plants That Keep Me Curious

Tropical indoor plants are the heart of the nursery. Perhaps that comes from my love of sunshine, beaches, fresh air, and the atmosphere of the place where I was born—Miami, Florida. Tropical plants bring a little of that world into the mountains of Western North Carolina.

I am especially drawn to plants described as difficult, picky, or finicky. Each kind of plant has its own personality and its own little quirks. Sometimes I understand one immediately. Sometimes the learning process includes an epic failure. Either way, I want to find out what that plant needs and why.

Growing With Care—and a Sense of Humor

My approach is attentive, practical, and earth-conscious. Plants do not need expensive pots to be deeply cared for; I have grown them successfully in everything from beautiful planters to simple condiment cups with drainage holes. I create my own peat-free soilless mixes and pay close attention to where the ingredients come from. I prefer gentle, natural solutions whenever they are effective—and I have even learned to let helpful spiders scurry around the greenhouse despite being terrified of them. But spider mites, thrips, and other destructive pests are a different matter. When the health of my plants is threatened and gentler methods are not enough, I am fully prepared to bring out the insecticide and become their terminator.

It Takes a Village

The nursery also takes a village. Family members lend their hands, humor, encouragement, and whatever help they can offer. My mother remains its proudest supporter—and its unofficial greenhouse tour guide. My daughter-in-law, Erica, created the original artwork, logos, and visual touches that give The Leaf & Stem Co. its look and personality.

Grow Along With Me

The Leaf & Stem Co. is still at the beginning of its story. What started as a personal greenhouse and a growing collection is becoming something I can share more widely—but it is, and always should be, a hobby born from something I love, never simply a job. The day it begins to feel like a job is the day I close up the greenhouse and haul the whole jungle to the dumpster. As the nursery grows, I invite you to grow alongside me through the Blog & Vlog, where I will share the successes, the failures, and everything I learn between them. Some days may bring nothing but failures; on others, everything comes up peaches—or Alocasias. The dream may include another greenhouse—or two—but the joy must always remain at the center.