A NATURE-loving couple decided to turn the dreary Covid-19 lockdown into something bright and beautiful by changing their careers and opening their own specialist plant shop.

Dan and Emma Bruce were always long standing indoor plant enthusiasts and collectors of rare and mainstream plants.

But furnishing their own home in Leigh with rare Cacti and terrariums was as far as it went.

That was until the lockdown hit and they both decided to reassess their lives and careers.

The couple started selling plants online and they soon found customers were so keen on buying their green stock that fast forward 18 months and the pair now have their own store- Leafy, based in Leigh.

“We both had a history in web development and Digital PR and so together, during the lockdown, we created an online store that provided rare and everyday plants, terrariums, Cacti, Bonsai, and luxe gifting,” said Emma, aged 33.

“ Soon, what was meant to be a side project, enveloped our home and it was clear that Leafy had evolved into its own entity and needed its own dedicated space.”

Dan, 30, added: “Online sales were consistently growing, and the Leafy fan base was building momentum.

“Soon, ‘plant parents’ from across several generations were messaging us for advice, to source specific orders and even provide subscriptions.

“As lockdown lifted we had two choices- we could close Leafy as it was getting bigger or we could give it the space it deserved. This is when we found a home for the store in London Road, Leigh.”

Emma added: “When determining where to open the first Leafy store, Leigh- on- Sea was always our first choice. The area is thriving, and the plant community is booming.

“We have welcomed so many different generations into the store and the plant knowledge of customers is astounding.”

Some of the plants sold by the couple are very rare and unique.

Dan said: “We love the fact that we are now pretty much known for being able to obtain the rarest of plants to the everyday plants. Some visitors of the store pop in solely to take pictures of our plants and chat, we love it!”

“The Parlour Palm is a definite best seller. Our pots also fly out the door as we have a real fab selection.

“Another best seller is The Black Velvet. This sits within our semi-precious rare collection and it never sits on the shelves for long. We have people coming from all over Essex and London to see them up close and to purchase them.”

There’s no doubt that the lockdown helped people re-connect with nature. Could that be the reason why the store is seeing such success?

“Pre-lockdown, we were all time poor,” said Emma.

“Not only did lockdown give us the time to learn new things but also the opportunity to evaluate what is important to us.

“ We certainly craved nature and worked to bring it into our homes. Plus, research has proven that being in the presence of plants lowers blood pressure, increases serotonin and reduces stress levels – something that was much needed in lockdown.”

www.leafyplants.co.uk