Why the lockdowns increased Ireland's love for houseplants

We meet Cork city houseplant pros who share tips and talk to suppliers about the growing surge of interest in greenery for our living spaces

Carol Chamilet and Michele Bertoni at Verd, 18 Washington Street, Cork. Pictures and video: Dan Linehan

At a time when online shopping has boomed and shops were shut for extended periods over the last two years, it’s a treat for home interiors enthusiasts when a new shop opens up, especially one located right on a city-centre street prompting the mindful experience of slow window shopping.

Just two months ago, Verd opened its doors on Cork’s Washington Street to sell houseplants to green-fingered folk and aspiring novice plant growers cottoning onto the trend for accessorising the home with greenery. I popped in for a nose around on a bright, chilly morning and to have a chat with the owner, but also to see if I could be tempted to join the growing trend and reintroduce greenery at home having eliminated plants — bar a thriving money tree — from my interior life after a house move.