Hi!

I’m James Whiting, botanical designer, retailer, stylist and all round plant lover. For the last seven years, I’ve been working with tropical plants in the corporate and retail world; but last year I took a big swing and went solo. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been putting plants here, there and everywhere; so it made complete sense to unleash Plants By There and #LUSHPLANTLIFE on London and beyond!

I’ve worked in a few roles and industries over the years and all have bolstered me to start this new venture that I hope you’ll be a part of. I started out studying Garden Design in 2005 and went on to start my own small soft landscaping business. I then moved into the world of Fashion Retail management as I was craving a more fast paced work environment. As I discovered my love of retail and branding, I began studying a BA in Fashion Promotion; specialising in styling and brand creation. Graduating in 2013, I relocated from Wales to London to follow my path in fashion and worked for several luxury retailers. But, I began to crave a connection with nature and a more creative outlet. So, I circled back to work with plants again in 2017 with established interior landscapers, Indoor Garden Design. What had been a passionate hobby for years had finally became my everyday!

Working for a creative and renowned interior planting design company enabled me to work on projects of every scale and type.  I designed and sold large-scale bespoke planting schemes, created seasonal displays, styled at prestigious events, ran corporate workshops and also built and grew an online houseplant retail brand (In-Tray Plants) during a pandemic! I couldn’t have asked for more experience in this incredible industry. A huge part of my role was project management with my client list including brands such as WeWork, UBS, ITV, J.W. Marriott, Selfridges, Jo Malone, Vitra, Harvey Nichols, Bottega Veneta and Harrods.

The most exciting part of my journey was exhibiting multiple houseplant displays at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a huge dream of mine as a plant obsessed teenager! My show debut in 2018 was with Indoor Garden Design and IKEA; when I project managed and built the #PLANTSWORK exhibit which won an RHS Silver-Gilt medal. Following that, in 2021 I designed and created The Green Room in the new Houseplant Studio category, again with Indoor Garden Design for sponsors Malvern Garden Buildings - we won a Gold medal!

Following unexpected redundancy in 2021, I went on to grow the commercial installation department of an independent houseplant retailer and then became a manager and buyer for a luxury East London florist. In early 2022, the opportunity arose for me to spread my creative wings and design a Houseplant Studio for sponsors Malvern Garden Buildings at RHS Chelsea as a freelance designer…..FINALLY! The result? A Gold medal and the title of ‘Best Houseplant Studio 2021’! Planet Studio will forever be one of my favourite creations.

Following this opportunity, I was Head of Product, Development & Community a luxury houseplant start-up business. Naturally, I also designed and styled their botanical displays in the U.K. and Paris as well as creating a wealth of digital content for the brand.

In April 2023, my freelance journey began and Plants By There came to life!

Working on an array of design and build projects for commercial clients all over London, I have developed my planting design business and have a growing portfolio of corporate, retail, hospitality and private residential clients.

2024 saw me return to RHS Chelsea with a new Houseplant Studio exhibit which secured Plants By There a Gold Medal and ‘Best Houseplant Studio 2024’. My 70s inspired display Verdant Visions was a delight to create and showcase to the public and has spurred me on for an exciting journey for Plants By There in 2025 and beyond!