Grind

Greenwich

Leaf Envy

Whilst working for online houseplant retailer Leaf Envy I began a relationship with the London coffee institution Grind. Their large restaurant and bar site in Greenwich had suffered many plant casualties following the pandemic and was in desperate need of an overhaul and injection of new greenery……I of course, was determined to remedy their botanical issues.

This space was particularly challenging for several reasons - hot spots around the open-plan kitchen, concealed air conditioning and heating vents where planters needed to sit, high level ledges above bars and tables that prove difficult to access, dark areas with little natural light and high traffic outdoor space. The planting scheme had to be resilient, drought tolerant and even replica plants were required in some areas.

Below you can see how I overcame these hurdles to create a cohesive and contemporary scheme that matched the feel of the Grind brand and interior.

Existing troughs were revived and new plants were added to fill any gaps.
New floor standing plants like this Ficus were added to seating areas to soften the space.
Almost empty troughs above the bar area were completely overhauled and replanted with brand new trailing houseplants that would survive the environment of the space.
Existing shrubs in outdoor planters were underplanted with Ferns, Grasses and Ivy.
Another bar area was completely replanted and species that would thrive in the natural light of the space were selected.
A potted Ficus creates a divide at the end of a seating area.
A Scindapsus pictus and the iconic Grind coffee cup.
A refreshed and replanted concrete planter behind the bench seats. Philodenron, Monstera and Rhaphidophora combine to create a lush jungle feel.
Existing outdoor planters outside the cafe bar were replanted and added some much needed greenery to a stark area.
In a darker, over table space, replica plants were used to soften the architecture.
The hot and dry area above the kitchen bar was replanted with houseplants that would cope in the conditions with regular care.
Larger statement plants like this Kentia palm were used to soften the space and add height and drama.
Even the reception area had it's own mixed plant container to divide the two spaces.
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XL Hanging bowls of Scindapsus, Rhipsalis and Hoya help to screen the seating areas.
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Contact Me:

If you have a restaurant, bar or café space similar to Grind that is in need of a houseplant overhaul or just need some character and homely touches of greenery, get in touch with me below!

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