A Powerful Passion For Plants

Surrounding herself with calming houseplants ensures this green-thumbed apartment-dweller is all smiles

- Angela Young

With a collection at last count of more than 150 plants, plus plenty of “babies” currently propagating in water, Rachel Smiles’ Sydney apartment is jungle-esque in its aesthetic, appropriately so for someone who goes by the Instagram handle @LushLittleJungle.

For Rachel, it’s the “instant calming” effect of being surrounded by plants in the home that provides the incentive. “I also feel like they so easily transform a place from a bare and boring space to a unique, beautiful home,” she explains. “I remember when we moved house recently-ish, and as soon as our plants were placed in the apartment, it instantly looked like home even with all the packing boxes. I also love that there’s something new to discover each day, be it a bloom, new growth, or a fresh leaf.”

Having no garden is no problem for Rachel and her partner, who not only fill their rooms with flora, but whatever outside space is available, too.