Grow From Here sprouts up on Cuba

Inner-city garden store may sound like a contradiction, but upper Cuba Street now has a flourishing oasis.

Best of all, Grow From Here shares space with the Kreuzberg Summer Café, meaning you can get a cup of People’s Coffee while you browse the selection of lovely green leafy things!

Kaye, Grow From Here’s manager and co-owner, has a vision for a plant on every balcony in Wellington’s CBD. Everyone knows that more and more apartments have sprung up here over the last few years,  so why stop at a ‘green belt’?

Grow From Here has a focus on locally supplied plants and trees and they understand Wellington’s unique conditions. “We know what grows!” says Kaye, “And it’s from direct experience.” As well as being able to give tailored advice, they’ll loan you a trolley to get your purchases back home – a service which suits many of those in central Wellington who don’t own a car.

Stepping into the greenhouse, it is noticeable warmer. No wonder the shelf of cacti are doing so well! Apparently they have been big sellers, and no surprise, they are low maintenance and look super cute.

The source of the warmth is revealed by a small heater, needed in these winter months – conveniently located next to the table and chairs so that you can enjoy your coffee amongst the shrubbery. Kaye describes the cosy atmosphere created when rain falls on the glass panes of the roof and I am tempted to make a date specifically for a wet weather day.

This week there is a new addition planned. A cubbyhouse will be put into an empty corner, next to the kiddies’ sandpit, large enough to accommodate a couple of parents and their cups of tea, and the well entertained children.

I ask Kaye if she has any tips for a novice gardener, or for someone with no outdoor space. In her opinion potted herbs are the way to go. Not too much work and you can use them in your cooking.

Another simple suggestion to give your urban dwelling a bit of life is their $20 salad greens bowl. Just pick it up and take it home – everything is ready to go.

You can have that self-satisfied glow of knowing you’ve grown your own produce, without having to watch a single episode of Country Calendar!

Grow From Here are located at the very top of Cuba Street, on the corner of Webb Street.
You can also find them on Facebook and  Twitter.