Words Deven Wilson | Photos Baptiste Despois

Helping Green Thumbs Bloom

From generations of green-thumbed women, Plant Party’s owner, Keri Anderson, has rooted herself in “Springdale” as more than a simple plant pusher.

“Working as a florist, I realized how much waste and how many chemicals are involved. So I wanted to do a different, cleaner concept.” Keri elaborates, “That’s how I got started with the terrariums because its design pieces with plants.” This dip into the living design is how she expanded into fleshing out terrariums for several Whole Foods stores across Texas and found herself drawn to teaching others how to enjoy the soothing practice.

Eventually, she’d have visitors clamoring to trek down south to the bottom of Manchaca Road for her plant parties. “I was surprised that people drove all the way out there. But they did!” Keri exclaims. After three years, she moved the party to East 11th and, seven years later, fatefully found her current modern open-aired space on Springdale Road.

Upon entering Plant Party, guests can sense how Keri effortlessly breathes out an air of disarming hospitality that aligns with the calming effects of the cornucopia of tropical greenery. From top to bottom, there is an exotic and exciting vegetative friend eagerly awaiting a new steward to foster them, vertical pockets filled with fantastic locally made knick knacks to add a touch of gift to the plant shop. While other plant shopping experiences might end at the door, Keri prides herself in ensuring that even the most novice plant owner leaves feeling confident to level up their indoor gardening skills.

Offering house plant calls, Keri can virtually walk customers through their homes showing them where they can place new plants. Guests can even send in photos to help problem solve plant issues, and for anyone living in Austin proper, she can even visit in person.

“I really want people to be inspired and connected with nature,” Keri smiles.“That’s my goal.” Whether it’s by getting their hands playfully dirty at the variety of terrarium-building parties hosted at the shop or virtually after a customer’s newly delivered plant arrives, Keri maintains a rooted relationship with anyone looking to make their space greener.

Native Knowledge
Think all that’s needed to know to take care of a new plant is on that tag? Think again! “Many times, plants you buy will be from Florida or California, and their sun differs greatly from ours.” Kerri explains, “The tags usually are from the growers, and the growers don’t really know where the plant is going.” So, it’s always better to work with someone local who knows our environment inside and out to better care for any new greenery.