We sit down with Tya, the owner of Wild Leaf, to gain expert insight into biophilic design and the best herbs to keep in your kitchen.
With a passion and wealth of knowledge of all things plant related, Tya enlightened us on what to consider when planning in greenery to your kitchen space. Plants and herbs not only thrive in a kitchen environment but also enhance the space with their natural beauty & fragrance.
At the heart of this approach is biophilic design – a concept that integrates nature into interior spaces to promote well-being, boost creativity, and improve air quality. Kitchens, with their natural light, warmth, and humidity, provide an ideal setting for biophilic elements, from potted herbs on countertops to cascading greenery on open shelving. By bringing nature indoors, biophilic design fosters a sense of tranquillity while making your kitchen feel more inviting and connected to the outdoors
Along with adding greenery into the space, choosing natural colours for your kitchen scheme such as greens or browns will help achieve the look and feel. Also consider using natural materials such as timbers and Stone. These will not only age well but bring organic texture to the kitchen.
I think all plants look beautiful when they’re in the right place and thriving
Here’s what Tya had to share:
Why are kitchens great for plants, and why are plants great for kitchens?
Kitchens tend to be the brightest space in the house, which makes them ideal for plants that love natural light. Plus, we spend a lot of time in our kitchens, so it’s easier to care for plants when they’re right in front of us. I certainly take better care of the plants in my kitchen compared to other rooms. There’s also the added benefit of having edible plants – like herbs, chillies, or even something more exotic right at your fingertips.
What herbs grow best in a kitchen?
If you have plenty of light, many herbs will thrive indoors all year round, or you can move them outside in the summer. Mediterranean herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary love the sun, so a south-facing spot is ideal. But others, like chervil and mint, do well in bright but indirect light. I especially love mint because you can pick it anytime for herbal tea. If you have a really sunny kitchen, you can even grow citrus, chillies, or lemongrass.
Do supermarket herbs survive if you plant them?
It depends. Some will keep growing if you repot them properly and give them the right conditions, but many are grown for short-term use, so they can struggle. If you want to grow herbs long-term, it’s best to start with healthy, well-established plants or grow from seed.
How often should plants be watered?
It depends on the plant and how much light it gets. Plants use more water when they’re in brighter spaces, so placement matters. I always advise checking plants weekly but only watering when needed. We let customers know how much the soil of each plant should dry out before watering again.
What about repotting?
Repotting is best done in spring or summer while the plant is in a growth phase. Most plants only need repotting every few years. We offer a repotting service at Wild Leaf, but we also provide a guide for those who want to do it themselves. It’s all about using the right soil and only going up one pot size.
Do you have a favourite plant?
I think all plants look beautiful when they’re in the right place and thriving. The most important thing is choosing a plant that suits its environment – if a plant isn’t happy, it won’t look good.
