When purchasing plants, it's common to find them rooted in potting soil, but a new company in Flagstaff is trying to demonstrate an alternative method for growing houseplants.
R3 Toro Roots is a small business owned by Jenny Schiff that sells upcycled botanical creations. Schiff has partnered with Mountain Sports Flagstaff For the first time, she sold her products and educated those visiting the venue. first friday art walk in Historic Downtown Flagstaff.
Flagstaff is home to numerous thrift stores with a community that embraces creating from recycled and upcycled materials. R3tro Roots joined the ranks last July.
Schiff said many of the plant containers were obtained from locally owned thrift stores. cedar closet and Sharon's Attic. The name “R3tro Roots” comes from the use of upcycled materials.
“I want to recycle and use everything that is recycled as much as possible and keep the footprint as small as possible,” Schiff said.
In addition to using only vintage containers, Schiff said what makes her creations different from other plant arrangements is the way they are grown. She uses lightweight expanded clay aggregate balls (LECA). Environmentally Friendly It is a low-maintenance soil alternative.
Jenny Schiff, owner of Retro Roots, showed off her hydroponic plants in vintage mugs on display inside Mountain Sports Flagstaff during the First Friday Art Walk on Feb. 2.
Schiff grows more than 350 plants in his home. hydroponicsThis includes water-based nutrient solutions, or LECA. The main reason Schiff uses this method, she said, is because it's much safer for both the environment and the home.
peat moss It is often found in the soil to balance pH levels, but when harvested it releases carbon into the atmosphere. Herein lies the advantage of Schiff's preferred hydroponic method.
“Many soil mixes include peat moss,” Schiff says. “With LECA, you just keep your plants alive in the water and you don’t attract pests.”
LECA balls are made from clay, brick dust and waste materials. albite— A sodium-rich mineral obtained from feldspar. The special feature of LECA is that it can be washed and reused.
For agriculture and outdoor gardening, LECA is not the most cost-effective way to grow large quantities of plants. However, for indoor gardening and houseplants, it can be used as a substitute for potting soil.
Schiff said his mission is to educate shoppers interested in owning plants about lesser-known methods of growing plants.
Jenny Schiff's collection of retro roots hydroponic plants was on display inside Mountain Sports Flagstaff during the First Friday Art Walk on February 2nd.
“We will start providing [LECA soil] We support people and encourage them to do that,” Schiff said. “I think that will encourage them to give it a try.”
In addition, potting soil low nutritional value It is suitable for growing houseplants and also serves as a gathering place for insects and pests, which may be inconvenient in dorms and apartments. Schiff says LECA balls are easy to use, stain-resistant and environmentally friendly. Pests too I'm not very attracted to it For plants grown hydroponically.
Schiff said he sold his products in various markets last year to get the word out to the community.
First Friday Art Walk is a monthly event held throughout the city for artists to display their work for the community.Mountain Sports, which specializes in the sale of outdoor wear and equipment, has just opened its doors. 50th anniversary. The store has participated in the First Friday Art Walk for many years in partnership with other small businesses.
Lisa Lamberson has owned Mountain Sports for the past seven years, taking over her family's business. Lamberson said she is focused on working with other businesses in downtown Flagstaff.
“Most businesses downtown have tried to do some sort of activation or event, but the way we thought would be the most fun for us and for our customers was to invite artists into our stores,” Lamberson said. Ta.
Retro Roots owner Jenny Schiff (left) and Mountain Sports Flagstaff manager Nicole Houston (right) at Mountain Sports Flagstaff's First Friday Art Walk on February 2nd. Posing with the hydroponic plants in Schiff's display inside.
Having people like Schiff display plant arrangements and sustainable soil alternatives was new for the store, Lamberson said.
Lamberson also said that since Schiff's business is relatively new and unique due to its creativity, he sees this as an opportunity to help the business grow quickly.
“Part of what’s really important to me personally is curation and celebration of community,” Lamberson said. “I think any time you can start a new business or a long-standing business, it helps.”
She said a big part of mountain sports' mission is to promote sustainability and environmental awareness.they are part of 1% for the planet In this organization, participating companies donate 1% of all sales to protect the environment and spread environmental awareness.
Mountain Sports general manager Nicole Houston said R3tro Roots is a perfect fit for the business.
“This is the first time we are hosting R3tro Roots,” Houston said. “A lot of First Friday's artists are usually jewelry makers or potters, so it was really cool to see Jenny come in with something that would change with that.”
Mountain sports' goals of sustainability and community growth intersect with R3tro Roots' mission to educate people about sustainable plant growth.
Plants and other items for sale are on a table during a sale by R3tro Roots held Feb. 2 at Mountain Sports Flagstaff.
“Whenever someone comes to us and they have some kind of product that fits the ethos of our company, we usually welcome them in any kind of pop-up.” Mr. Houston said. “I hope to see more changes in the future.”
Schiff plans to continue selling R3tro Roots products at local events and markets in Flagstaff.
Companies like Retro Roots and Mountain Sports support eco-friendly initiatives like 1% for the Planet organizations and spread the word about sustainable alternatives to growing plants. Local businesses with ideals can find the perfect soil to flourish.
