I wasn’t always a plant person, (until I was…)

Great Grandad Bunny Ears

It all started with one bunny ears cactus.

I picked it out because I thought it was the only plant I couldn’t kill. I wasn’t a confident gardener, but something about that prickly little cactus made me want to give it a go. It sat quietly on the windowsill, soaking up the sun, and to my surprise… it thrived. Not only did it survive, it grew. And then it grew some more. Before long, I was re-potting pups and giving them away to friends and family. That one cactus? It’s now a great grandad, several generations over.

I remember, one birthday, my partner gifted me a pot plant. I remember feeling a bit taken aback—at the time, I thought that was the kind of present you gave your nana!! I didn’t say it out loud (or did I?), but I definitely didn’t get excited. Funny how things change. That plant is still with me today, repotted more times than I can count, and it’s become one of my favourites. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best gifts are the ones you don’t expect to love.

As my interest grew, so did my collection. I started gathering cuttings from friends, family, neighbours—anyone who had a plant they were willing to share. I’d come home with a little stem or leaf and try my luck. More often than not, they rooted, and I ended up with multiple plants from just one cutting. It felt like magic. And it made me realise how generous and connected the plant community can be.

I didn’t set out to become a plant person. But slowly, through trial and error, I found myself surrounded by greenery. It brought me peace, joy, and a sense of accomplishment I hadn’t expected. That’s really what Cacti and Chill is about—not just plants, but the feeling they bring. The quiet satisfaction of watching something grow. The little moments of connection when someone shares a cutting or a care tip. The joy of gifting something living.

Thanks for being part of this journey. Whether you're just starting out or already deep in the succulent spiral, I hope you find something here that makes you smile.