THE plant craze has been taking the internet by storm since last year. Every corner of the house is filled with indoor plants, patios are turning into mini gardens, backyards have become like small greenhouses—these are the photos usually seen in one’s social media newsfeed.
Before, Cebuanos had to flock to the mountainside to buy some plants, breathe some fresh air and enjoy a walk. Now, they can drive up north, specifically in Road Casanta, So-ong, Lapu-Lapu City, to go plant shopping, meet other plantitos and plantitas, and just take a nature trip.
What was once an empty 1,000-square-meter property is now a haven for certified plant lovers and budding green thumbs.
Cebu Plant Company features everything one needs for his garden: soil, potting mix, different design and sizes of pots, aesthetically pleasing garden tools, and thousands of plants—both imported and local.
Cebu Plant Company owners Neil Felipp and Yasmine Moeller highlight indigenous plants, as well as bushes, ferns, herbs, succulents and cacti arranged neatly by category.
“We both love plants, and fly around other countries like Thailand for plants. We feel frustrated buying plants here because it seems like not a pleasurable experience like abroad, especially in the States where one can pick up a cart, go around, pick a plant, and pay at the counter—like a grocery store for plants. We wanted to have that kind of experience here in Cebu,” shared Neil Felipp.
Around the property are thriving 20-year-old trees, mostly native ones like ylang-ylang, jackfruit, buri, that give shade to the place. They were planted by the “OG plantito,” Yasmin’s father, whose love for plants runs deep.
“I was influenced and inspired by him,” shared Yasmin.
Neil Felipp got his love for plants from his grandmother who is part of Orchid Society of the Philippines.
Most of the plants available in Cebu Plant Company were from the owners’ growing collection.
Though imported plants such as Monstera are high in demand, Yasmin and Neil Felipp boast of native plants like Aglaonema, Clerodendrum quadriloculare known as Philippine Glorybower and orchids.
“We want the new generation of plantitos and plantitas to know and appreciate the beauty of our native plants, and raise awareness that the Philippines is rich in flora and fauna.”
Neil Felipp and Yasmin also shared an amazing fun fact: One of the trees in Cebu Plant Company was planted neither by them nor Yasmin’s dad. A bird, which they traced and found out came all the way from Palawan, brought and left a seedling there, and now it’s growing strong and lush.
Apart from its rich garden, Cebu Plant Company will also feature an event place for seminars and activities soon. The owners are also planning a workshop where guests, especially children, can repot and paint their pots. There is also a fish pond, locally made lounge tables and chairs for guests to rest after touring around, and a coffee shop named Nimo Brew.
Nimo Brew is a separate entity but nestled within Cebu Plant Company. It is a great addition to the place as it serves refreshments and savory treats to its guests after a day of plant shopping. It has an outdoor dining area if you prefer to enjoy your Flat White, Nimo Latte, Cold Brew or Italian Soda in an al fresco set-up and breathe in the cool and gentle fresh air, or stay inside the café that can accommodate more than 90 guests at the same time. Its superb interior and exterior highlight rustic woven chairs, canopies to keep guests dry just in case there’s rain, wooden floor and walls with a scenic view of verdant greenery.
Cebu Plant Company is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.