Meet NZ Gardener’s 2021 Houseplant Heroes

02 Sep 2021

From plant killer to green-thumbed goddess, Alyce Read has taken New Zealand by storm with her whimsical and extravagant collection of greenery. As NZ Gardener’s House Plant Hero this year, a competition supported by Resene to encourage everyone to bring nature indoors to enjoy year-round, Alyce says she wasn’t expecting to win the competition.

“When I got the call to say that I’d actually won I was completely shocked. I was absolutely blown away and really stoked,” Alyce to NZ Gardener, who entered the competition after her friends mentioned she would be perfect for it. 

“I’ve always liked the idea of plants and I didn’t really do anything about that for such a long time because I was convinced I’d be a plant killer.”

Alyce’s boho/Scandi décor is brought to life with her extensive collection of houseplants.

But after buying her first plant, Alyce fell in love and now enjoys researching the optimal growing conditions and watching her many, many plants thrive. “I think I fell in love with the care of them,” she says. “They’re so rewarding to look after.”

Alice has some top tips for those looking to turn over a new leaf and become plant collectors. “Just start,” she says. “If you really like plants or like the idea of plants just go and get yourself one and if it dies, get a different one. It’s not the end of the world.”

Houseplant Hero Alyce with her fabulous collection of houseplants. She says the best advice she can give to wannabe green thumbs is just start.  

Her advice is to start off small with affordable plants and then as the passion for plants grows, try expanding and growing your collection. “Have fun with it and don’t take it too seriously.”

Meet the runner ups:

Moira West

Having a big garden wasn’t an option for Moira West, so she moved her plant collection indoors. Her passion for plants began when she realised the many mental health benefits that her leafy friends had to offer. “I feel like you can’t walk into a space that has lots of plants and greenery and not get a sense of relaxation. You can find that relaxation outdoors but if you can bring that in, why not?” says Moira.  “It started slowly for me, once I figured out I could keep one plant alive then I got another one. And another one. And another…

“Plants tick all the boxes for me, they’re just divine and are an endless joy to me.”

Aida Van Dyck

Aida Van Dyck’s cheerful collection of houseplants earned her a runner up spot in NZ Gardener’s Houseplant Hero competition this year. With more than a touch of greenery, Aida has transformed her home into a garden oasis with hundreds of different types of plants nestled side by side in her living area.

Published: 02 Sep 2021