Plants enhance our lives, and Jason Chongue nurtures hundreds of unique plants within his Melbourne residence.
Jason Chongue transformed his urban dwelling into a verdant jungle with rare plants, achieving a result that is nothing short of spectacular.
This Melbourne resident boasts an astonishing array of flora, caring for over 400 remarkable plants. With limited outdoor space at his disposal, Chongue opted to cultivate his green haven indoors. His collection, diverse in shape and size, occupies a significant part of his home.
"The last count was over 400 plants indoors, and outdoors, there are even more," the interior designer revealed in his interview with Daily Mail Australia. "My home became filled with plants as a natural extension of my gardening obsession, due to the lack of outdoor space.
In a densely populated urban area, outdoor space is a luxury, leading me to turn to indoor gardening. There's a vast array of indoor plants that flourish in our indoor environments."
His passion for gardening began in childhood. Chongue spent considerable time in his grandparents' garden. It was a delightful family pastime that Chongue cherished. Growing up among pets and plants, he devoted most of his time to the garden, cultivating various plants with great enthusiasm.
"I've always been captivated by nature and greenery, from plants to pets, it's been an obsession. My days were spent in the garden, nurturing and experimenting with whatever I could find," Chongue explained. "As time passed, I've delved into various plant types and species, allowing my collection to expand and transform.
Some of the plants I cherish now have been with me since childhood, while others are recent additions, and some have been gifted to me. My passion for plants stems from a love for greenery and the significant impact they have on enhancing our living spaces."
Caring for these wonderful plants brings Chongue great joy. He takes immense pride in his sanctuary, noting that it serves as an "escape" from his everyday urban life.
"Entering our home is a comforting and grounding experience. It has become a refuge where the air is clean, and the greenery provides a mental retreat," said Chongue.
"It's delightful to soften indoor spaces, which are often hard-edged and synthetic, with plants that grow and change over time. Gardening is a soothing activity for me, whether I'm working the soil or pruning my plants daily. It offers a respite from my routine."
Chongue has turned his passion for plants into an exciting business venture. In August 2016, he co-launched The Plant Society, a social network for plant enthusiasts. This groundbreaking idea has transformed his life, and now Chongue channels his enthusiasm to inspire others.
"Co-founding The Plant Society has certainly transformed my life. It's rewarding to inspire the broader community about the advantages of greenery and to offer them support," he stated. "Life can get chaotic, and gardening provides a chance to decelerate and contemplate."
“Every day, I dedicate thirty minutes to an hour for gardening in the morning, and then another hour after work to care for my plants. Weekly, I allocate a solid one to two hours for the more complex tasks,” Chongue explained. “Visitors are always surprised when they enter our home. They're impressed, yet not completely taken aback, as gardening is an integral part of my identity. Seeing their joy when they visit is truly gratifying.”
Chongue offered valuable advice for novice gardeners. Plants require water, light, and nutrients. They are living beings that thrive on care and affection.
Plants can become ill, but by addressing the issue methodically, you can pinpoint the problem. Gardening demands considerable effort and patience. Rushing is unnecessary, and forcing growth is inadvisable. It's a process that brings joy and excitement. Nurturing something with your own hands is truly remarkable.
"Concentrate on the basics. Plants are living beings," Chongue advised. "They flourish with the essentials: water, light, and nutrients. Stay vigilant with these to ensure your plants prosper. Proceed gradually. Gardening is not a race. Avoid pushing for immediate outcomes."
The world of plants is on its own unique journey, so it's important to take time and appreciate the gardening process. Plants do not flourish with neglect. It's advisable to monitor your plants frequently; I suggest every one to two weeks. This allows you to both nurture your plants and identify any issues promptly.
Challenges can be readily addressed, and even the most inexperienced gardener can enhance their abilities with time. With patience, your plants will show their gratitude.
‘When you have plant problems, don’t panic. Try to systematically pinpoint the problem and this will provide you with the solution. Like humans, plant illness and diseases will take time to resolve. Keep treating until the problem has disappeared. And speak up. From when I first began gardening and even now I’m always asking for advice. With a multitude of plant types, you’ll always need help from family, friends, neighbors, and online plant friends.”
We are enamored with Chongue's business concept and would relish the opportunity to spend our days amidst rare plants. Hanging plants captivate us the most, and we are certainly planning to acquire several of them.
Source: www.abc.net.au
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