Plant parent Sabrina Reynolds grows from setback to natural comeback

Sabrina Reynolds’ first encounter with plants occurred after receiving a arrangement of cacti from her former boss as a gift on Administrative Professional Day. She was most delighted by the kind gesture, only to be disappointed soon after by its untimely death. But, for every setback, there is hope for a great comeback. And Reynolds went from brown thumb to specialist, opening her very own plant store, Unusual Creations.

“Having lost that beautiful arrangement, I challenged myself to learn from my mistake. I did some research and, through trial and error, I saw success. The feeling that came from taking care of them and watching them thrive, especially after my first experience, it felt good,” she told Saturday Living.

Applying her experience as she went along, a motivated Reynolds found herself growing an impressive collection. The beautiful part is, she has so much fun in the process. “My love for plants grew without me even realising it,” she added.

Her plant journey has since progressed, lasting close to two decades and counting.

“I used to be in the corporate world, banking to be exact, and I used to make arrangements and put on my desk. My co-workers used to see them, love them and ask to buy. So I started selling just like that, right off my desk in the bank,” she revealed.

She officially opened her business almost 15 years ago, selling a variety of different plants. Reynolds even began collecting exotic plants five years ago.

“This was a bold move because the more exotic ones tend to be more challenging to care for. But I was up for the challenge and I started to enjoy it. I have imported many varieties into Jamaica that were never here before.”

Then, one day, she shifted gears to specialise in bromeliads and succulent plants. So, what exactly brought about this change?

“I had my daughter late in life, so my main focus has been her,” she said, adding, “I had to do plants that did not require a lot of care so that I could focus on her. Bromeliads and succulents were perfect for that.”

With that movement came an upgrade in the company name on social media to Bromeliad and Succulent Farm.

“Bromeliads and succulents are very simple and easy to care for. They prefer to be left alone rather than to be cared for constantly. Overwatering and not giving them the proper light are the biggest mistakes you can make. Second to that is putting them in a bad soil mix. Succulent loves a well-drained gritty mix of soil while bromeliads love a wood bark, charcoal type mix,” she shared

She recommends watering when the soil is dry.

Finding plants to be therapeutic by nature, this plant mom basks in the bliss of caring for her little ones. The process relieves stress and they beautify the world and enhance our living spaces. They also bring people together, she said.

Reynolds provided a few tips for budding plant parents:

Select plants that are suitable for your living conditions. If if you live in an apartment that lacks good lighting, do not buy plants that require a lot of light. If you are not at home a lot to water your plants, do not get plants that require your daily attention.

If you will be collecting plants, you need to nourish them and take care of them. Make a routine of fertilising and spraying for insects and fungus, even when you do not see any evidence of problems. It keeps them healthy. There are many home remedies on YouTube if you choose not to use chemicals.

Plants are pretty basic and some are different from others. Research the variety of plant and learn what it likes and does not like, so that you can be successful at it. You can actually learn to have a green thumb.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com