Hip Houseplants - Hardcover

If you think your home could use some living greenery, if only for its ionising properties, turn to Hip Houseplants. In the first chapter you'll find ideas for plants that contribute to a minimalist décor: orchids of course, a tuft of isolepis grass in a simple tin container, partridge-breasted aloe. Or maybe your apartment is decorated in retro-1970s style-bright plastic dining chairs, starburst wall clock, and the like-but something's missing. Oh yes: the spider plants and the kalanchoe. The emphasis in florist-to-the-stars Orlando Hamilton's book is on matching plants and containers with their surroundings: What plants look good and thrive in steamy bathrooms? Where should you place a spreading plant, or one with a bold architectural structure? How can you use artificial illumination to spotlight your prized calla lily? In short sections Hamilton discusses texture, colour, leaf shape, pattern and scent. The listing of 86 hip houseplants, their characteristics, ideal environment (unfortunately, none of these is a shade plant), and maintenance requirements could be used as a shopping list on your next trip to the garden centre. --Liana Fredley

Orlando Hamilton spent six years as a florist at Moyes Stevens, where he arranged flowers for Sylvester Stallone's wedding, before setting up his own business in May 1999. With corporate and celebrity clients such as; The Metropolitan Hotel, Vogue, and Madonna, Orlando is London's hottest new florist. As well as several TV appearances, his work been featured in various magazines, including Elle Decoration, Vogue Italia, and Brides.