Community News

FOLIAGE SHARES LOVE OF HOUSE PLANTS

HERB GARBUTT hgarbutt@metroland.com

One of the benefits of moving from Toronto to Georgetown, her husband's hometown, was a bigger backyard that allowed Cheryl Discenza to rediscover one of the things she loves.

"I always grew up with plants and outdoor gardens," she said. "When we moved here, we had this beautiful backyard."

Discenza found herself spending more time in the backyard and joined Halton Master Gardeners. Then one day, while driving to the hospital, where she worked as an X-ray technician, she had a revelation.

"I decided I really wanted to follow my passion," she said.

That passion was plants, which led to Foliage, which opened at 126 Mill St. in downtown Georgetown last year.

"I knew downtown was the place to be because I wanted that boutiquey feel," Discenza said. "The stars aligned this place was available."

Foliage offers more than 300 different species of plants with everything from tiny succulents to eight-foot-high ficus. You can also find everything you need to care for your plants, including soil, mosses, fertilizer, books, misters, pots, ceramics as well as a variety of native wildflower seeds.

Foliage does workshops on topics such as caring for plants and building a terrarium.

"One of the things I like about plants is there is always

so much to learn. You're always learning and experimenting," Discenza

said. "And I enjoy sharing that and being able to educate people on how to take care of their plants."

Foliage can also supply centrepieces and guest favours for events and Discenza will do consultations where she'll advise on the best types of plants and best locations for plants in your home.

And with more people working from home, plants are a great way to spruce up a new workspace.

"They're living art," Discenza said. "And there are health benefits. Plants help reduce stress and anxiety. It helps you clear your mind when you're taking care of something."

BUSINESS

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2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281629604516469

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