Interviewing The Plant Rescuer Sarah Gerrard-Jones: ‘I Love Experimenting To See What Works’

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Sarah Gerrard-Jones is the Author and Curator of The Plant Rescuer and is known to her 302k online followers by that name too.

Her passion for reviving dying houseplants has inspired thousands and Sarah has even gone on to display her own garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, winning a gold medal in 2022.

I spoke to Sarah to find out more about her gardening journey in her own words.

How Did You First Get Into Horticulture?

“As a child, I spent time with my Grandad in his garden where he grew an array of vegetables and flowers, but it was as a student, without the luxury of outdoor space, that I developed a love for growing plants indoors,” says Sarah. “More recently, I became obsessed with rescuing plants.

“This started when I was at a local DIY shop and saw members of staff binning Orchids which had finished flowering. It struck me as really sad that these healthy plants were being thrown away simply because they had stopped flowering, so I asked if I could take them home.

“Seeing them flower again inspired me to go out looking for more plants which needed rescuing. I rarely buy the perfect plants when I go to shops because I know other people will, so it’s the sad ones which I scoop up and bring home to rehabilitate.

“It’s really rewarding to see them recover.”

What Is It about Houseplants That You Love?

“Outside in the garden, plants have all they need to survive, but indoors, it’s up to us to provide them with everything they need to survive.

“I love experimenting to see what works best. It’s a challenge to grow plants indoors, but seeing a plant thriving is so rewarding – knowing you did that.

“I can spend hours tending to my plants. It’s my way of relaxing and forgetting about the stresses of everyday life.”

What Was The Process Behind Designing Your Gold Medal Winning Display At The Chelsea Flower Show In 2022?

“A lack of knowledge and improper care can contribute to the cycle of buying and killing plants,” she explains. “The idea behind The Plant Clinic was to help break this cycle by demonstrating simple adjustments and additions which can increase the health and longevity of plants.

“This includes the correct substrate, light and plant food.

“Houseplants are often viewed as short-lived disposable items, much like a wilted bunch of flowers, but with some basic care, they can live for decades and even become heirlooms.”

How Much Does The Online Gardening Community Mean To You?

“Social media has been an incredible tool in my gardening career and without it, I wouldn’t have met so many amazing, talented people, some of whom have become close friends.

“Since joining Instagram, I’ve found it to be a great place to learn new ideas and share not only successes but failures too.

“Much of what you see on social media isn’t reality but I think it’s important to share true experiences, including the highs and the lows, as this normalises the challenges we all face as houseplant growers.

“My aim is to encourage people not to show off!”

What Advice Would You Give To Those Who Are Thinking About Getting Their First Houseplant?

“We can all be happy plant owners with healthy plants if we choose the plant that’s right for our home,” says Sarah.

“Before buying a plant, it’s best to think ahead and understand the conditions your home can provide so you can choose a plant that suits you.

“That initial research is the first step to choosing a long-lasting, happy and healthy relationship which need not end in dead plants and tears.”

What’s Next For You And The Plant Rescuer?

“There will almost certainly be another book which I’m excited to start writing and I hope many more plant growers and retailers will join the Plant Rescue Box Initiative.

“Most of us agree that throwing away vegetables because they’re wonky shouldn’t be an acceptable practice, yet plants are discarded on a massive scale for the same reason.

“The Plant Rescue Box gives imperfect plants a second chance and prevents valuable resources from being wasted. The initiative, championed by the RHS, highlights the importance of sustainability in horticulture.

“I’ll also be at Gardeners’ World Live from 15th-18th June with The Plant Clinic,” she says. “The Plant Clinic aims to educate houseplant owners on how to reduce the stress our houseplants experience in our homes and how to increase plants’ health and well-being.”