A&D ANNUAL 2022

Ezra Teh

The number of novice gardeners steadily increased during the pandemic as people sought to increase wellbeing through nature. Despite their enthusiasm, inexperience led to difficulties with indoor plants such as forgetting to check on the plant. 'Plant pets' responds to the needs of novice gardeners and provides an interactive kit for learning about plant care. Plant kits comprise a transparent pot, seeds and soil, keychain and app. The kits were distributed to ten participants who posted photographs of their growing plants to Instagram. The Instagram photographs show the positive benefits of engaging young Australians in human-plant relationships and the value of a community platform for novice gardeners.