In terms of the psychological effects of plants, they have been widely recognized culturally, traditionally, and experientially.(Jo and Hong, 2016)
Environments composed of plants enhance human psychological well-being and comfort, encompassing environmental functions such as air purification, oxygen production, and temperature regulation. Environments where nature and plants coexist have a positive and proactive impact on individuals and society, even if not consciously acknowledged.(Hong, 2017)
source : Kim, 2019, The Effect of Pet(House) Plants on the Emotion of University Sutdents
In 2022, the Korean National Arboretum and POSCO contemplated how we should continue to coexist with plants in our living spaces, providing guidance on these methods for 10 days in a special exhibition room at Seoul The Shop Gallery.
Review of the 2022, Indoor Garden and Indoor Gardening Exhibition
From July 11th to July 22nd, 2022, for 10 days, the Korean National Arboretum and POSCO Construction jointly organized a plant exhibition at Seoul The # Gallery with the theme of indoor gardening (companion plants).
I visited The # Gallery, located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Roommate: Our houseplant that has come in = Companion Plant
「Plants that Freshen Up Our Living Spaces!
How did plants find their way into our homes, and what can we do to ensure we get along well with them in the future?
To coexist harmoniously with plants, we need to understand the characteristics of plants that adapt well to the unique indoor environments and, most importantly, the role of light.
In this context, we introduce various indoor garden and home gardening tips using native plants that are well-suited to indoor environments and come from our own land, not tropical plants like Monstera or Snake Plant.」
As soon as I entered the entrance and turned the corner, I encountered a special entrance leading directly into the exhibition hall.
Reflecting on it now, it's truly something to be thankful for that such an exhibition, starting from its spatial design, was available for free."
While nowadays it's taken for granted that we plant and cultivate in pots indoors, it's fascinating to think that before the 16th century, even the idea of growing plants in a yard was unthinkable.
The concept of indoor gardening originated from the 'Orangerie,' greenhouses created in 16th-century Europe to protect plants during winter.
After leaving the video room, they explained the characteristics of indoor plants and displayed some of the plants that we commonly cultivate.
Nowadays, if you're into indoor gardening, you're likely to come across these familiar plant species.
The highlight of this exhibition, organized by POSCO and the Korean National Arboretum, is the indoor plant exhibition room composed of native Korean plants.
Currently, the majority of plants available in South Korea are tropical, like the Monstera. While this allows us to enjoy green foliage even during the winter due to Korea's four-season climate, it often leads us to overlook the beauty and charm of plants native to our country.
Moreover, many Korean plants have a natural adaptation mechanism to survive temperatures below freezing (as low as -20 degrees Celsius). They shed their leaves and suspend growth activities in the winter, only to sprout new leaves in the spring, which can make it somewhat challenging for people growing plants indoors during the winter.
Of course, there are some Korean plants that maintain their greenery throughout the year and can display the four seasons when provided with the right conditions. While there is a market for wildflowers, especially those that hibernate, they have not yet gained the same popularity as tropical plants among the general public.
From this perspective, this exhibition, with its focus on indoor gardening using native Korean plants, appears to be a meaningful showcase of these plants.
The unchanging truth that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
Reflecting the ecosystem of plants based on the duration of sunlight as the sun rises and sets, they have categorized which environment each plant thrives in best.
The Shop Gallery Rooftop Garden – I Want a Rooftop Garden Too!
Our Houseplant, the Roommate (Companion Plant) Exhibition Leaflet. For more details, click to enlarge the leaflet.
According to a press release in September 2022, POSCO Construction has developed an indoor plant garden cafe called 'Plantrium' within apartment complexes. Their story is about creating a differentiated landscape space, an indoor plant garden cafe, in line with future lifestyles.
While landscaping areas were typically located in peripheral areas until now, they plan to install greenhouse-style structures within residential complexes to enhance residents' accessibility and usage. This plan will be applied sequentially based on project conditions starting from residential complexes under construction in 2023.. (Read more)
POSCO Construction had it all planned. A large botanical garden greenhouse cafe within apartment complexes - just the thought of it is so cool.
It might even compete with a visit to a botanical garden.