Greenhouse Growers Unite to Promote Benefits of Plants While Sheltering in Place
April 26, 2020 
A coalition of greenhouse growers and interior plantscapers has launched a new initiative designed to help advance Centers for Disease Control messaging for shelter-in-place and social distancing guidelines, while fostering a love for plants.
The #StayPlanted initiative encourages solidarity for shelter-in-place and social distancing directives by encouraging individuals to place plants in windows and share pictures on social media that show how having greenery has been beneficial during quarantine.
“Most people love their indoor plants for how they look, but many don’t realize the huge health benefits that come from access to plants and greenery,” says Denise Godfrey of Olive Hill Greenhouses (#82 on Greenhouse Grower’s 2019 Top 100 Growers List).
Plants and greenery are often touted for their mental health benefits, and studies over the years show that access to plant life can help to reduce stress and symptoms of depression, all while helping to improve mood and concentration. According to a case study survey, 88% of respondents said having direct views and access to the natural elements indoors improved their sense of well-being.
Olive Hill Greenhouses is among a number of family owned nurseries that are supporting the #StayPlanted initiative. The initiative’s aim is to highlight another creative way for people to stay positive during shelter-in-place and social distancing directives. As more individuals are literally planted at home, maintaining individual health and well-being has become a much bigger priority.
“During these uncertain times, it is extremely comforting to me to be surrounded by fresh indoor plants,” Godfrey says. “They keep me happy, motivated, and make me smile daily.”
The #StayPlanted initiative has also revealed how plants can provide green-leafed companionship during social isolation.
By placing plants in windows and sharing pictures and personal stories, #StayPlanted hopes to provide encouragement to others to shelter-in-place while sharing a bit of joy.
“As we shelter, I hope more people take the opportunity to adopt a plant or give a plant to someone who needs cheer,” Godfrey says. “In giving a plant, we not only celebrate living but we also share life.”
Olive Hill will be launching a new section on its website in the coming weeks to highlight this initiative and provide resources to consumers and retailers on how they can share their #StayPlanted stories.
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