MANILA, Philippines - When Martin Lazaro came up with Space Garden, he was dreaming of a way to make nature more accessible in our highly industrialized modern world. Space Garden is an innovative business that puts together unique terrariums, showcasing the natural harmony of both plants and art. “We go from recreating landscapes to special custom orders with themed designs,” Martin says. “Sometimes we use glass jars because it gives one a complete view of life in a bowl, to oriental motifs using teapots and quirky accents.”
What sets Space Garden apart is their minimalist design and their use of air plants or plants that can grow and thrive without soil. In a city that knows only concrete, connecting to nature is a luxury. But what Space Garden does is give you your very own mini green sanctuary that values both form and function: it’s not only beautiful but sustainable as well.
“My concept is all natural,” adds Martin. “I stay away from anything artificial like plastic straws. The arrangement of my terrariums follows a simple concept of gravity and balance. I use a variety of plants from tropical plants and terrestrial epiphytes to cacti and succulents.”
Space Garden’s creations have been featured in Heima, Taste Central, Southern Living magazine and Fully Booked’s Zine, and are also on display at Open Kitchen Restaurant in Kapitolyo. Martin also creates arrangements for condos and cafes.
While Space Garden may seem like a small idea, the philosophy behind it along with the meticulous attention to detail given to each terrarium is, undoubtedly, grand. In the heart of a bustling metropolis, it is easy to get lost in the ubiquity of skyscrapers and paved streets. But Space Garden, with its little green homes bursting with life, brings us back to something good.
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Space Garden’s designs can be found on Instagram: @spacegardenplants.