Erika Chow
Owner / Director of HR / Special Ops
Plant Fam since: Day 2

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
I love my Santa Rita Prickly Pear Cactus. Its growth patterns are super random and it has the most incredible purple hue.

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
I work full-time in the non-profit world as a Registered Provisional Psychologist. Kyle and I also love travelling (especially to Oregon) and watching political satire. Also I’m a crazy dog lady.

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
The guacamole. I will fight you for it.

What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
“Sooo cute” both in earnest and in irony.

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
Both! I like to hang back and observe, like Clyde. But like Lake, when I get excited, you’ll know it.

Alysa van Haastert
Store Manager
Plant Fam Since: February 2016

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
I love rhipsalis! I like trailing plants and these ones are so unique, we don’t see them come through too often.

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
I’m a part time hobby floral designer, photographer and actress. My husband and I have a cat! We love traveling, biking and working on passion projects with his film production company @sixtwosixprod

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
Sour Soothers.

What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
Asking Kyle if we can put things on sale.

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
I think I am a Clyde. I love the people I love A LOT and am a bit more shy with most everyone else. Just takes me a little bit to warm up, but I will!

Brooke Cupelli
Team Lead
Plant Fam Since: September 2016

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
It’s a tie between a Button Fern and a Blue Star Fern.

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
When I am not at Plant I am chilling out, maxing, relaxing all cool- or reading, knitting, spending time with friends and dancing.

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
Quite frankly I like all the treats, but I would say probably watermelon candies.

What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
I think my Plant Fam would quote me saying: “Lets get amped”, or “gnarly”, or just a really, really loud laugh.

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
I think at work I am more of a Lake, but in life I am more of a Clyde; I can turn on the smize when needed, but would rather just hide under desks while people feed me contraband food.

Toni Sweetland
Shift supervisor
Plant Fam Since: August 2017

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
Tropicals! They remind me of my travels through SE Asia, especially the funky coloured ones like the Rubber Plant and Bromeliad. They would always stick out to me most when I saw them in the wild because they’re so bright and unique looking.

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
Before I began working at Plant, I spent three years traveling and working abroad. On an average day, If I’m not at plant I’m probably enjoying a post-hike glass of Pinot Grigio with my friends on a patio somewhere.

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
THAT GUACAMOLE! YUM!

What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
Not an expression, but some may know me for wearing bright WHITE shoes to work at Plant store where I deal with SOIL. Needless to say they aren’t white anymore.

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
Lake for sure! But a bit less dramatic. I love being social, but I probably wouldn’t lay on the ground with stomach exposed for attention. Although I’m sure it would work.

Susanne Aaltonen
Team Member + Inventory Lead
Plant Fam Since: April 2017

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
I do have a soft spot for hanging pothos (or anything hanging, really) as well as blue star ferns.

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
I try to work on my paintings, write, or read something.

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
All of them.

What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
Probably just saying anything in a variety of accents.

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
Clyde.

Stacey Bru
Team Member
Plant Fam Since: APril 2017

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
Philodendrons – They’re quick growing and easy to care for. If you want an instant home jungle, Philodendrons are the way to go!

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
When I’m not at Plant, I’m managing our stationery sister store Recess! You can also find me in the garden, my art studio, or hanging with my dog: Ripley! I sell zines and comics through my etsy shop staceybru.etsy.com as well as running a local Calgary Zine Library! 

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
Anything salty, especially chips. 

What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
Anything about bugs. I’m the go to person for your horticultural bug questions.

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
Clyde? How do you know?

Lindsay Dimler
Team Member
Plant Fam Since: may 2018

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
My favourite of anything fluctuates on the reg, but I would have to say a big ol’ peace lily is usually at the top of the list. 

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
I am currently a music student working on Bachelor degree #2 before going on to a Master of Choral Conducting. If I’m not singing or playing music, you’ll probably find me quietly/not so quietly obsessing over my dog.  

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
I would do just about anything for the guac

What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
A semi-loud high-pitched “oh nooooooo” when I see any sort of animal and/or a very forward “can I take a picture of your dog?” to our customers who bring their babes into the shop 

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
I recharge my batteries like a Clyde with some sweet alone time, but I’m more of a Lake when I’m out and about (i.e. all up in your face).

PaTRICIA DOIRON  
Team Member
Plant Fam Since: August 2019

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
Monstera!! I love how the leaves split apart as the plant begins to grow. 

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
I work full time in healthcare as an Implementation Specialist working on policy and quality improvement! I am also working on my second undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary.

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
Chips + Salsa. Always.

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
100% a Lake. Working at Plant on the weekends is energizing – I love spending time in such a happy place with good people! 

Chelsey Dyer
Team Member
Plant Fam Since: September 2016

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
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What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
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Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
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What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
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Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
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Taryn Garrett
Team Member
Plant Fam Since: NOvember 2018

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
I love anything that tolerates low-light since I often end up living in darker spaces. Zamios always make me feel like I’m doing a good job, no matter the light situation.

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
When I’m not at Plant I work on freelance illustration projects! Otherwise you can find me listening to podcasts, daydreaming about trees and moss, watching an embarrassing amount of Netflix, or re-reading Emily Carr and Patti Smith’s books for the nine-trillionth time.

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
Chips, Dino-sours, or the guac.

What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
I don’t really have a phrase/expression yet, but I am always eating Fruitsations fruit gummies? I have packs of them in my pockets, backpack or my apron every day, so maybe that’s becoming my thing instead.

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
Clyde!

Jarret hartnell 
Team Member
Plant Fam Since: may 2018

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
All Succulents because they’re little weirdos

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
Can be found reading, writing and illustrating comic books or reading pulp science fiction. Likely with my two cats nearby 

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
Dino-sours and coffee but not at the same time

What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
“Maybe I should eat more veggies” 

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
I can be quiet like Clyde but the staff always gets me howling

Brynn Swan
Team Member + Floral Specialist + merchandising lead
Plant Fam Since: November 2017

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
I love pothos – they are so basic, but they are the best. They are hardy kids & very rewarding! Pothos grow beautiful trails, which brighten up most rooms of my apartment. Neon, Golden, Satin, Marble – any variety earns an A+ in my books.

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
When I’m not at work surrounded by the tropical & desert loving plants, I try to surround myself with the trees & shrubs of our awesome Northern home. I’ll take a walk or run through a river valley over almost anything else! My current goal is to run a half marathon in each province of our beautiful country. Although, I do have my basic tendencies too – you know I’ll also never turn down grabbing a $5 coffee & a chocolate croissant!

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
The guac.

What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
“Bless”.

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
I’m for sure a Clyde. I’m pretty introverted & feel comfortable keeping to myself, but if you offer me food – you will have earned my trust, as well as my friendship.

Jane Sweetland
Team Member
Plant Fam Since: June 2014

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
ZZ plant. Grows well in both my house and office, and I love the dark waxy leaves. It demands very little attention and makes me feel like a good plant parent!

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
I have worked in the mental health field for the last 14 years, currently with young adults.I LOVE biking, hiking and yoga! I’m a certified yoga teacher specializing in helping individuals who are recovering from trauma. I also love good food and wine, but my favorite thing is being an auntie.

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
Always the sour soothers. And any baked goods or special treats that are left on the back table!

What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
I have a lot- I get pretty silly! But I’m best known for showing the girls how to take a proper stretch break!

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
Tough question for an Auntie! But I feel like little Clyde and I have a little and unspoken connection.

Matilda Van Der Walt
Team Member
Plant Fam Since: … 2019

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
My Alocasia is definitely high up on my list of top 5 favourite houseplants, but to say I have just one favourite would be a lie. I love that it reminds me of home (I am originally from South Africa) and I mean just look at it! It speaks for itself.

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
I am a freelance graphic designer and artist. I love to paint. So with every chance I get you will find me with my paintbrush in hand. Also spending time with my favourite people and exploring this new beautiful country we live in!

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
Oh man. Probably the guac combined with anything crunchy. And jelly sweets. Any jelly sweets. 

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
A Clyde with a Lake hidden deep inside. 

Maia Van Haastert
Team Member
Plant Fam Since: September 2016

What’s your favorite houseplant and why?
My White Snake plant! My sister and I both have a piece of the same plant. Snake plants are one of the best: hardy, dependable, good for the air, and unique.

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
If the sun is shining you’ll find me outside! Hiking, reading, mowing the lawn…I could play in the sun forever. Other than that, cuddling with my kitten in the Tiny House.

Which of the treats in the Plant treat stash do you have the hardest time resisting?
Loving the candy jar.

What phrase or expression do your Plant Fam members know you for?
“It’s a bit chilly in here, hey?” Or the constant “crunch” of celery.

Are you a Lake or a Clyde?
That’s a tough one! I’m quiet and a bit of an introvert like Clyde, but also a sucker for the hugs, like Lake.

Clyde
Shop Dog

Nicknames:
Clyder, Clydie-Bear, Little bug, Boo

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
Practice my karate moves, sing with my friends, and listen for the sound of plates scraping so I can help clean up after dinner.

You’re an Inglewood and Instagram celebrity. How can your fans connect with you?
Snacks. I’m not picky!

Lake
Shop Dog

Nicknames:
Laker, Cakes, Ladybird, Moosh

What do you do when you’re not at Plant?
Nap, snore, chase magpies, and sneak any and all food that gets left unattended.

You’re an Inglewood and Instagram celebrity. How can your fans connect with you?
I’m here for the pets, scratches, cuddles, smooshes, and love in any form.

Photos: Michael Janke at sixtwosixproductions.com