INTRODUCTION

Love is the essence of life. It drives us, challenges us, makes life beautiful—and sometimes transforms it into a roller-coaster ride, complete with ups and downs and crazy loops. Through it all, love is what keeps us going and shapes us. Love also demands that we nurture it: It is based on giving and receiving. And all this rings true for our love for plants as well as people.

As you flip through this book, read the chapters, and look at the photos, keep in mind: Love is the spirit of this book. Plant Tribe is a book filled with love, good vibes, happiness, and creativity. It invites you on a journey of discovery and experimentation, soul-searching and nurturing, and into a shared and deep affection for plants.

Books and articles about how to keep your houseplants healthy and thriving abound, but we aimed to bring a little more to our readers: We wanted to offer perspective—and to celebrate how much plants bring to the lives of all who welcome them into their homes. With that mission in mind, we traveled the world—visiting inspiring people, talking to them about their bond with plants, and hearing stories that made us laugh out loud and moved us to tears.

We discovered that plants play a key role in well-being, positive energy, happiness, love, and creativity. Join us, and travel through each chapter of this book, in the company of the Plant Tribe, a global movement of plant lovers. Since this book has found its way into your hands, you are now part of the tribe, too. Our shared love of plants unites us from every corner of the world.

Plants teach us one important lesson: Life changes with the seasons. Every moment has a reason, and every low will eventually pass. Embrace your love of plants as you embrace life, which is all around us, buzzing, blooming, and thriving. Welcome to the Plant Tribe, friend!

Igor Josifovic & Judith de Graaff
@urbanjungleblog—urbanjunglebloggers.com