We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendall Grove and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendall, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
There were many occasions where I’ve wondered if continuing my journey in the plant community was worth it. I’ve always come back to the same notion, that if it brings you joy in a lasting way, it will always be worth it to persist. If your current project isn’t bringing you lasting joy, let it go. If that plant you’ve been neglecting for the past few months is done bringing you joy, get rid of it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Once I started using Instagram for plant blogging, it drastically changed the way I view social media. An app that was once an intimidating and negative space, had become an environment where I could connect with other hobbyists and create content to share with others.

I truly believe plants are for everyone and personally do all I can to help make plants accessible and inclusive. This includes gifting or trading plant cuttings with other local plant people instead of selling a plant or cuttings for a profit. On my instagram, I’ve done a few local giveaways where I gift a harder to find plant. I hope to continue to do my part in changing the plant market.

I’ve always been interested in photography and instagram has been the perfect platform for me explore different kinds of content creation. The creative aspect gives me a way to showcase the beauty in each and every plant. At the core of my brand, it’s about finding joy in all different types of plants, even the strange and prickly ones.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a plant person, I always take friends to plant stores or nurseries. A few of my favorites are Pigment (North Park or Liberty Station locations), Walter Andersen Nursery (Poway is the best), Rancho Valhalla Nursery and Vista Succulents. For those more interested in looking than buying, Balboa Park and San Diego Botanic Garden are great choices. I also recommend checking with the San Diego Bonsai Club or San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society for local shows and sales.

North Park is one of my favorite areas and I always take friends and family there when they visit. There’s so many great shops and boutiques to check out, but also breweries and eateries. Belching Beaver, Bivouac Ciderworks and Second Chance Beer Lounge are musts for a cold beverage and Sipz Vegetarian Kitchen is the best spot for vegan crab rangoons and simply divine coconut cake.

If you’re looking for a something a little more out there, Oculto 477 in Old Town is the perfect place for evening drinks. It’s a hidden speakeasy with a haunting ambiance that you won’t soon forget. There’s a number of speakeasies in San Diego and I’ve had so much fun exploring all the hidden locations.

Coin Haus in downtown La Mesa is a great spot to play arcade games and they have tons of self serve taps. Re-Animated Records is just down the street with a large selection of vinyl and you can’t go wrong with City Tacos that’s also on the main strip in downtown La Mesa.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother helped shape my love of plants from a young age. She was very active in the San Diego Bonsai Club in the 90s and 2000s and I grew up helping with the many bonsai trees and attending conventions with her. Some of my first plants as a child were bonsai trees. I didn’t start collecting plants until 2019, but my mother has always supported my love of plants and it’s been a great way for us to spend time together.

Also a huge shout out to the San Diego Houseplant BST group for introducing me to the kindest and most thoughtful people in the community. Our local community would not be the same without them.

PersonalKendallGrove

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preferredplants/

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