The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

As the seasons turn to fall and winter in Sisters Country, we head indoors. But that doesn't mean we have to leave beautiful greenery behind. The newly opened Inscape Plant Co. gives folks in Sisters myriad ways to bring natural beauty indoors with them.

Filling your home space with indoor plants has many benefits.

"I think it adds an element of beauty and design," says Danielle Durham, proprietress of Inscape Plant Co. "And there's a lot of health benefits in terms of air filtration. They add such a positive quality to your indoor space. Just one plant can make a huge difference."

Visitors to Inscape may not be able to leave with just one, however. The space is artfully designed and welcoming, inviting exploration. And Durham is eager to answer questions and help her clientele discover an interior landscape that works for them.

Durham says that she hears from a lot of people that are convinced that they have a "black thumb" - that any plant they bring home with them is doomed.

She wants them to know that that is just not true. She can point to a number of plants that "are very easy to care for and can tolerate lots of different conditions.

"I do have some varieties that are a little more needy - but I always warn people about those," she noted.

Some people actually want to take on more challenging varieties, and Durham encourages the plant-savvy to try new things.

"I just want to have a really healthy, robust variety at all times," she said.

As the shop evolves, Durham plans to offer classes in such plant-related matters as re-potting, terrarium-making, and macrame. She also wants to stage events that feature the local makers that she carries, which include crafters of jewelry and ceramics.

The shop itself feels handcrafted, because Durham sought out local makers for fixtures.

"I love to collaborate with people," she said, noting that Kibak Tile of Sisters crafted the impressive backsplash in her workspace.

Inscape carries pottery and baskets for plants, as well as lines of fertilizers, soils, and pest-control products - all non-toxic and carefully curated.

"Everything is as green and ethical and traceable as possible," Durham said.

Everything about the shop is clearly thought-out and artistic in its presentation, with a stated goal of providing "a beautiful and engaging experience." That approach reflects Durham's background and experience in the art world.

She earned a bachelor of fine arts degree at Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland.

"I worked in floral and plant shops all through college," she said.

She and her husband, Jared, live locally and are part of the small business community in Sisters.

For the past six years, she managed The Rickards Gallery at The Open Door in Sisters. She recalled that she was completely committed to the Rickards' vision - but at the same time, she let them know that she planned one day to open her own plant shop in Sisters.

"I wound up giving them a year's notice," she said with a smile.

She found what she believed to be a perfect location in Town Square at 161 E. Cascade Ave.

"When I walked by this space and saw it was for lease, I thought, 'That's it!'" she recalled.

She took six months to create the shop in just the manner she envisioned, and had a low-key opening last month. At the beginning of November, she hosted a two-day grand opening event.

"It's nice opening in the off-season," she said. "That way I can get my footing before the chaos of summer."

The response to her opening has been gratifying.

"Everybody is just so excited," she said. "It's a very encouraging response."

To connect with Durham at Inscape Plant Co., call 541-588-4008 or email [email protected].

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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