Greenhouse God
December 17, 2024
"Three Steps to Care for Your Green Friends" Sufficient sunlight, regular watering, and the appropriate fertilizer.
Even a slight neglect of any of these three factors can cause vibrant green leaves to lose their vitality. While it may seem simple, caring for plants can be more laborious than any other task. On a beautiful summer day we met Kim Dong-eun, the owner of a plant shop who has designed their own green oasis in the city.
Q1. Please give us a brief introduction.
Hello, I’m Kim Dong-eun, manager of 4t.
Poster attached to a showroom corner, 4t box packaging
Q2. I've heard that the name of your plant shop, "4t," comes from the phrase "For Tree." I'm curious about what you wanted to emphasize through this name.
Plants are living organisms, aren't they? When I was first preparing to open 4t, I wanted it to be more than just a place to sell plants. I wanted it to be a brand centered around plants and dedicated to their well-being. I think I chose the name while trying to follow a theme of "a brand that works for plants." Initially, I wanted to name it "(Work) for green," but that would have resulted in "4g," so I settled on "(Work) for tree," which became 4t.
Q3. Looking around the space, I can clearly sense your personal taste. What did you focus on the most when designing the offline shop?
The most important thing for me was displaying the plants in a way that highlights their unique faces and expressions. Early on, when I had just started running 4t, I came across a blog review from a customer. They mentioned how different 4t felt from a typical plant shop—there was plenty of space for the plants to be seen, and a variety of species like bonsai, indoor plants, orchids, and cacti were all gathered in a way that made the shop feel like a plant curation space. I was really grateful because they noticed and appreciated the very details I had put so much thought into.
Q4. You ran a plant class last year, divided into a hobby class and a master class. What did you personally gain from teaching these classes?
A: The most valuable aspect was building strong relationships with my students. Some have become close friends, while others have started their own plant businesses. Sharing knowledge and experiences with them has been incredibly rewarding. It's comforting to know that there's a community of like-minded individuals who support each other.
Q5. It seems that plant care requires a keen eye for the details that one might easily overlook. What do you think is the ideal way to view plants? Do you have any personal philosophy when it comes to caring for plants?
Sometimes, excessive love and attention can harm plants. Overwatering or applying too much fertilizer to weakened plants can be detrimental. I believe that a certain degree of distance and indifference can actually strengthen the bond between you and your plants. Water them thoroughly when the soil is dry or the leaves start to droop. When you open the window in the morning to air out your home, move your plants to the windowsill so they can enjoy fresh air. Try to understand the signals plants send out when they truly need attention, and approach them with a suitable distance. By doing so, you can enjoy a long-lasting relationship with your plants.
Q6. That seems like a philosophy that's essential for novice plant parents like me. What about this idea: representing myself as a plant?
I'm reminded of the dracaena plant. It's known for its adaptability, thriving in various environments and enhancing any interior space. I feel like it reflects my own nature, unfazed, adaptable, and able to fit in with anyone or anything.
The Dracaena Java, with its striking upright leaves
Q7. We've seen 4t's work in various places, from cafe terraces to clothing brand spaces. What do you pay particular attention to when designing plant displays? We'd love to hear about the process from the initial concept to the final installation.
I try to create a natural and realistic look, often drawing inspiration directly from nature.
First, I meet with the client to determine the theme of the display. Sometimes the theme is already set, and other times we work together to develop it. Based on these discussions, I create initial design concepts. This involves researching images and materials that could be used. Once we finalize the references, we begin the actual work. Sometimes we create the displays in our studio and deliver them to the location, and other times we work directly on-site. After the installation is complete, we take photos to document the final project.
Q8. While jente is currently only available online, if you were to design an offline space, what kind of plants come to mind?
The first thing that comes to mind is the orchid family, often split between Western and Eastern orchids. Raising orchids has long been a popular hobby among the nobility. When I think of jente, with its diverse range of unique brands, I imagine using vibrant-colored Vanda orchids, or those with delicate leaves and modest flowers like Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium. By using the same plant family, we could create a sense of unity while also highlighting the detailed mood of each brand.
Cymbidium ⓒgardens.si.edu
Q9. What kind of clothes do you usually wear to work?
When I have a lot of work to do, I usually wear comfortable and easy-to-wash clothes. On weekends or when I'm working at the showroom, I wear those pretty but uncomfortable clothes that have been sitting in my closet.
Q10. Besides plants, what are you interested in? Is there anything you've been following closely lately?
I've been learning pottery since August last year. I naturally became interested in pottery since plants and pots are so closely related, and it’s been almost a year now. I find myself especially fond of the plants I've potted in planters I've made myself. Recently, all the planters in our released bonsai kits were made by my own hands. Even though it's a lot of work, I feel like I can best express the look I want. Thanks to those who enjoy my work, I'm able to work diligently and happily.
4t’s Dongeun’s adorable pairing of grape ivy and quail egg-inspired pot
ⓒshop-4t.com
Q11. You mentioned that you used to work as a fashion MD at a plant shop. Could you name your favorite brand?
I don't have a specific brand that I always go for. However, if I were to pinpoint a commonality among the brands I frequently purchase, it would be women's clothing that incorporates menswear details or elements of outdoor and workwear.
Q12. I'm curious about your daily items and recent purchases.
My daily item is the HED MAYNER pleated denim. I actually have three of them. The first one I bought was a solid black color, but I wore it so often that it's now turned gray. Because the color faded so much, I bought another black one last year and added a blue wash color as well.
HED MAYNER SS24 Collection ⓒHED MAYNER
Its cropped length and Gore-Tex material make it a standout piece that's perfect for layering. I love how it can elevate both casual and feminine looks.
ⓒHYKE
Q13. What do you want to show more through 4T and plants in the future?
It's already been 5 years since I opened 4T in July, and I feel like 4T now is quite different from what I envisioned at the beginning. I think that if I continue to do what I believe is right at each moment, and keep searching for things I love, then in the future, both 4T and I will naturally become what I hope and desire.