Artist feature – Tanya Bartels

We sat down with our very own Tanya Bartels founder of The Golden Garden to get to know her and her passion for plants. You won't want to miss this heartwarming and inspiring read!

Tell us a little bit about your vision and what you offer:
The vision has always be clear. A deeper connection to nature. What we offer and hope to continue to explore is all the different ways we can experience nature.

What is your background and how did it lead you into The Golden Garden? From art school to footwear design, nature has always been an influence in my life. It just took a long time and some hard turns to realize that my path was in working with plants. Its amazing looking back now on all those experiences and how they shaped who I am today and helped me understand what kind of company I want to lead.


What inspires you the most when working with plants?
Plants have been here a lot longer than us. Their sense of intelligence and ways they have evolved and survived over millions of years is something that not only mesmerizes me, but also inspires me to learn more.


What makes you different from any other plant store?
We have a strong connection and really care about the many different aspects of the plant world. We not just selling house plants. From seeds to planting, to preserving their forms to creating artwork with them, we are fascinated and are focused the relationships we can build and share with plants.

Describe your process when choosing plants?
It’s based on a few things. First, I put my feelers out to see which plants want to go along with me. Secondly, I look for signs of good health and lastly I look for line shape, form and interesting variegation.


Name one song or band that embodies The Golden Garden:
The classic Plantasia plant album is a favorite.


Tell us something about The Golden Garden we might not know about?
There are always a pair of pruners handy in my truck because you never know when you might see something that needs to be foraged.


What do we have to look forward to when it comes to your business?
We are always on the search for a deeper connection with nature. Where that goes we are not always sure, but excited to be on the journey.