STORY BY MAHMOOD FAZAL, PHOTOS BY  CHRIS TURNER

Zora Neale Hurston, the American anthropologist and author, writes, “Trees and plants always look like the people they live with, somehow.”

On a warm Sunday afternoon, four-year-old Polly spends the day with her father Cam at their shop, When Polly met Murphy; a vegan skin care, homewares and indoor plant retailer. A symphony of colour and care shine from the plants in the shop; a pulse that reflects the wonderful spirit of where the shop comes from. 

“It's more of a sort of curated collection,” quips owner and horticulturist Cam, as his daughter Polly offers a client a shamrock coloured Monstera; an evergreen tropical vine famous for natural leaf-holes that are native to Central America.

When asked what it means to be a horticulturist, Cam reflects deeply. “It's having the skill set to grow and enjoy plants to their full potential. The key is the enjoyment factor. It's so rewarding to be able to grow something, nurture something, and see what it gives back to you. It allows you to appreciate and contribute to nature.”

The quaint shop in Daylesford is named after Cam’s children, Polly and Murphy. At home in Ballarat, in the garden, the children have their own greenhouse and veggie patch. “Murphy’s only two so he’s not super interested but Polly is a pretty keen gardener. She is into growing peas and beans. Growing to eat.” 

Humans and plants share a common ancestor. Naturally, raising plants is a family affair. 

“My great-grandpa and grandpa ran production nurseries in Scotland,” asserts Cam. By a great veggie patch, Cam’s grandmother grew orchids and tulips. “My grandparents were big into feeding the soil not the plant. I grew up around the organic side, where we look after the earth which will in turn supply you. It’s really carried through in what I try and teach.”

Cam has worked across horticulture, landscape, and gardening for over 13 years where he developed his own style. “I had a fascination with Edna Walling. These really rambling English cottage gardens that had the ability to throw balls over your head. And they land wherever they land. They’re gardens that are a pleasure to be in. They’re not formal. They’re not structured.”

Soon after relocating to Ballarat, the small family decided to move in a new direction - together. 

“When Polly met Murphy was about bringing greenery into people’s homes, in a cost-effective manner. It was about having a space that people could walk in and not just pick something up off the shelf, but also learn what they're buying, make sure they're buying something that's suitable for the area they want to put it. We just want people to have really good experiences with growing plants.”

As the day winds down, Cam and business partner Emma’s shop reflects the heart of family businesses. One plant at a time, their passion for the environment conjures a blooming economy that contributes to nature, our interior nature, and the natural world we inhabit. 

Cam adds, “We would rather help 100 people with their first plant, with becoming a capable gardener, so they can have an interest in gardening rather than sell one rare plant to someone.”

When Polly Met Murphy

0402 121 025

www.whenpollymetmurphy.org 

36 Doveton St N Ballarat

109 Vincent St Daylesford