City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Rooted In Green Dreams

How Earth First Plant Co. Is Redefining Home Design

Article by Renee Donnell

Photography by Tasha Schalk

Originally published in Gallatin Lifestyle

Nestled between style and sustainability, Earth First Plant Co. in downtown Gallatin is more than just a plant shop—it’s a thoughtfully curated destination for greenery, vintage home goods and unique clothing. Known for their deep-rooted expertise in plant life, the team at Earth First helps customers transform any space with vibrancy and beauty. With each leafy addition, Earth First shows how plants not only elevate your space aesthetically but also promote a sense of calm, creativity and connection to nature.

To Lauren and Emma, Earth First’s owners, plants are essential in interior design. They bring life and authenticity to any space and allow you to choose different plants to better suit your personal design style. 

When it comes to beginners, Lauren and Emma are full of tips and suggestions for incorporating greenery into your space. “Start small—and I don’t mean the plant size, but the quantity. People who grow their collection super fast often can’t keep up with the maintenance of them long-term.” If you’re new to houseplants entirely, start with the easy ones! “We both LOVE the Dracaena Marginata plant. It can grow in such fun and funky ways, and it’s beginner-friendly,” they both share. 

In addition to expert tips for beginners, Lauren and Emma are a fountain of knowledge when it comes to plants of all kinds. “A few of our favorite low-maintenance plants that still make a big design impact are ZZ plants, Snake plants and Pothos. From glossy leaves requiring low light and once-a-month watering, to tall, slender and chic leaves that release oxygen 24/7, ZZ and Snake plants are easy ways to elevate your space. Pothos is the vine that keeps on giving! These lush vines help to fill bare spaces in your home, and they will acclimate just about anywhere you put them!” 

Lauren and Emma are also aware of common mistakes people make when decorating with plants. Choosing plants based on aesthetics rather than considering their care needs is very common. “I’ve been guilty of this myself,” says Lauren. “However, plants will always thrive when you choose a location that most closely mimics their conditions in nature.” 

While lush and beautiful greenery adds visual appeal to any space, the true magic of houseplants is their ability to organically improve our mental and physical health. “Dracaenas remove benzene and trichloroethylene, while palms effectively tackle ammonia, common indoor pollutants lurking in our furniture, cleaning products and building materials.” In addition, simply being around greenery lowers cortisol levels, reduces anxiety and improves concentration. 

Earth First is known for its greenery, but they also offer vintage home goods and clothing. “This combination is a reflection of our shared passions and a big part of our sustainability efforts. I want the shop to feel like stepping into a space that’s full of personality and inspiration where anyone can find something they’ll love,” says Emma. “To us, plants, home goods and fashion are all part of the same story—how we express ourselves. When you buy any of these, you’re curating a vibe that reflects your personality, values and lifestyle. It truly feels like an honor to help people find pieces and plants that make their everyday spaces feel more special. We want Earth First to be known not just for beautiful plants and vintage, but for helping people live a greener, more mindful lifestyle.”

Lauren and Emma | Earth First Plant Co. 

“We recently moved locations in downtown Gallatin to 101 E Main Street, Suite 101. This next chapter is all about refining our brand and looking for new ways to offer fresh, inspiring products. Come see us! Also, we must give our amazing photographer a shoutout—find her on Instagram @redwallphoto.”