Plant-obsessed Bristol family takes over popular Wapping Wharf business

A family of botanical enthusiasts have taken over Bush, the popular houseplant shop in Wapping Wharf’s Cargo.

Bristol couple Alex Gear and Sharshi Gee decided to set up a business together so they could pursue their passion for indoor plants, as well as have more time to bring up their young daughters, Ivy and Blossom.

The plant-obsessed family already have over 125 indoor plants at their Fishponds home which, Alex jokes, has become “a bit of a jungle”.

When they saw that Bush was for sale, following the previous owner Hayley’s move to Devon, they decided this was the opportunity they’d been looking for.

Since taking over a few weeks ago, they’ve already breathed new life into the business with new stock including a range of unusual, eye-catching plants.

Alex says: “Our aim is to make Bush the number one spot in Bristol for indoor plants and we pride ourselves on the love and care our plants receive before going to their permanent homes.”

“We want to keep our prices really affordable and if there’s a particular plant that someone’s looking for, they just need to ask and we’ll do our best to track it down for them.”

The botanical boutique sells a diverse range of large and small house plants as well as fresh and dried flowers, pots, specialist soils and products for house plants.

Alex and Sharshi also plan to stock Christmas trees and wreaths in the festive season.

Alex previously worked as a stone mason on conservation projects for historic buildings such as Blenheim Palace and Temple Church in Bristol.

However, much of his work was outside the city and involved lots of driving and his partner Sharshi was working in a wholefoods retailer, so juggling work and family life was a constant challenge.

“We jumped at the chance to be part of the community at CARGO and everyone’s been so friendly and supportive since we opened,” says Shashi.

“It’s going brilliantly and we’re already getting repeat customers. I’ve been passionate about plants for years – even our daughters have botanical names – and now we’re in plant heaven!”

Stuart Hatton, managing director at Umberslade, the developer behind Wapping Wharf, says: “Bush was one of the very first businesses to open at CARGO and it’s great to see it have a new lease of life under Alex and Sharshi’s ownership. Their enthusiasm for houseplants is completely infectious, and they’ve already become part of the CARGO family of independents.

“We’re delighted the business has got off to a good start and want to thank everyone who’s continuing to support them and the other retailers at Wapping Wharf who make this such a special place.”