Join the plant caring community at Arizona Living

Indoor plants have filled many homes in recent years, but if you’re not a natural “green thumb” it can be hard keeping those plant corners looking as lush and as good as the day you brought them home.

Libby McLean believes that plants should improve people’s lives, not be a source of stress, and that getting amazing growth and results can be easy with a little guidance.

Her business, Arizona Living, has been built around instilling confidence and helping people care for their plants easily through considered plant selection, intelligent pot choices and simple care directions.

Once a black thumb herself, Libby had a rich history of plants ending up in the bin – this is something she does not want her customers to experience.

Focusing on unique and cool but easy-care plants, Libby has built a business that attracts customers from Melbourne and across regional Victoria to access her products and the expertise of her and the great all-female team, of trial and error, self-taught plant experts who help run the Torquay-based plant emporium.

Customers will delight at the store’s two levels of plant life, cacti and homewares.

Roaming around the store, you’ll find organic, local, sustainable, ethical and thoughtfully sourced products.

Homewares are imported from India, Borneo, Papua New Guinea and Kenya and strongly highlight the creative talent of women globally.

Local potters, ceramicists, artists, candle makers, incense and lifestyle brands are well represented in a rotating assortment of seasonal releases and ranges that cater to every lifestyle and budget.

Libby said working with and for other women has been one of the biggest motivators for her success.

It’s also why they run their once a year sale every March 8, on International Women’s Day.

Beginning the business when based in Gippsland for her partner’s career, Libby counts herself lucky to still have a customer base from there, who eight years on, still travel up to four hours each way to visit Libby and her store in Torquay – now that’s customer loyalty!

This is a strong example of how Libby treats her customers, many of who have become friends through informal store chats over plants and life.

With her present location being her fourth, loyal customers have followed her business wherever it has popped up; back yards, a Jan Juc laneway, a move during COVID and now to the present, self designed, two-storey emporium in Torquay’s industrial estate.

Libby said customer loyalty had been key in the success of her plant-loving business.

She encourages customers to bring in images of their space, sick plants, or whatever problems are being experienced, so she and the Arizona Living team can steer you in the right direction, give assistance to fix a pest problem, repot plants needing more room or provide suggestions on new plants to beautifully style your home.

The Surf Coast, Bellarine and wider Geelong regional community has a fabulous resource at their fingertips with Libby and her team.

Become a part of the community by visiting her in Torquay from Monday to Saturday, chatting on Instagram @arizona.living or heading to arizonaliving.com.au