Do you ever find yourself unsure of what to do with a thoughtful card once you have received it? Don’t want to store it away or have it collect dust on a shelf? Bower Studio has found a way to take a loving sentiment and give it new life in the form of plantable cards.
Bower Studio is the brainchild of artists Isa Wang and Vincent Franco, who came together in 2011 to produce these sustainably handmade creations using eco-friendly materials. The company’s namesake is the bowerbird, a famously intelligent bird known for colorfully decorating its nest. Much like the bowerbird, the team at Bower Studio aim to beautify spaces both indoors and out. With their distinctive and colorful designs, this small team of eleven diverse and talented professionals (including two adorable studio pups) showcases their stunning designs on greeting and notecards that can be used for any occasion.
Their designs feature natural elements including flora and fauna and are printed onto seeded paper that can actually be planted afterwards to grow wildflower & herbs. The company is staunchly focused on their commitment to environmental stewardship and donates 10% of their profits to various ecological organizations. As of 2021, they have been able to donate over $18,000 to organizations that support Native Land conservation, biological diversity, pollinators, and more.
This Monarch Butterfly card features the wildflower seed mix
Bower Studio sources their paper from two small companies who lovingly fashion their products from recycled paper from offices and schools. Since their paper is made the old fashioned way, each piece has a unique touch that makes it all the more special. Within the cards are two different blends of seeds, one with wildflowers (including Clarkia, Bird’s Eye, Black eyed Susan, Snapdragon, Catchfly, and Sweet Alyssum) and the other with herbs (including Basil, Chives, and Parsley). With proper storage, seeds are viable for up to two years, so you are able to take time to cherish your cards before giving them a new life.
Each seed type has been hand-selected to be suitable for planting in most regions and they have been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The plants that are not native to a specific region have been deemed not to possess invasive growing habits that could potentially do damage to local wildlife.This curation of seeds is in line with the overall ethos of the company– to produce beautiful and functional items that bring about a more sustainable and ecologically-conscious world.
Products do not end with us, and the vast majority of products are not made with the intention that they last forever. We’ve gotten all too used to not taking into account the life an object has once we finish with it, but Bower Studio gives their products extra forethought, so that it has purpose once it makes its way to you, and a new purpose once you’re ready to let it go.
