Congratulations to Micro Plant Studio’s Julio César-Román for his 2020 Best of Boston recognition!

Boston Magazine crowned Micro Plant Studio with the Best Indoor Plants honor – of course, local fans know the shop offers much more than greenery.

Julio has become a familiar face in the neighborhood since opening his plant shop/studio/community space in 2018, on the first floor of the historic Taylor’s Market building at 365 West Broadway. His vision transformed the former South Boston NDC office into a modern space showcasing his unique plant designs in the front, with studio space available for workshops and small gatherings in the back.

Something else that sets Micro Plant Studio apart is Julio's commitment to helping customers find their best plant match. 

"I won't push you to buy a plant – the only thing I will push is information about how to care for them," says Julio, who has a background in teaching which comes in handy here. "I want to make sure the plant is right for your lifestyle, so you and the plant will be happy."

That commitment is partly why so many of his customers are eager to show him their plants' progress and growth. Julio said proud plant parents often send him pictures of how their green companions are doing.

"One customer sent a photo of her plant and said, 'I bought this from you two years ago, right when you opened.' But it had gotten huge!" Julio beams. "It looked amazing, she had taken great care of the plant. We found a new, bigger pot for it – and a new plant for the old pot, too."

Just after celebrating Micro Plant Studio's second anniversary earlier this year, the pandemic hit. Like many other small businesses, Julio said Micro Plant Studio struggled to stay open. Corporate business and weddings all but disappeared, and he even set up an emergency fund so customers and supporters could chip in and help see the small business through the worst of the pandemic in the spring.

True to form, the economic uncertainty hasn't stopped Julio from finding ways to give back: Micro Plant Studio’s “Buy to Give” initiative lets customers sponsor a potted succulent for an essential worker in Boston, supporting a local small business in the process. More than 120 plants have been sponsored to date. Click here to sponsor a succulent.

Micro Plant Studio is open daily from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at 365 West Broadway. Visit www.microplantstudio.com or call or text 617-855-8785 to get in touch. 

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