My name is Emma Duehr and I am the Curator and Founder at The Portland Conservatory located at my home in Portland, Oregon. Caring for plants can be self-care, self-sustainability, relational practice, and more. My relationship with plants was found as a healing practice that also helped create and connect with friends, family, and strangers. I grew up planting impatiens, hostas, and laying mulch with my mother. After I moved from Dubuque, Iowa to Portland, Oregon I picked up her favorite hobby as it helped me feel more connected to her from a distance. Supporting plants in their survival has taught me patience and the importance of self-care. I grew deeper connected to myself, the natural world, and individuals who shared this hobby. Sharing plant cuttings, resources, and our relationships to the practice creates an intimate space for exchange. I opened The Portland Conservatory (TPC) in 2019 to formalize the passion, narratives, and education connected to plant collecting, care, and cuttings.
