Meet Emma Sadie Thomson, whose plant styling is admired in homes and restaurants across Adelaide.
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
If I can sneak out of the house before everyone wakes up, I’ll head for the Mt Lofty trails. I love being up there when it’s quiet, looking down at the city lights while the rest of Adelaide still feels asleep. If I don’t make it out, a snuggle in bed with the kids and a good coffee is a pretty great alternative. Add in some gardening, a trip to our Gilles St studio in the city, Chinatown Cafe for lunch, and a glass of wine at the end of the day, and I’d be very happy.
What is a wonderful moment of kindness you have experienced?
The other day, while planting out bright pink planter boxes filled with flowers at Hotel Indigo Adelaide, so many complete strangers stopped to compliment the plants, ask questions or simply admire them. It was such a simple moment, but a powerful reminder of how plants naturally spark conversation, bring people together and create moments of joy in our busy lives.
What is your favourite photograph?
Growing up in the Mallee, I spent countless hours outside – jumping on the trampoline (perhaps not as safely as we should have!), exploring the bush, and helping in the garden. Despite the dry climate, we always had a beautiful garden filled with vegetables and flowers. Looking back, I realise that’s where my love of plants and the outdoors first began. This photograph captures my childhood.
If you could own any piece of art, what would it be?
A Fred Williams landscape. His ability to capture the Australian landscape with such simplicity, texture and atmosphere is incredible. Growing up in the Mallee, I developed a deep appreciation for the quiet beauty of the Australian bush – its subtle colours, open spaces and resilience. I love how Fred Williams celebrated these often-overlooked landscapes, encouraging people to slow down and really see the beauty in them.
A bar, café or restaurant in SA you’d recommend?
The best dinner I have had in a long time was at Esmay the other day with my sisters. Would highly recommend.
Your favourite cheeky snack?
Hot chips and mayo.
What was the last film you watched?
The last movie I watched at the cinema was Moana with my two daughters, Sadie and Frances.
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Last book you read?
The Forbidden Garden of Leningrad by Simon Parkin. I was fascinated by the remarkable true story of the botanists who protected one of the world’s most important seed banks during the Siege of Leningrad. It’s an inspiring reminder of the extraordinary value of plants, biodiversity and the lengths people will go to preserve them for future generations.
How does styling with plants make you feel?
It never feels like work. Plants transform spaces in a way few other design elements can – they soften architecture, improve wellbeing and create genuine moments of connection. Knowing that something I’ve created will continue to grow and evolve long after I’ve left is incredibly rewarding.
Emma Sadie Thomson is a landscape designer and interior plant stylist, whose work can be found in restaurants, homes and commercial spaces across Adelaide and South Australia.
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