Originally published in the Summer + Fall 2018 issue.
Rooney Bloom was created in 2015 by Eric Rooney. With the initial idea being generated in San Francisco, California, he eventually started and launched his business in Denver, Colorado. Find him at The Grow Den, located at 1321 B. S. Broadway.
“In 2015 I started professionally working with plants in San Francisco. It began with simple purchases at the Flower Mart, and evolved into bringing home house plants to fill my condo. All the while and subconsciously, my life began to change,” he says.
The cultivation of Rooney Bloom started with subtle changes in Rooney’s creative processes.
“I immediately had pure joy from seeing, smelling and growing greens,” he explains. “I now share and show others how to benefit from plants: mentally, physically and through/with our emotional bodies.”
He started Rooney Bloom in Denver to expand knowledge around Earth’s precious plant organisms. To protect and benefit wholly, from and with the vast range of nature’s beauty.
“Quality of life brought me back to Colorado from the West Coast, and I quickly saw a yearning for plant education,” he shares. “Rooney Bloom began as floral design, and has grown into other relatable paths. We now dabble in custom interior design with plants, educational opportunities at local schools, offering public classes, landscape installations, organic garden design, edible garden creations and more. Connecting with the community has allowed me to follow and adapt to the needs of anyone looking to improve their life, through plants.”
Rooney says it’s important to know that plant care and maintenance is as easy as you want it to be. People can incorporate plants into their lives by slowly adding greens to places they spend the most time in.
“Your home, bedroom, bathroom or office, are great places to start,” he says. “Consider the time you are willing to dedicate to caring for these guys, then narrow your search from there. Use me as a database for plant questions and suggestions. Start small and know that caring for these living organisms requires attention, consideration, and love all of which you’ll get in return.”
As Rooney Bloom continues to flourish, Rooney says he can only imagine expanding further outside of the Denver and Colorado region.
“I hope to infuse the deep foundational appreciation of Earths greens (and every other color of the spectrum) and the importance of recognizing their invaluable worth,” he shares. “I plan to continue developing creative ways that plant knowledge can be accessible to our community, our friends and family. As I grow, I envision a greenhouse with fresh food and plants year round, for everyone to enjoy. I will bring horticultural therapy to jails, health and wellness centers, hospitals and retirement homes.”
Photos courtesy of Zach Mahone.
Based in Vail, Colorado, Kim Fuller is a freelance writer, editor and photojournalist, as well as a yoga teacher, legacy ambassador for Lululemon Athletica Vail, and co-founder of In Your Element, a yoga and outdoor adventure company. When Kim is not diligently writing and editing in her mountain nook, teaching yoga around town or finding a new adventure, find Kim at a local cafe or craft brewery, where she enjoys the more indulgent side of inspiration.
