Space Design Botanical Bar

If you've spent any time at the Ace Hotel in downtown Portland, it's likely you've noticed its beautiful collection of glass terraniums filled with tillandsias, lush mosses, sea shells, feathers and other assorted natural goodies. These otherworldly gardens are the handiwork of Martie Accuardi, owner of Space Design in South Portland. On the first Saturday of each month, Accuardi hosts a do-it-yourself botanical bar where attendees create terrariums and other beautiful, low-maintenance arrangements. 

The botanical bar is always stocked with orchids, succulents, airplants, mosses and interesting vessels to construct a terrarium or orchid arrangement. Prices for airplants begin at $2 and a finished product ranges from $25 - $75. There's always a lot to see and many great ideas that flow from the botanical bar.

In addition to plants and flowers, Accuardi is always on the hunt for interesting pots, vessels and vases and has a large selection of one-of-a-kind vintage vessels. She also offers a selection of corks, textural branches and cacti bark for airplants to live on. She loves how you can really change the look and feel of a mantel or centerpiece by making a small vignette of natural and found objects.

The botanical bar is stocked with cacti, succulents, orchids and airplants. These are all plants that are hand selected for longevity, easy care and interesting color, texture and foliage. The majority of plants range from $3 succulents to $40 orchids.

The most common question that Accuardi fields is "how do I take care of this once I get it home?" No worries. Most everything that is made, or comes out of Space Design's botanical bar is low maintenance. Airplants, orchids and mosses require bright indirect light with occasional watering and misting. Succulents and cacti are mostly drought tolerant. Accuardi always provides tips and planting instruction, so no one leaves with a creation that won't survive in a home setting. Her most important tip: always water and mist with luke warm water!!!

The botanical bar is a business that evolved through a chain of events. More than three years ago—after Accuardi sold her restaurant—her sister opened Nostrana and asked Accuardi to supply flowers—something she still does on a weekly basis. Since that time, Accuardi has added many other restaurants, hotels and private homes to her weekly route.

Accuardi lives in a home that was once a bed and breakfast and she converted her old garage into what is now her floral studio (it just happened to be zoned for commercial use). Her creations are inspired by years spent in a remote Eskimo village during her teens. The tundra flora was something that she missed, so she duplicated and re-created it in a northwest style.

In addition to the botanical bar, Accuardi also offers classes that focus on terrarium and orchid plantings as well as fresh flower arranging. She focuses on potted plants and orchids, because they last indefinitely and can add so much interest to a space. 

We think she's on to something—don't you?

Editor's Note: Space Design has relocated to 917 SW Washington.