How a recording studio turned discarded plants into a thriving urban creative sanctuary
In short: At Bakehouse Studios, a lush garden serves as a vital oasis for musicians trapped in stuffy rehearsal rooms. By rescuing discarded plants and found objects, the team has created a rejuvenated space that proves even the most unfashionable greenery can find new life when given a little care.
The garden at Bakehouse Studios is built on a philosophy of opportunistic reclamation. Helen and Quincy have curated an eclectic collection of containers and plants, many of which were salvaged from the side of the road or left behind by others. This includes bromeliads gifted from family, begonias donated by friends, and a significant number of agaves. The latter, once highly popular, fell out of fashion, leading many to discard them—a trend that Quincy and Helen have leveraged to build their unique urban landscape.
Managing this diverse collection requires a delicate touch. Jo Franklin, a musician and horticulturalist who has worked in the space for 15 years, serves as the primary caretaker. She emphasizes that the garden’s success relies on strict control over watering, as the varied species possess vastly different hydration needs. To protect the greenery from the rigors of a working studio, Franklin has installed bluestones around the plants, acting as protective barriers against heavy amplifiers, instruments, and road cases being moved through the area.
Beyond the practical maintenance, the garden represents a deeper reflection on cycles of value and aesthetics. Helen notes that plants, much like people, often drift in and out of fashion. By elevating discarded objects and overlooked flora to center stage, the studio has created a space that offers musicians a necessary mental reset. Whether or not individuals consciously notice the plants, the environment provides a subconscious sense of rejuvenation, proving that a sanctuary can be constructed from the very things society has deemed obsolete.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Touring Bakehouse Studios lush garden recording space | Discovery | Gardening Australia
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