FAST FIVE: Branigan Carhart: She'd plant that
Meet Branigan Carhart, a true North Idaho local.
Branigan was born in Coeur d’Alene in 1987 and grew up in Sandpoint with her family. Just over 10 years ago she moved back to the Coeur d'Alene area with her daughter and purchased her first home in Post Falls. Branigan is the true definition of a go-getter. As she is raising her 17-year-old daughter solo, she has maintained her full-time position with a large local flooring company, works part time for her family’s business and she still seems to find time to run a small pop-up plant stand called ID Plant That and she continues to be a part of as many local events as possible.
Branigan has always had a true passion for house plants. Branigan’s mother owned a small pet shop in Sandpoint and she says the love for plants and animals started there. Branigan has the gift of gab and says this helps her personal relationships with people grow through plants. Branigan’s cousin started the plant booth in mid-summer 2023, where she worked the booth for her and quickly was approached to own it herself. Her first event was Art on the Green in 2023 and it has done nothing but blossom since then. ID Plant That has been a small home business where Branigan houses up to about 75 house plants in a little yoga studio. She is excited to announce that she will have her first storefront shop opening up in early May. ID Plant That will soon have a home in Sculpt Studios Med Spa,1590 E. Seltice Way, Ste. 102, Post Falls.
1) What is ID Plant That and why did you start this little business?
ID Plant that is a pop-up plant booth selling all types of indoor house plants and unique and funny planters and plant accessories to fill the needs of all types. Come see us when we open at Sculpt Studios Med Spa!
2) Where did you get the idea for such unique plant presentations, such as halved disco balls and Baby Groots?
I love funky and fun things that bring smiles and laughs out in people. I am always searching and trying to come up with ideas that are new and have not been thought of yet. A lot of the material we have is customer-based, as well as suggestions that I try to bring to life. A fun little deal I have going is if you have an idea and I can create it and it sells you get the item free for your help innovating a successful item. I have teamed up with Solstice Products and Services to create fun, groovy and unique 3D planters. The company also has amazing ideas that we have run with so I can’t take all the credit.
3) What are some of your favorite container plants, and which work best outside vs. inside?
This is a hard question to answer for a crazy plant lady. I would have to say my favorite indoor house plant has to be the Albo Monstera. Albo plants take so much more attention and have special care needs, but the white and green leaves that they produce are absolutely beautiful. I would say that the Hellebore plant is my favorite out door plant, or the hibiscus plant. Both give amazing flowers and add so much color to the outdoor patio.
4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I may have a green thumb but I am horrible with plant names, but will always get you the correct information.
5) What joy do live plants and flowers bring into your life, and why do you want to share this joy with others?
I feel that we need a greener world. Having the tropical atmosphere in your living rooms is one of the most joyful feelings I think, and to have the outdoors inside is all year 'round is rewarding because we all know how cold and long our winters can be here in North Idaho. I love the reaction of people when they come into my “at-home jungle.” It feels fresh, inviting and the air quality it provides is amazing. I cannot wait to have a storefront to share my plant love with so many more people!
