- Kyla Gebhardt
- Jun 10
- 4 min read
Hello everyone, my name is Kyla, and I’m a university student from Germany spending this summer working in Community Engagement as an Intern at Women of Hong Kong (WOHK)! I'm only a few days in and I'm so excited to be part of this wonderful community full of inspiring women. I recently had the privilege of attending a mini Kokedama crafting workshop, hosted by two of our lovely members at WOHK, Sophie and Charlene Marié. I can’t wait to share my experience with you!
This week, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a Mini Kokedama Workshop, hosted by two of our lovely WOHK members, Sophie and Charlene Marié. These talented sisters are the founders of Botani Bloom, a botanical studio, and My Rooftop is Green, a landscape design company. Their French-Chinese heritage allows them to bring a unique blend of cultures into their work, creating plant products and designs that feel both elegant and meaningful.
Kokedama
Kokedama, meaning “moss ball” in Japanese, is a beautiful and meditative form of plant art where a plant’s roots are wrapped in soil and moss instead of being placed in a traditional pot. Crafting kokedama is not only a creative and calming hands-on activity, but it also encourages mindfulness, patience, and a deeper connection to nature. The process of shaping the moss and soil into a living sculpture can feel grounding and therapeutic, a gentle reminder of the beauty in simplicity and care.
The Workshop Experience
The moment I entered their beautiful venue, we were immediately greeted by a vibrant display of healthy, thriving plants that breathed life into the entire space. It truly felt like a fresh breath of air. What stood out to me most was the soothing scent of natural aromas that didn’t just come from the plants, but also from their collaboration with the French brand Collines de Provence. Their natural scented candles, room sprays, and diffusers, crafted with fine fragrances from master perfumers in Grasse, added an elegant, aromatic touch to the atmosphere.
Before the workshop began, we mingled over sweet refreshments, chatting casually and getting to know other participants. It felt less like a formal event and more like a cozy gathering of friends. Sophie and Charlene were the perfect hosts—warm, welcoming, and full of energy. They gave us a tour of the beautifully arranged setup, which immediately got everyone excited to start crafting.
Getting our hands dirty
Once everyone was settled, we moved into the workshop area, and the sisters began by introducing the art of kokedama, sharing its cultural origins, and giving us a step-by-step demonstration of the crafting process. They even shared tips on how to care for our moss-wrapped, by then we were all buzzing with excitement to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty in the soil (gloves, however, were thoughtfully provided for those who preferred to stay clean ;)).
The process of shaping the soil, wrapping it in moss, and tying it all together felt incredibly therapeutic. It was such a joy to see everyone’s unique creations come to life, each one reflecting a little bit of its maker’s personality.
A Fun and Thoughtful Finish
To wrap up the session, Sophie and Charlene surprised us with a fun quiz about the history and cultural significance of kokedama. The winner walked away with a special prize, a bottle of their wonderfully scented room fragrances from their collection! It was a lighthearted way to end the event and left everyone smiling.
Why you should try a Kokedama Workshop
This workshop wasn’t just about crafting, it was about slowing down and connecting with others. In our fast-paced world, it can be so difficult to just take a moment and appreciate the quiet joy of creating something with your own hands. I left with more than a moss-wrapped plant; I left with new connections, refreshing conversations, and a big smile on my face.
If you’re looking for an activity that combines mindfulness, creativity, and a little bit of plant magic, I highly recommend attending one of Botani Bloom’s workshops
About Botani Bloom
Every piece tells a story. From the careful selection of each plant to the final touch of vintage-inspired packaging, every detail is chosen with intention. Sophie and Charlene truly have a talent for blending elegance and nature. Their curated botanicals are paired with timeless pots and hand-designed labels that echo the romance of old-world French gardens.
Each product is more than a gift, it’s a celebration of nature, design, and the quiet joy of nurturing something beautiful.
Community and craft
I had such a wonderful time and experience, I would definitely join another one soon!
Thank you to Sophie and Charlene for hosting this wonderful workshop and to Women of Hong Kong for creating such a unique opportunity. I left the event feeling inspired, grounded, and excited to nurture my little moss ball at home.
As the saying goes, “There is beauty in simplicity, and power in creating with your hands.” I couldn’t agree more.
To learn more about Sophie and Charlene's amazing workshops, visit their website at Botani Bloom Workshops and give them a follow on Instagram @botanibloom to stay updated on new workshops, behind-the-scenes moments, and more plant inspiration.