Standing out like a tropical green oasis on the dusty Sezon Street of Sanchaung, pedestrians are always fascinated by the lush and colourful façade of one shop in particular.
The garden area faces onto the street, and is packed with plants of all types – desk-bound cacti, leafy sun-loving fruit seedlings to house plants and flowers.
Opened by a fashion designer and modelling event’s organiser, Ko Shine Daya Hein and Ko Pyae Sone Aung, the shop is called Coco (older brother).
Their idea was seeded before COVID-19 first came to Myanmar, but as the subsequent lockdowns prevented them from opening, the pair focused their time cultivating the shop’s different varieties of plants.
At the same time many apartment dwellers turned to the internet, seeking out information on house plants. Nurseries and plant sellers went viral after the first lockdown, spurning a fascinating for all things green and organic in the house.
“Many people had to work from home during the lockdowns, and so turned towards plants as a way of reducing stress,” said Ko Shine Daya Hein.
Ko Shine Daya Hein and Ko Pyae Sone Aung also have an obsession with plants. They love being around them, and always talk about making cuttings and growing new species.
Coco sells a variety of plants from morning flower shrubs, that require little maintenance, through to Swiss cheese plants that need more care.
Ko Shine Daya Hein was born in Rakhine State. Growing up with a love of the outdoors, he used to grow vegetables and fruits in his backyard when he was young.
When he moved to Yangon, where apartments are small and narrow, he nevertheless filled his home and balcony with plants and different flower species. When COVID-19 arrived in Myanmar his passion for plants grew, and the idea of opening the shop took hold.
“I love drawing designs when I have free time, but I also love being surrounded by plants when I’m working. These plants have really absorbed my life," Ko Shine Daya Hein said.
Ko Shine Daya Hein is a testament to the allure of nature for those living in the city, and a hobby that has captivated many other Yangonites this past year. Growing plants has become a passion, and something that fills his life with tranquility and happiness.
Tending to plants, watching them grow, providing them with shelter, nutrients and water, also helps to reduce stress.
“If I am ever worried about something then I just spend more time with my plants. They always give me a sense of relief,” he said.
Since the shop first opened last July different kinds of customers continue to visit every day. The Venus fly trap, Hoya heart, lucky bamboo, bonsai, snake plant, spider plant, zebra cactus, baby rubber plant and golden pothos are most sought after at their shop.
"When people do not go out and do not travel, they turn to things to do in the house. Many started to become interested in plants for the first time,” Ko Shine Daya Hein said.
“Some people even lost their jobs during the lockdowns, and decided to buy a few plants to cheer themselves up. For other people it was a period to rekindle an interest they had when they were younger. Instead of turning to the phone and technology at home, they found that caring for plants gave them more satisfaction," Ko Shine Daya Hein said.
