Anovia –In the world of modern design, plants are no longer simply decorative elements placed in corners; they have evolved into an artistic language that reflects lifestyle, balance, and serenity.
Within this space where art meets nature, “Souljar” has emerged as a unique project redefining greenery as a complete sensory and artistic experience rather than merely a passing home hobby.
Behind the project stands Shahd, a young woman who transformed her passion for nature into an ongoing creative journey, constantly searching for ways to integrate natural beauty into everyday life and interior spaces.
Speaking to Anovia Magazine, she explained that she sees plants as a means of expressing calmness and creativity, describing them as “an attempt to embrace nature and preserve its beauty within small spaces full of life.”
She noted that her journey began with the fascination of observing a plant’s life cycle inside a closed environment, and how a tiny branch could gradually develop into a complete ecosystem.
“It amazed me how such a small plant could create an entire world inside a piece of glass. That curiosity pushed me to explore this field and transform it from a hobby into a profession,” she said.
Shahd chose to specialize in unconventional planting systems such as Terrariums, miniature glass ecosystems designed for moisture-loving plants, alongside Paludariums, which combine aquatic and terrestrial environments, and Kokedama, the traditional Japanese art of wrapping plant roots in moss-covered soil to form elegant living spheres. Together, these techniques blend nature with artistic design, creating miniature landscapes inspired by forests, rivers, and humid environments within glass containers and contemporary artistic installations.
She describes these creations as “living art” rather than traditional planting, saying that “these systems allow me to design miniature worlds that imitate nature in all its details, while adding a sense of luxury and tranquility to any space they are placed in.”
One of the most distinctive aspects of these systems, according to Shahd, is their self-sustainability, particularly in closed terrariums where water naturally recycles within the system, creating an integrated environmental cycle that closely resembles nature itself.
She believes the artistic value of these creations goes far beyond ordinary houseplants, explaining that “the piece is not just a plant; it is an artistic experience that engages all the senses and gives the space a completely different spirit.”
She pointed out that these living installations offer an ideal solution for people who do not have outdoor gardens but still wish to bring a piece of nature into their homes or offices.
Despite the calm and minimalist appearance of these creations, Shahd explained that producing them requires precision and specialized knowledge, and that the process is far more complex than simply placing a plant inside a glass container, but involves understanding the delicate balance of humidity, light, bacteria, and fungi within a closed ecosystem.
She explained that this type of planting relies on carefully selected tools and materials, including specially designed glass vessels, drainage layers such as volcanic rocks and activated charcoal to maintain system purity, as well as delicate instruments resembling surgical tools for handling fine details inside the glass.
Speaking about the scientific aspect of the project, Shahd said that “this field requires a combination of biological knowledge and artistic sense. One needs to understand the needs of plants while also knowing how to visually coordinate the scene in a balanced way.”
To achieve this, she completed a series of online training courses and practiced daily for more than a full year in an effort to understand the secrets of this intricate and highly detailed world.
The idea behind the project emerged from her continuous search for innovative ways to introduce nature into contemporary interior design, particularly in luxury villas and sophisticated spaces, in ways that move beyond the traditional concept of indoor plants.
“My journey began with exploring the ancient Japanese art of Kokedama and gradually evolved into building more complex botanical and aquatic systems,” she explained.
She also emphasized that the encouragement she received from family and friends played a major role in transforming “Souljar” from a simple idea into a brand with a clear identity, adding that “believing that natural art has an audience that truly values it was the greatest motivation to continue.”
Today, Shahd looks toward a more ambitious future for the project, including the creation of large-scale plant walls and integrated paludarium systems incorporated into hotel and corporate interiors, as well as launching a dedicated exhibition showcasing this modern ecological art form.
She is also committed to raising awareness about this field through workshops aimed at younger generations, introducing them to the concept of “miniature nature” and demonstrating how planting can become a space for creativity and reflection.
Her vision extends beyond art alone, reaching into the integration of technology with living ecosystems through smart lighting systems and automated irrigation, making these installations part of the modern “smart home” concept.
Shahd concludes with a statement that encapsulates the philosophy behind the entire project.
“In the end, I’m not simply selling plants. I’m offering a piece of nature capable of giving people a sense of calm and life amid the noise of the world.”
At “Souljar,” plants are not merely green objects placed inside glass containers, but miniature living worlds that remind people, amid the rush of cities and technology, that nature still has the power to offer tranquility, beauty, and inspiration.
