Plant Daddies, Oxford Street Just Got A Cheeky New Gay-Owned Plant Shop

Wander off Oxford Street, and just a stone’s throw away from Taylor Square’s rainbow crossing you’ll find Adriatic Grove, Darlinghurst’s newest plant shop. 

Operating from the corner of 185 Campbell Street and Little Bourke Street on weekends between 9:30am and 4:30pm, the gay-owned and operated retailer is gaining recognition among locals for its adorable mutt mascot, not to mention its cheeky plant daddy merchandise.

Indeed, among the corner stores’ monsteras, cacti, and snake plants, visitors can peruse a range of sexy tank tops designed by the owner himself. Stocked in both black and white, each tank displays a colourful and cheeky innuendo front and centre.

One design features the hairy, thick thighs of a plant daddy watering his potted sunflower in nothing but blue briefs. The smiling flower basks in the stream, its gratitude captioned “All over my face Daddy”.

Another tank features a cartoon sapling begging a similarly beefy gardener to dig him a nice big hole to be planted in, headered with the words “Deeper Daddy deeper”.

Meet The Genius Behind Adriatic Grove

While Adriatic Grove opened just three months ago, owner Adrian is no stranger to retail, plants, or even the Oxford Street area. His second store, a flower shop just around the corner, has called Bourke Street home for over five years. 

Speaking to the Star Observer, Adrian said he loves every part of the retail experience, though his favourite aspect of the job is definitely getting to know the locals (and having a laugh with them). Apparently, that fun could no longer be contained in just the one store.

“I wanted to create something special, something unique,” Adrian said. “I wanted it to be a gay plant shop, something new, so I’m still trying to find my footing.”

While Adrian claims he is still trying to find his footing, his plan for a new Adriatic Grove installation seems more geared toward sweeping customers off their feet. When asked whether this so-called “sling” is intended for visitor use, Adrian laughed.

“It’s a display, but I’ll make sure it can hold more than 150kg.”

This masthead is unsure if he really answered the question.

While the store’s operating hours will soon expand, a weekend visit will almost certainly be greeted by local David behind the shop desk, as well as the pride and joy of the store, five-year-old pup Mutu.

“You have to give Mutu a cuddle,” said David. “It’s a condition of entry, otherwise he gets upset.”

More Than A Plant Shop

For David, working at Adriatic Grove isn’t just about plant retail. Instead, being part of an LGBTQ+ owned and operated business is a matter of queer mentorship and community.

“So many young gay men come into these stores and ask advice,” said David, “ask where to go, what’s safe, you know? If we lose these businesses, we lose that generational information being passed on to kids.

“Places that have a gay presence, especially in this area, are really crucial to people. Because people come in, especially when they are young, to try and find themselves and find their tribe, and if these shops continue to disappear, before long, we won’t have a community here.

The Importance Of Oxford Street As A Gay-Owned & Operated District

David himself grew up in Lakemba, and recalled for this Masthead being surrounded by guys “on the down-low”, some of whom remain closeted today. For gay men living in regional areas without support, David said Oxford Street is a safe haven, one that needs to be protected.

“Making Oxford Street a protected strip? Big deal if there’s no one on it, and there’s no gay-owned businesses around.”

David also shared stories of a time when Oxford Street was bustling with such businesses. A time when five gay teenagers could be found crammed into a cheap terrace on every corner. A time when people bought into the rainbow bubble for its community, not its future property value.

Now it is David’s hope that the community will rally around local LGBTQ+ businesses, and that Oxford Street and surrounds might be returned to its former glory.

“We need some more drag on the streets, music playing, and stupidity and frivolity,” said David. People come here to see life. We need more businesses that make you feel like you’re being part of the world.”

In the meantime, Darlinghurst’s LGBTQ+ folk, plant daddies, dog-lovers, and cacti enthusiasts can do just that, and are encouraged to pay David a visit. Whether you’re looking for a new leafy child, a connected chat with a friendly local, or an excuse to pet the cutest dog on earth, you’ll find yourself very welcome at Adriatic Grove.