GREEN-FINGERED York folk can now find horticultural inspiration on Walmgate.

Botanic - a new plant shop that specialises in succulents and cacti - has opened at Barleycorn Yard.

It is the brainchild of ecologist Emma Grubb, 36, who finds this time of year quiet in her regular line of work - in planning and conservation - and decided it was the perfect time to branch out into the plant business.

She was inspired by her own struggle to find interesting and unusual plants, and her fascination to know more about them.

Emma, who is more than happy to chat and offer advice on how to care for purchases, said: “I noticed there’s a real gap in the market for this kind of shop in North Yorkshire.

“The nearest similar shop is in Sheffield.”

Botanic also stocks planters and pots, cards, books and other curios - many with a connection to Yorkshire, including jewellery by Onetenzeroseven and glassware by stained glass artist Zoe Eady, both of whom are based in Leeds.

The premises in which the shop is based have seen businesses come and go, but the original wooden fixtures and fittings that remain - which belonged to a pub that was once on the site - provide the perfect backdrop for Emma’s quirky wares.

However, she’s keen to stress that though the plants she sells are exotic, they’re not difficult to care for: “I’ve gone for a range of plants that are relatively easy to look after.

“It’s so disheartening to buy a plant and kill it immediately.”

So far, Emma has had a busy opening week, with plenty of interest from local residents, passers-by and even a couple of nearby businesses.

“On the continent nearly every house you pass is full of plants - it looks so lovely and there are so many benefits to having them,” she said. “I just hope that people will take my shop into their hearts.”

For details about Botanic, find Emma on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @botanicyork, or email info@botanicyork.co.uk