"We can't buy any more plants!"

"We can't buy any more plants!"

I can't remember when 1 plant turned into 3, 3 turned into 33 and 33 turned into 200! But I wouldn't have it any other way. Plants bring my Love and I so much enjoyment and we always seem to manage to squeeze in just one more. 

When people walk into our lounge, they often say, "Blimey, it looks like Kew Gardens in here!" And I say, "Thank you, that's the idea!" 

A big part of my home-making philosophy is that outdoors and indoors ought not to be too separate. I don't want nature to be an "out there" thing. I want it in with me. 

I feel funny in rooms that don't have plants in, which you can't control in most spaces, but that's what I love about home, you choose what you do and don't want in there. 

Nurturing plants is good for the soul. It's life in your home. They make a space feel alive, nurturing a sense of responsibility and energy in your home.

Plants are a powerful addition to any home, not just for their aesthetic appeal but for their profound impact on well-being. Here's why they're so beneficial:

1. Improve Air Quality

  • Natural air purifiers: Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis.

  • Remove toxins: Some species, like peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants, can filter out harmful substances like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia from the air.

 2. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

  • Calming presence: Studies show that simply being around greenery can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and reduce feelings of anxiety.

  • Mindful care: Tending to plants can be a grounding, meditative activity that encourages presence and routine.

3. Boost Mood and Mental Health

  • Connection to nature: Bringing nature indoors helps satisfy the human need for biophilia—a deep, innate connection to the natural world.

  • Enhanced positivity: Living with plants has been linked to increased feelings of happiness, optimism, and overall life satisfaction.

4. Enhance Creativity and Productivity

  • Stimulating environments: Greenery in workspaces has been shown to boost focus, memory retention, and creative thinking.

  • Colour psychology: Green is a soothing colour that can reduce mental fatigue and inspire fresh ideas.

 



Some Tips for Bringing Plants Into Your Home...

1. Start Small and Simple

Choose a few low-maintenance plants (see list below) that suit your lifestyle and build your confidence before expanding your indoor garden. 

2. Match the Plant to the Space

  • Light levels: Some plants love bright, indirect sunlight; others tolerate shade. Observe where the light naturally falls in your home and choose accordingly.

  • Humidity: Bathrooms and kitchens can suit moisture-loving plants, while succulents prefer dry air. 

3. Don't Overwater

More houseplants die from overwatering than from underwatering. A good rule of thumb: check if the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. 

4. Pick the Right Pots

Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent root rot. I always place ceramic shards in the bottom of a pot to help with drainage. Decorative pots are great, but use an inner plastic pot with drainage when needed.

5. Dust Their Leaves

Wipe the leaves gently every few weeks, this can be a lovely grounding activity. Clean, dust-free leaves absorb light better and help the plant breathe.

6. Feed Occasionally

During growing seasons (spring and summer), use a gentle houseplant fertilizer once a month to support healthy growth. Always check what kind of feed the plant needs. 

7. Observe and Adjust

Each plant will show signs if it’s unhappy—yellow leaves, drooping, or spotting. Take these as gentle nudges to tweak light, water, or positioning. A plant is a living thing and that aliveness deserves respect 



Easy-to-Care-For Houseplants

Here are some plants that are good if your new to having plants in your home. 

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

  • Thrives in: Low to bright light

  • Watering: Every 2–3 weeks

  • Bonus: Filters toxins and is nearly impossible to kill.

Zebra Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia or ZZ Plant)

  • Thrives in: Low light

  • Watering: Every 2–3 weeks

  • Bonus: Glossy leaves, very drought-tolerant.

Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

  • Thrives in: Medium to bright indirect light

  • Watering: Weekly

  • Bonus: Trailing vines that are easy to propagate.

Spider Plant

  • Thrives in: Bright, indirect light

  • Watering: Weekly

  • Bonus: Produces “babies” you can repot and share.

 Peace Lily

  • Thrives in: Low to medium light

  • Watering: When the topsoil dries out

  • Bonus: Blooms indoors and helps purify air.

Bringing plants into your home is more than decorating—it’s a quiet act of care, connection, and intention. As you nurture your plants, you’re also nurturing a more grounded, vibrant version of yourself. In their stillness, they remind us to grow slowly, breathe deeply, and flourish where we’re planted.

Go get some plants...

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