Bringing spring indoors
Indoor gardening: bringing colour inside your home
As the grey days of winter surround us, we are desperate to see a bit of spring. Bringing this feeling into your home can be easily obtained with a few simple steps.
A hint of spring in the dead of winter
As winter surrounds us, it is easy to fall into the February blues, desperately longing for the sight and scent of spring. But what if you could introduce spring early and maintain it all year around? How amazing would it be if you could create that “spring fever” feeling in the midst of winter.
The beauty of a garden, whether inside or outside your home, is not based on the number of plants you have but on how and what you do with them. Three criteria need to be considered to build a spring-like environment: light, fragrance and colour.
Light up your Life
The ideal light for plants is sunlight, but if you live in a small apartment the amount of windows you have may be limited. In a place with limited windows you need to create the illusion of sunlight and space. This illusion can be created by using candles, mirrors, and light colours on the wall.
Mirrors reflect light and as a direct result make a room look bigger. When choosing mirrors to enhance space, pick non-ornate mirrors with minimal frames. Ornate mirrors with heavy frames are a distraction and will make a room look even smaller.
To really enhance the size of a room cover an entire wall with one large mirror. Place a series of large tropical plants in front of the mirror or a variety of colourful annuals. The mirror will reflect the spring like environment into the entire room.
If you do not have the space for this, even the smallest mirror will bring colour and light to an otherwise dull area. Decorative mirrors are available in a variety of coloured glass and unique shapes. These mirrors will open up the dark corner in any room.
If there is a limited light there are a few natural plants you can introduce into your environments. Shade oriented plants, such as the snake plant, peace lily, Dieffenbachia and Impatiens will finish the indoor garden. If you are lucky enough to have a bright windowsill or florescent lights, most shade tolerant plants will also do well in this environment. So don’t be afraid to experiment with plants that are usually considered outdoor plants. A few good choices are: impatiens, begonias, chrysanthemums, and geraniums.
Scent of Spring
Fragrance provides the aroma of spring and can come from fresh and potted flowers. If you have limited natural light, potpourri, scented candles, oils, dried flowers and herbs can also be used. Strong scents such as lavender, lilac, and rose, quickly warm the room. Rotate scent with your mood.
Colour your World
Perhaps one of the most important things to bring forth that spring-like aura is the use of colour: pastel-coloured glass vases, balls, dishes, beads and fresh flowers. Try to maintain a simplified colour scheme, this will allow the plants and flowers to become the focal point.
In addition there are several inexpensive floral shops where you can pick some colourful enhancement to your room. Pick the flowers that are in season. They tend to last longer and will be fairly inexpensive. Use a selection of these scents and colours to bring springtime into a small space.
With these simple steps you can easily embrace a spring feeling which will help you escape the chill of winter.
