At the end of the holiday season each year, when we take down our Christmas tree, I am always shocked at how barren the living room looks. The large punch of green that the Christmas tree provides really warms up the interior, and I can’t help but feel that we have lost too much ambience as a result of removing it. Well, this year I have decided to take the bull by the horns and update the interior landscaping in my home!
My List of Things to do
Clean – Taking down decorations and the Christmas tree often means moving the couch and a chair or two. Seeing as things are in a bit of a disarray already, this is a great time to get out the vacuum cleaner and attack the dust bunnies that have taken up residence along baseboards. A well-known fact, air in your home does not re-circulate optimally during the winter as windows and doors tend to stay closed. Less dust equals less places for pathogens to hide. Its also a great idea to get a cloth and vinegar and wipe down all windows and windowsills – not only will this help to get rid of molds and insects harboring there, it will further allow more light into your home, a welcome sight during the low-light months of winter.
Look for Opportunity – Now that the kids are back in school, I almost have 15 minutes to myself each day (ha ha.) As I enjoy my morning coffee, I am having a good look in my living space, observing where the colorless and “blank” areas are, such as walls, by picture windows, and on ledges. For my particular situation, I have selected four spots that could use some work: 1) in between two doors leading to bedrooms, 2) in front of a living room picture window, 3) on a very high ledge adjoining the dining area, and 4) on a window ledge in the bathroom. The big questions I am asking myself relative to the spaces are: How much available space vertically is there? How much available space horizontally is there? How much natural light does the area receive?
Take a trip to a Garden Centre – Armed with information about the areas in my home that I want to liven up, I will need some inspiration as to what I can place in the spots I have identified as needing revitalization. Being a greenhouse grower myself, I have a fairly good idea of the plants I would like to place in my selected areas; for those with less horticultural experience, knowledgeable staff should be able to help you select suitable specimens.
For the blank area between bedroom doors in my home, I have determined that I have an area approximately 2′ wide by 9′ tall. I want to ensure that I don’t impede movement into or out of either of the rooms. There isn’t a tremendous amount of light in this area. Solution? A sansevaria (aka Mother-In-Law Tongue): this plant features dark green, sometimes striped, leaves that grow vertically with no canopy. Thriving in very low light conditions, sansevaria tolerate dry air and grow to approximately 4′ in most homes. I may place the plant on a small stand if I think it doesn’t give enough vertical interest upon installation.
For the bland area in my living room that is located in front of a picture window, I have determined that the optimal space for a feature plant is around 4′ wide x 9′ tall. The area is bathed in natural light all day long, but gets quite a bit of heat from noon until dusk as the window faces west. There is a couch that abuts the window to the left, and the TV is located to the right of the window, so I need to be careful to select a plant that doesn’t develop a canopy that is larger than 4′ across. Solution? A standard hibiscus: this plant features large, dark green, glossy leaves with fabulous and exotic blooms. Hibiscus love high light and are guaranteed to brighten up this drab area. I have chosen a standard form (“standard” just means tree form) so I achieve a vertical effect (the tree will grow to approximately 7′ tall in a sunny spot in most homes) without compromising my width constraints.
For the very high ledge that adjoins our dining area, I notice that the only way I can access it is by standing on a barstool…clearly a plant in this area is going to have to be able to tolerate some neglect! The size of the ledge is around 4′ wide, 1′ deep (meaning distance from the outer edge of the shelf to the wall), and it is located at a height of approximately 8′ up the dining room wall. The area sees moderate natural light, primarily from a nearby window which faces east. Solution? A pothos: this vining plant is perfect for any high ledge that receives little care. Growing quickly to several feet long (often 10-20′ in only a few seasons), this plant features beautiful, glossy, somewhat heart-shaped leaves on fleshy vines. Available in green, cream-marbled, or golden-marbled foliage, pothos is a friend to neglect, tolerating poor watering habits and the according white salt build-up that forms on the soil as a result of infrequent and inconsistent moisture levels.
For the barren window ledge in our bathroom, I have determined that I have a workable space of 10″ wide and 4.5″ deep (the measurement from the outer edge of the window ledge to the glass pane.) Because the window is a slider that opens vertically, I want to ensure I select a plant that doesn’t hinder my access to the window and which will withstand the elements once the spring is upon us and we open the window. The spot, as with the area in front of our picture window, is exposed to full sun all day, with particular intensity in the afternoon. Because the area is directly in view from all areas in the bathroom, I also want to make sure that I select a pot that is attractive.
Solution? A pre-assembled herb pan: featuring an oblong (i.e. narrow and long) container with three or so divisions for individual varieties, pre-assembled herb kits are novel and interesting. Attractively-scented foliage can make any small space seem more inviting; adding a utilitarian measure to the feature (meaning you can harvest what you grow) further adds dimension and intrigue to the planter. A trip into the bathroom almost always results in a quick look at the herb pan: what’s growing, what’s ready for harvest?
Post-season Christmas doldrums away, planning and selecting a few great plants for inclusion into your home in January is good for the soul. Far from being a study in complexity, getting your living space looking just like that – alive – is simple. I for one am ready to get moving on making 2012 a wonderful year to remember…beginning with a focus on some living greenery indoors!
