Photo courtesy of Bachman
So far this year we’ve been lucky with a mostly mild winter (can we call it lucky if it’s actually climate change?) But there’s no doubt that some of us are already suffering from the winter lull. When you hit the shortened daytime hours, I have a selection of plant-based projects through Karen Bachman Thull of Bachman’s Floral, Home & Garden to help you fight your winter blues. Whether you need a guide to decorating the interior of your home with something green and leafy, curious about growing herbs and other edible plants, or looking for outdoor projects, Bachman’s has it for you.
If you’re not already convinced about introducing plants to your living space, Bachman Thull has the problem: “Green plants offer amazing benefits, including cleaning the air, increasing mood and productivity, and beautifying any room.” In other words, Having plants in your home is a literal and metaphorical breath of fresh air.
Photo courtesy of Bachman
Terrariums and crockery gardens are a great way to display plants. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably by laypeople like me, but a crockery garden is open to the outside air and a terrarium is completely enclosed. This means that terrariums can recycle their water supply for some time, making them very low-maintenance.
If you choose a terrarium or a bowl garden, don’t limit yourself to be creative! Most people fill these tiny habitats with cacti and succulents, but foliage plants work just as well. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can even add small statuettes, toys, and stones next to the plants.
Photo courtesy of Bachman
For those of you who want a plant with no project, Bachman’s has options in all colors, shapes and sizes. From tall jungle ferns to succulents, you can fit in the palm of your hand and find an assortment of flowers more diverse than you can imagine. You are sure to find something special for every room in your home. If you are specifically looking for plants that are good oxygenators (it’s winter, after all), most Dracaena plants are highly rated as oxygenators, as are Peace Lilies, Heart Leaf Philodendrons, and Chinese Evergreens.
It’s important to keep an eye on your furry friends when choosing the plants to bring into your home. Some favorite plants, such as aloe vera, are poisonous to animals. However, there are plenty of plants that your pets will enjoy as much as you do. The calathea rattlesnake and bird’s nest fern are both unique green plants that will add a touch of color to your living space without harming the health of your four-legged family. There are also some flowers that are pet safe, my current favorite is the phalaenopsis orchid.
Herbs are also animal friendly. Ideal for breathing a little more life into your kitchen – and your cooking. These plants thrive in humid environments like sunny kitchen window sills. One of the most common mistakes people make when growing herbs is not pruning them enough. So don’t keep your home-grown herbs for special occasions. The more you eat, the more they grow.
Photo courtesy of Bachman
If you want to go a little further on your edible plant journey, plan a summer vegetable garden! “It’s not too early to start planning your garden! Seeds are now available in store, ”says Bachman Thull.
For those of you who would prefer to grow your garden from seeds rather than saplings, this is the perfect time to start planning. “If you’re interested in starting seeds indoors, you can usually do so in March,” says Bachman Thull. Start dreaming now and when March is over you will know what to buy and you can start your best garden yet.
Photo courtesy of Bachman
Remember, plants aren’t the only way to add a little more natural beauty to your garden. Now, to start enjoying your neighborhood wildlife, all you need to do is put up some bird feeders. Bachman’s has put together a helpful chart cataloging which treats are most attractive to different bird species. This table can be found on the Bachman website under the “Care, Advice and Information” tab. If you’re not picky about the type, bird-friendly snacks can be found in your own kitchen. Oranges, raisins, bananas, pecans, peanuts, and sunflower seeds bring the birds into your garden.
Whichever project you choose, Bachman’s has the products and knowledge to make the most of your farming adventure. “People have found a new purpose, to be active outdoors in their landscape and to beautify their rooms with living plants,” muses Bachman Thull. “Whether inside or outside, people reconnect with nature.”
Photo courtesy of Bachman
There are several Bachman locations throughout the metropolitan area with in-store and no-contact shopping. Further information on locations, opening times and project ideas can be found on the website below.
www.bachmans.com
