The Ultimate Guide to Partner With Plants

Growing in a plant partnership is like dating. You have to know what you are looking for, and find a suitable match for your lifestyle and your environment. Of course! Don’t forget the love.  Now more than ever, people are bringing plants into their personal spaces. It is helpful to have a guide to partner with plants.

With more people than ever working from home, or working less hours, there is an increase in those wanting to create and nurture a green domicile space, as noted in the National Gardening Survey 2020. Whatever the reason, plants are flying off the shelves.

 

Why you should acknowledge our plant partnership

As a species we have always had an interdependent relationship with plants. From the clothing, food, medicine, to the very air we breathe, plants are our allies.

The global adjustment to environmental, and public health changes are leading many people to become more self reliant in terms of food, and alternative ways of living. We are all seeking a better quality of life.

The science which backs the benefits of plants in our lives is substantial. From hospital patients, office employees, and classroom students, the effects of plants in our indoor and outdoor spaces have been proven to:

• Reduce stress
• Increase productivity
• Reduce pollutants
• Improve mental health

These are very important attributes to consider in our busy world when choosing a plant to share your space. Plants, have been used in our most important ceremonies: weddings, and funerals.

Flowers have been found placed as lining in 13,700 year old graves. So there is no doubt that plants have always brought us comfort.

The therapeutic effects of relaxing in plant filled spaces continues to prove plants are beneficial to our wellbeing. This is the perfect time to consider making a plan of action to get the best out of plant care therapy.

Plant based therapies continue to gain in popularity, think: Shinrin Yoku/Forest Bathing, herbology, and aromatherapy, to name a few. The global aromatherapy market size was estimated at USD 1.6 billion in 2020. Many of our current western medicines contain active ingredients derived from plants.

We as a species have always partnered with plants.

 

Are you ready to look after plants?

Let’s make it personal.  How about growing indoor plants, or a vegetable garden. Have you noticed the rise in the price of vegetables at the grocery stores? It will not be going down anytime soon. 

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a decorative, big leafed plant in the room,  a gently cascading fern hanging from the ceiling, or outside balcony? The reality for those who live in a true four season climate, with a serious winter, with no balcony  or outdoor garden space, is that you may have to work a little harder to get the desired result. But you can do it.

Here are some ways:

Be Positive – A positive attitude opens up the possibilities to everything else. You can’t control everything, and it’s hard not to try, but you can prepare and make plant care work for you. One of the reasons people love caring for indoor plants, or potter around outdoor gardening is that they find it so therapeutic.

Decorate – Adding plants to your décor is also very therapeutic. Your living space can be a constant reminder of things past and present. Do you want to create a transition portal? Rearrange your environment with the addition of a new plant, be it Feng Shui, or minimalist, transition is the key.

Learn – Read books about your favorite plants, libraries are a great source of information on local contacts and events. Join garden clubs, watch you tube channels. Courses via local continuing education may be available in your community, not to mention many free, non credit online courses.  Find your favorite plant bloggers.

Volunteer – Check out your local community garden club.  Local garden clubs usually volunteer their time for civic gardening projects. 

 

If you think you are ready to  partner with plants,  become plant parent,  plant advocate, (choose your label), then go for it.

 

Choosing the Right Plant

• Do you just want decoration?

Simply put, choose the right plant. Many of the plants sold by nurseries, and stores originated in warm climates, and have been propagated in large commercial greenhouses, this is why they are house plants in four season climates. Think, light, temperature, and care.

Don’t forget options such as succulents, air plants, and terrariums. It may seem like a lot of work, but the result means optimal benefits and a longer lifespan for your plants.

It is a process. Over the years I have had many plants, sometimes the care was adequate, and successful producing fantastic blooms, and other times, some blight would win the day. You learn and move on.

Here is a short beginners list of popular indoor plants renowned for low maintenance: (the species name is included, not imply a knowledge of Latin, but simply because some plants have the same common name, but are totally different plants.

• Snake Plant (Sanserviera trifasciata)
• Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia camilla)
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)
• Monstera (Monstera Deliciosa)
• Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
• Zebra Cactus (Haworthia fasciata)

 

Whether you are a plant parent or plant ally you will experience the joy, and challenges of caring for, and maintaining a living plant.  Know that you will not be able to stop at one, so be creative and enjoy your reciprocal plant partnership.