Plants Everywhere, Not Just in the Garden

We had an interesting project start this month, and it was not our usual garden design project.

It was not a garden at all.

It was a large covered porch.

We all have been spending a lot more time at home and we have been talking about creating your own personal sanctuary...

a refuge from all those Zoom calls.

Somewhere to be grounded and rejuvenate

One thing that came up a lot in the project and comes up a lot in other design projects where the outdoor space contains a deck, patio, porch, or even a walkway or driveway is that the plants can be everywhere--not just planted in the garden.

Large-scale fiberglass planters can create transitions between one outdoor area to another. Perennial shrubs like hydrangea and boxwoods can even be left in-place for winter interest.

Container gardens, hanging baskets, and potted plants can create a bridge between the hardscapes (walkway, patio, etc.) and the garden. In this most recent project, by arranging leafy tropical plants in containers on the porch, you feel like you are more in the "garden" space than in the "house" space.

You have more of a vacation getaway feeling when you are surrounded by foliage, so don't be afraid to bring the garden up onto porch or deck with tropical plants that you can overwinter in the house.

One of the best examples is this Kangaroo Vine hanging basket. With opulent tendrils of foliage, it is dramatic without needing much care. During the winter you can soak it in your shower once a month and do nothing to it the rest of the time. 

But the idea of "plants everywhere" extends to houseplants of all stripes. Bringing nature inside cuts back on the claustrophobic feeling four walls can create. Houseplants of course also improve indoor air quality, but the psychological benefits during pandemic times cannot be understated.

Now is a fabulous time to find the perfect plants to transition from your balcony or front steps to your entryway or bedroom. We have a huge selection of unique houseplants--small and large--in stock.

You can chat with us about the conditions of your house--bright light, dry, indirect light, etc.--and we can help you choose the houseplants that will thrive in your home.

Visit and be inspired.