DUCKWORTH INTERIORS Incorporating Plants Into Your Decor

Incorporating Plants Into Your Decor

STORY BY BY KATE DUCKWORTH PHOTOS BY DUCKWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY

With springtime upon us, many of us find ourselves motivated to freshen up our homes. What better way than to incorporate houseplants into your decor? Plants have many benefits to your health and well-being. Well known to purify the air, they have other lesser known benefits. Along with reducing anxiety and stress, plants boost immunity and healing. It’s also very rewarding to care for a living thing and watch it thrive!

If you’re busy and on the go, you may think you don’t have the time to care for houseplants. I always thought of the typical “plant person” as someone that was retired or had lots of time on their hands. After getting a plant of my own, I realized quickly that it not only brought joy to my life, but didn’t take near as much time to care for as I thought it would. Once you decide to take the plunge and buy your first plant, it can be intimidating to decide which one to select. Walking the isles of the plant section is exciting and overwhelming. My advice is to select a plant that speaks to you, that you enjoy looking at, like a piece of art you’d choose for your home. Some varieties we love for style and ease of care are ZZ Plants, Snake Plants, and Polka Dot Begonias. After the plant is selected, it’s time to select a container. Look for a pot that you love and goes with your decor. Be sure it’s slightly larger than the container your plant comes in.

Next, you’ll want to think about where to put your new friend. Do you want a larger plant to put in a corner of a room as an anchor? Do you want a smaller plant to put on a shelf or a night stand for a splash of color? Do you want a few different plants in varying size and texture to put together in a grouping? These are good things to think about when incorporating the plant into your design.

“We spend so much time indoors these days. Once you start bringing the outdoors into your spaces, you begin to realize how much life, vitality, and energy they bring with them.”

Whether it’s a small plant on your desk at work, some fresh herbs in your kitchen, or a sturdy tree in your living room, they are sure to bring you joy. Warning: Once you begin your collection, it may become an addiction.

Plant location ideas:

• Create a cozy spot on a bench in your foyer or mudroom. Utilize a tray to group a small plant, a couple of books, & a candle. Add some pillows and a throw. • Bring some life to your nightstand. Layer lamp in front of some art. Add a small plant on top of a couple of books. • Liven up a foyer console or a dining buffet. Create a grouping of three items on each side. (see previous page) • Incorporate a plants on your side tables. A lamp, a plant, and some books. Don’t forget to leave some room for your favorite beverage! • Have an empty corner? Try a grouping of plants on stands. Make sure you use a variety of planters and different materials on the stands to add visual interest and texture. (see picture to the left)

Grouped together are the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree,

Audrey Ficus, Snake plant (From largest to smallest)

AGLAONEMA, CHINESE EVERGREEN (common name) Sun: low to medium light Water: when soil is dry Tip: Keep temp above 60 degrees F ZAMIOCULCAS ZAMIIFOLIA, ZZ PLANT Sun: prefers indirect bright light, will tolerate low light Water: occasionally…. Tip: Thrives on neglect! Rotate periodically Dust leaves regularly SANSEVIERIA, SNAKE PLANT OR MOTHER-IN-LAW’S TONGUE Sun: low light Water: occasionally Tip: Likes sandy soil, doesn’t like drafts

SEDUM CLAVATUM Sun: Full sun to partial shade Water: Soak completely and then let dry completely Tip: Needs well draining container

BEGONIA MACULATA, PLOKA DOT BEGONIA Sun: bright interest light Water: keep soil moist/ like high humidity Tip: Needs pruning twice per year