As a child, I loved everything related to castles and fairy tales. The irresistible pull of the unseen world wormed its way into my psyche and never let go. The sense of wonder I felt when I imagined worlds full of magical folk like fairies, elves, gnomes, and talking animals was perhaps a way to escape a troubled childhood. But it was something more than that…something hard to describe. There is just something about the world of miniatures that has always held my imagination. What is more fascinating than doll houses with miniature versions of our world, with tiny bits of furniture and interior decor? Or how about model train landscaping with streets, buildings, and train tracks? These are entire worlds where “little people” go about their business, oblivious to us mere mortals staring down at them like giant Cheshire cats. Fairy gardens evoke the same sense of intrigue and fascination, and creating a fairy garden is the perfect invitation to allow your imagination to again enter the realm of magic. Creating a fairy garden is essentially an activity inspired by nature and all that exists in the natural world, with a touch of whimsy that gives us a space tp escape the “rational” world for just a bit. So, what makes a fairy garden? What types of things are “essential” to a fairy garden? Let’s take a moment or two to suspend belief and discuss the ten essential elements that I believe are necessary for a successful fairy garden! Fairy habitats When it comes to creating a fairy habitat, the sky is the limit! Fairies love a habitat that is attractive to birds, bees, and butterflies…but maybe your fairy has other ideas! At its core the fairy garden is a tiny haven full of miniature structures surrounded by all sorts of things that attract the typical garden wildlife. But—again—your fairy might cut against the grain and embrace their inner alien or beach bum! (I’ve seen both…it gets interesting!) In the interest of keeping things simple, though, we’ll just discuss the typical garden or woodland fairy habitat. Fairy gardens are typically part of a larger garden (although they don’t have to be), so think of this space as a garden within a garden…a special little patch of real estate set aside just for your magical fairy resident. And put some thought into it! Put yourself in your fairy’s shoes…Visualize yourself about 3 inches tall and look around. (Maybe put that camera phone down to ground level and take some photos, just to get a more realistic perspective.) Are there trees and tree stumps with hollows to live or hide in? Are there mushrooms for your fairy to sleep on or shelter under during a rainstorm? Is there a patch of flowers with vibrant colors and attractive fragrance that attracts birds and bees? Maybe there is even a hollow woodland log with clumps of ferns clinging to its reclining form on a forest floor. Whatever your choice of habitat, make it something fun, whimsical, and enchanted! Make it a place that will make your fairy feel welcome and want to stay. A comfy fairy home If your fairy does decide to stay in the habitat you’ve so carefully chosen, she’ll need a place to do all the “domestic” stuff, the stuff of daily living. So what type of home will your fairy want? When it comes to fairy homes, this will depend on your chosen habitat, and—of course—your fairy’s preferences! A fairy’s house could be provided by nature, taking the form of a tree hollow, toadstool, or miniature cave made of rocks. Or maybe she’s an environmentalist who embraces the idea of repurposing old pots, wheelbarrows, or planters. Or maybe you are one of those crafty fairy guardians who builds her a birdhouse or fairy house. Whatever type of home you and your fairy choose, it should be attractive and comfy and provide shelter from wicked weather. Shelter & hiding places for fairies Your fairy will not spend ALL day inside her home! She will be out and about, exploring her gardens and surrounding areas, looking for food, and visiting friends. And sometimes—while she is out having too much fun—she gets caught in a rainstorm! Remember those tree stumps, toadstools, and flowers I mentioned before? This is where they come in handy! It is essential to your fairy’s happiness to provide places of shelter, even if it’s a thick bush or large leafy flower under which your fairy can hide from unwanted visitors or shelter from that occasional summer rainstorm. Fairy friends & companions Speaking of friends…We all need friends, and your fairy is no different! The perfect habitat will naturally attract butterflies, frogs, hummingbirds, and ladybugs all of whom will be curious about your resident magical being and easily befriend her. Maybe the neighborhood squirrels and rabbits pop in for a quick visit while on the way to find their morning meal. You could even invite companions from the fairy world, like gnomes and elves. (Don’t worry that they are resin statues…they come alive when you are not looking anyway!) Maybe your cat or dog makes a daily trek outside to pay a visit. (Make sure they are friendly to your fairy, or you may incur her wrath!) And don’t forget that YOU are her friend as well! Visit her now and again to check up on her and catch up! Miniature garden areas for fairies Having a resident fairy comes with responsibilities, and one of those responsibilities is creating a beautiful garden in which your fairy can quietly meander on a cool misty dawn or entertain friends on a sunny summer afternoon. Nestling your fairy’s magical home into existing flower gardens is one of the easiest—and most natural—ways to surround your fairy with her very own garden patch. Or…maybe this is where you have fun doing miniature landscaping! Creating miniature gardens is an art form that goes back decades, but lately, the fairy garden has become all the rage! How can you resist creating all those miniature walkways, garden patios, and landscaping?! If you decide to go this route, you’ll need miniature plants--succulents, miniature roses, or any relatively small plant that won’t get out of control and become overgrown. Maybe some plants are in pots, and maybe some grow from the soil…Just think low maintenance. (That doesn’t mean NO maintenance! You’ll have to visit your fairy friend often to do upkeep.) Whatever you choose to do for your fairy, creating a magical homestead for your fairy will entice her to stay…And that means good luck for you! Flowers in the fairy garden While we’re on the subject of gardens and flowers, let’s talk a little about the type of flowers and plants that will have your fairy swooning… So what types of plants and flowers attract fairies? Fairies are known to have a fondness for aromatic herbs, like thyme and rosemary. Planting herbs in and around your fairy garden attracts bees and other insects which are beneficial to the health of your garden…and the happiness of your fairy. And did I forget to mention the amazing scent that fills the air?! Beautiful flowers—like petunias, tulips, foxglove, pansies, and even wildflowers—can also add to the symphony of fragrances in your fairy’s garden. Flowers that have large petals also provide much needed shade on a sunny day, or even attractive places to hide in or sleep. Fruit trees and bushes make a good food source for your fairy, and having them close to home means she won’t have to risk traveling too far away to find her morning breakfast. Shiny objects and fairies In case you didn’t already know, fairies like shiny things! It is said that fairies are attracted to glittering shiny items, like fairy lights and sparkly gems. They are attracted to the light like moths to a flame, so it is important to use this to your advantage as you try to lure a fairy into your garden and entice them to stay. As you create your fairy garden, think about incorporating things like crystals, gem stones, glass beads, sparkly flocked decor, fairy lights, and even water. Your fairy will be mesmerized! Water sources in the fairy garden Water is the source of all life…and fairies love it! The presence of water provides several benefits. Fairies like it for its shimmering properties, but they also bathe in pools of water and drink from nearby water sources. In ancient myths water had magical properties and represented a portal to another world. Remember, fairies are ethereal magical creatures that belong to another realm of reality, and the presence of water gives them easy access to that world. Ponds, streams, bird baths, or any pool of water—even miniature fountains—make excellent water sources for your fairy garden and any visitors that might arrive. What do you do if you can’t provide a source of actual water? Go “faux”! Even just the illusion of water is beneficial and will make your fairy happy. It can be as simple as blue stones arranged like a pond. Or you can get more decorative with decor filled with resin resembling a waterfall. It’s up to you! As long as the effort is there, your fairy will be grateful. Soothing sounds in the fairy garden We often forget about sound when we are creating gardens, but sound can have a powerful effect on us, for better or for worse. A pleasant sound—like the soft gurgling from a water feature—sets the tone for a calm quiet place to sit and meditate or daydream. All creatures—magical or otherwise—will benefit from such a place! The sound of wind chimes in the garden can also have a spellbinding effect on anyone who happens to be within earshot. The musical tones that keep time with the breeze take us to another level of sublime consciousness. The same sounds that are soothing to us are also loved by fairies, so this is a great opportunity to create relaxing tones that will make your fairy’s homestead more magical, but will also entice YOU to linger a few moments in your miniature garden and revel in your handiwork. Using your imagination And finally…The number one essential element for creating a fairy garden is your own imagination! Use your imagination to come up with a garden that has a story to tell. Create a theme that tells the story of your garden fairy. Don’t be afraid to tap into that inner child and dream! Sit a while and think about little worlds and all the magic folk. Experiment with different setups, plants, decor. There is no right or wrong way to do it…just as long as you do it! Creating a fairy garden is an opportunity to get your hands dirty and play with ideas for miniature landscaping. Even if you don’t believe in fairies, this is a way to be creative and expressive. The process of working in a garden is a fun way to relieve stress and escape—even if for just a few moments—from the craziness of our everyday lives. So go forth and dream…and create a whimsical magical world for your own resident fairy! So those were my top ten essential elements for creating a fairy garden. Now that you are inspired to go create your own magical fairy garden, what kind of garden do you think you will make? Or do you already have a resident fairy happily living in your garden? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments! Just an FYI…You can create beautiful decorative indoor fairy gardens as well. It is so much fun putting together indoor fairy gardens with faux florals and miniature decor! Decor can be easily changed out for the seasons or holidays to give you a fresh new vignette or tablescape whenever you like. If you have a moment, go check out my handcrafted fairy houses created specifically for indoor fairy gardens. Related blogs you may want to read: A brief history of the origins of fairy gardens My spring 2022 indoor fairy gardens Spring makeover for my indoor fairy gardens My outdoor fairy garden My fairy house project Sources: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/attracting-fairies-in-the-garden.htm https://theforestfairy.com/flowers-that-attract-and-welcome-the-fairies-into-your-garden/ https://obsessionwithbutterflies.com/2019/08/miniature-fairy-gardening/ https://fifthseasongardening.com/the-magical-world-of-fairy-gardens https://www.almanac.com/gardening-miniature http://www.buckscountrygardens.com/the-enchanted-garden-miniature-fairy-gardens/ https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2080 This article may contain a few items or commercial mentions, but I only used them for demonstration purposes only. I am not endorsing any particular product or receiving any monetary gain for this blog.
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If you have a small bonsai ficus that has become a little unruly or has over grown its pot, today’s blog has a few tips that may help you repot that burgeoning bonsai tree! Last year I purchased a bonsai ficus retusa and over the past year it has become side heavy, leaning to one side and pulling itself out of the soil. The tree leaves themselves are flourishing and look amazing, drinking in the warm sunlight from its tranquil spot in front of my south facing window. The severe lean that is causing the roots to be exposed, however, has me concerned that this tree may soon find itself in distress. An intervention is needed! Originally from Asia, this type of tree loves humid environments, but does not like to be soggy, so keep that in mind when choosing pots and soil. The bonsai ficus retusa is said to be a very forgiving, undemanding plant for beginners and I can certainly vouch for that! Having said that, the thought of transplanting this tree was just a wee bit intimidating to me. But, like anything else, you have a to do a little research and then just dive in, right? So, I’m going to share with you the things I learned and my process for transplanting my latest plant baby... When to repot a bonsai ficus For most houseplants, the going wisdom is to repot in early spring, but the timing for repotting a bonsai tree depends quite a lot on the specific type of tree. (And it’s important to note that bonsai plants are miniature trees, not a typical houseplant.) My specific tree (as mentioned previously) is a bonsai ficus retusa, so my timing for repotting this plant is not in early spring but in mid to late summer. This may be an oversimplified overview of repotting the bonsai ficus, and it’s only fair to share a little of the abundance of information I have found on the topic. I have discovered (frustratingly) that there are different opinions on the topic, but much of how you care for your bonsai ficus will depend on a few key points:
According to one source--Bonsai Empire—you should avoid replanting bonsai trees in summer or winter, but other sources indicate that indoor plants are less vulnerable to the changes in the season and will tolerate repotting at other, less ideal, times of year. Kaizen Bonsai (a source that I found invaluable as I was researching the topic) recommends repotting according to your tree’s species, and for my tropical ficus, that means repotting the plant in summer when its growth has slowed. You can repot your bonsai ficus every other year or as needed, such as if the tree has rapid growth or has become root-bound. Type of pot for a bonsai ficus Most times, when you see a bonsai tree, it will be in a low flat pot. The art of caring for bonsai trees is an ancient one steeped in tradition that has a very distinctive visual style. The design aspect of bonsai leans on a basic design theory of the rule of thirds. The pot of the bonsai should be 1/3 the height of the tree, just like with vases for floral arrangements. You may need a pot 2/3 the width of the tree to create the right balance, forming a triangular shape for your display. When choosing a pot, remember you will be shaping your bonsai using triangular geometry in your design. Having said that, Kaizen Bonsai says that you can use any pot that works well with the size and shape of the tree, so don’t get too stuck on the idea of using traditional shallow pots. Just focus on finding a well-balanced container size with good drainage that highlights the tree's beauty and form. I purchased the perfect pot with two drainage holes, mesh, and wire from Amazon. Cover the holes in the pot base with mesh to limit soil loss and allow good drainage. Also, there is usually a type of floral wire that is fed up from the bottom holes of the pot and wrapped around the tree to anchor it so it doesn’t tip over. (During the repotting process, I discovered that my plant was never properly anchored in, making the plant top-heavy and tippy.) Best soil for a bonsai ficus Now that we’ve addressed the pot for the bonsai, let’s talk about soil. What type of soil will you need for your bonsai ficus? Just like I mentioned before, there are different schools of thought depending on who you ask, but Below are a few suggestions from my research:
I have also been told that cactus soil is good to use in a bonsai soil mixture for its drainage properties. It’s a good idea to tailor the soil mixture to the type of tree and the humidity in the environment. You want an overall well-draining soil. You want your soil to hold just enough moisture for the tree to thrive without sitting in soggy soil. For my mix, I used a mixture of what I had on hand—cactus mix, sphagnum peat, potting mix, and orchid bark. For the fungicide (for the branch I cut off and potted), I used a TBS of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of water. Bonsai Empire recommends the following process for planting: wire the tree to the pot bottom to anchor it, create a layer for drainage topped with bonsai soil, and then add more bonsai soil. Carefully work the new soil between the roots to prevent air pockets (don’t tamp down too hard). Another source--Kaisen Bonsai—recommends just using well-balanced soil instead, tailored to the specific tree type, how much growth you want to encourage, how often you plan to water, the depth of the pot, and environmental conditions. You will need to water more often if using well-drained soil and may lose nutrients quickly. On the other hand, you do not want your bonsai sitting in wet soil, which causes root rot. Outdoor conditions (such as wind, humidity, and sunlight) affect how the plant retains water or dries out. Kaisen Bonsai recommends letting the soil dry out before repotting, as repotting with wet soil stresses the tree. The root ball of your bonsai tree will need to be carefully manipulated and unraveled during this process. Carefully unravel the root ball, and rake out the old soil using your fingers or a small rake so you can stretch out the roots for pruning (see the next section for trimming instructions). Once the roots are prepped, add a layer of soil or drainage rocks, feed in the wire that will hold the tree in place, place the tree in the soil, carefully work new soil between the roots, and then add soil to fill the pot. Wire the tree into place (we’ll discuss this later) and water thoroughly. Trimming the roots of a bonsai ficus After the soil has been raked out and roots have been carefully loosened, it is time to assess how—and if—the roots get trimmed. Kaizen Bonsai recommends trimming the roots according to the tree species and the tree's condition and roots at the time. If in doubt--or if the tree is not doing well--err on the side of caution and leave the roots alone. Why trim the roots, you might ask? Giving the roots a haircut (root pruning) while replanting helps stimulate new growth. This process will help the tree get water and nutrients faster. Don’t get too carried away during this process—only cut up to 1/3 of the roots. How to fertilize a bonsai ficus According to Kaizen Bonsai, only fertilize when the plant shows strong growth. Fertilization will also depend on your specific type of tree. Do not try to fertilize to fix “problems”; if there are plant health issues, try other options, such as adjusting the water schedule, pruning, loosening roots, or repotting. Another source says to fertilize once every two weeks during spring and summer, once a month in winter and fall, and dilute the fertilizer by half. How you fertilize will depend on your tree species and circumstances. I have not given my tree any fertilizer because it just didn’t need it! It had steady growth, with new shoots all the time, so I chose to forego the fertilizer. How to water a bonsai ficus Water the bonsai ficus when the soil feels almost dry. Do not let the soil become dry as a bone, but do not overwater either. Try to strike a nice balance with moist but not soggy soil. Soggy soil will cause catastrophic root rot. Bonsai trees usually sit in shallow pots, so keep an eye on the soil moisture to prevent damage from the soil drying out. When you water, water slowly and deeply, then let alone until almost dry before watering again. A tip I learned that has become invaluable to me for tracking the soil moisture in my plants is to use a water meter. I check all of my plants—plunging the water meter into the soil in several places to monitor the evenness of the soil moisture—before I pour water into the pot. A quick note about misting…The bonsai ficus does not need to be misted but could benefit from an occasional mist in dry environments. As this is a tropical plant, it does like some humidity, so an occasional mist and a wet tray can provide that little extra bit of moisture in the air. Lighting needs for a bonsai ficus The bonsai ficus likes to be in full sun, but this tree can tolerate indirect light, as long as it gets a little bit of direct light on its leaves. The southern sun is perfect for this plant, but less direct light from the east or west will work. My plants sit in a southeast window of my house, and they all seem to love it! They get plenty of direct light until mid-afternoon, and they are happy. Do not leave this plant in the dark! It won’t tolerate dark corners or cold drafts (think tropical). How to prune a bonsai ficus There are whole books and videos on this topic, and there’s no way I can do it justice in this short blog, but here are just a few tips to get you started… Manage the shape and size of the tree by trimming back new growth leaves to only a couple. For example, you can cut branches back to the first two or three leaves, promoting a bushier, less straggly growth. Pruning helps with apical dominance, or the tendency for the new growth to dominate, leaving older growth to wither and die. In simpler words, pruning helps control new growth to improve the tree’s overall look and health. Pruning is most effective in spring but can be done whenever the tree gets out of hand with growth. And don’t worry about the milky sap (latex) that will ooze out of the cuts. They are the tree’s way of creating a protective sealant to help heal the cut. How to propagate a bonsai cutting My bonsai tree developed a large branch off to one side of the tree, leading to leaning and tipping over from the weight. This was my fault for ignoring the pruning! The repotting process gave me the perfect excuse for pruning that branch, but I couldn’t bear to throw it away. The branch was the ideal size to propagate as a new tree! So, how do you propagate a cutting from a bonsai tree? The bonsai is a tree, so it’s pretty resilient when chopping off bits here and there. The tricky bit is getting the cut piece to grow roots. To prune a branch for propagation, cut at a 45-degree angle like you would for fresh-cut flowers. This helps the cutting have more surface to soak up much-needed water. There are two ways to get the piece to root—place it in a vase with water for a few weeks or plant it directly into another pot with soil. (I tried both techniques since I had a few extra pieces I didn’t want to throw away.) According to Plantophiles, to propagate using the soil method, place the cutting in a pot with good soil for bonsai trees, using the same step-by-step method as when repotting a bonsai tree. The cut branch should start rooting within a couple of weeks. Keep the cutting watered, and carefully monitor the soil so it’s not soggy but has enough water for the new tree to grow. Place the newly potted branch in a spot with plenty of bright indirect light, like a south-facing window. (Just like with a newly repotted bonsai tree, avoid stressing the plant by putting it in direct sunlight.) How to wire your bonsai ficus The trick to getting those fantastic shapes in professional bonsai trees is to use wires to help the malleable branches grow in the desired direction. Wires can be used to help manage shape, but use the thinnest wire possible (wire for bonsai comes in a range of thickness) depending on the thickness of the branches. Thin branches are more flexible and easy to train, requiring thinner wire, while thicker (less flexible) branches will need heavier wire and possibly a guy wire. Cut and remove the wire when the branch has grown in the desired direction and can hold its own (about six weeks). A few “don’ts” for wiring are: don’t wire up a bonsai just after the shock of repotting, don’t wire branches too tight, and don’t let the wire cut into the tree. The first thing to do when repotting is to wire and anchor the tree trunk. Wiring the plant from the base will help stabilize the bonsai tree, create balance for the desired shapes, and keep the tree from tipping. (My tree was never wired into the pot and is now toppling over!) The wire gets fed up through holes in the bottom of the pot, wound securely around the large roots (and tree base), and then secured to keep the tree stable. Try not to wrap too tightly and dig into the tree. So, in trying to help my bonsai plant, I learned a lot! Bonsai plants are trees and behave more like trees, just in miniature. There is no one-size-fits-all standard for repotting your bonsai, so it is essential to understand your tree type and specific needs. In the past, I have been afraid to touch this plant for fear of ruining it, but I am learning that it is more resilient than I previously thought. I’m sure this is just the beginning of an educational journey, especially since I have gone from one bonsai to two bonsai trees via propagation. (And I almost forgot two small cuttings sitting in the water trying to root!) This is a lot of information to digest, and I’ve only just scratched the surface, but I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship with my bonsai ficus trees! Stay tuned for updates! Please feel free to drop a line in the comments with any tips! Related blogs you may want to read: How to repot a pothos plant How to propagate bromeliad pups Small houseplants that love bathroom humidity Eight health benefits of decorating with plants How to harvest and use fresh mint from the garden Tips for harvesting chamomile for homemade tea Growing tomatoes and cucumbers How to care for 11 common herb seedlings Tips for planting seeds indoors Sources: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/bonsai-care/repotting https://www.allthingsbonsai.co.uk/bonsai-tree-species-care-guides/ficus-indoor-bonsai-tree-care/ https://www.allthingsbonsai.co.uk/bonsai-tree-care/a-discussion-on-bonsai-soil/ https://www.bonsaioutlet.com/ficus-bonsai-care/ https://www.kaizenbonsai.com/bonsai-tree-care-information/graham-s-guide-to-repotting-bonsai https://shinnong.org/how-to-care-for-your-ficus-bonsai/ https://plantophiles.com/plant-care/how-to-grow-bonsai-from-cutting/ Affiliate Disclosure Some of the posts in this article contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. I will only recommend products or services I use personally and/or believe will add value to my readers, so there is no conflict of interest. This blog article has been a long time in the making. My whole business model is based on the notion of “nature-inspired”! But does having natural and organic elements in the home make a difference in how we feel? Does it improve our mood? And why do I have such a passion for creating nature-inspired home decor? I’m pondering this topic in a pragmatic rather than scientific sense. I’m a lifelong sufferer of anxiety and depression, and probably some form of PTSD born out of childhood trauma. I’ve tried medications, meditation, yoga, exercise, healthy eating, and positive affirmations, and they have each helped in their way but do not come close to how much better I feel when surrounded by trees. Unfortunately, I now live in a suburban hell, which is only slightly better than the urban hell of my youth...But I do live in this beautiful state of Pennsylvania—a state filled with natural beauty, trees, farms, mountains, and hiking trails. When we do finally decide to relocate, there are plenty of options! But, for now, I have to settle for making my home as comfortable and pleasant as possible using what I have. For many years, I have tried to keep small gardens, which keep me busy during the warmer months. Gardening gets me outside and out of my head and allows me to photograph beautiful things. Over the past couple of years, I started considering my indoor environment. Houseplants and indoor herbs have become a staple in my home, with varying degrees of survival. I don’t have the greenest thumb in the world, but I can grow a thing or two! In addition to live plants, my interiors are filled with faux florals and faux floral decor that I designed and created. Blending real and faux florals seems perfectly natural to me. But I often wonder—is there a difference between the real and the faux? Can nature-inspired decor have the same or similar effect as the real thing? And does having houseplants have the same positive effect as an outdoor garden? That question has intrigued me since starting this nature-inspired decor “experiment” several years ago. Our modern lives are toxic and artificial in almost every way, which has harmed our physical, mental, and spiritual health. I can personally vouch for that! That being said, the ability of humans to create our own built environment is fascinating to me. The crossroads between the natural world and the built environment is what holds the most interest to me. I love design. I love architecture, art, interior design, and decorating (I did go to school for interior design, after all!), all of which are artificial constructs. Creating nature-inspired home decor has been the ultimate exploration of how to bring balance to these two opposing worlds. What I know is this… I love observing the beautiful flowers, plants, and trees when sitting in my garden. I am fascinated by nature’s creative shapes, hues, texture, and scale. Mother Nature really IS the ultimate designer and artist! Mimicking nature’s skilled hand is quite challenging, but the effort has been the backbone of my handcrafted floral designs for seven years. It’s always a challenge to strike the right balance between man-made elements and the natural world! Admittedly, there isn’t the same depth of experience with faux florals as with real flowers in a garden. The comparison is equivalent to actually taking a hike through the woods versus sitting on your couch watching a YouTube video of someone walking through the woods. When you hike, more of your senses are triggered, making it a totally immersive experience. But sometimes the visual representation—if that’s all that’s available to you—is all the reminder you need that we are creatures of nature under the skin. But does having plants, flower arrangements, and faux florals in the home have the same benefits as being in nature? Does surrounding yourself with representations and small samples of the real thing do anything to make you feel better in your interior spaces? My answer--Both my houseplants and my faux floral creations make me smile. The moment spent checking on the growth of one of my latest plant babies can bring me as much joy as admiring the beauty of my floral decor. In the past, my home was not filled with anything resembling organic or natural elements, and I didn’t realize just how barren the space felt…until one day, I filled that space with plants and faux floral decor. All of a sudden, it was like somebody turned on the lights! The difference in the mood of the space was immediate. Suddenly—and dramatically—there was life where previously there was emptiness. And the live plants in my home allowed me to be a caregiver, and that’s more powerful than people realize. When you care for another being (in this case, my houseplants), the experience takes you out of your head for a while and forces you to focus on the moment, to be present. Being present and engaging in activities that promote mindfulness are ancient ways of coping with stress, depression, and anxiety. So, in answer to my question, yes…In my experience, bringing a bit of nature into the home—whether real or faux, or even a mixture of both—goes a long way to helping us feel more relaxed, calm, and even energized. My home felt like a dark hole until I gave it “light” with plants and flowers. I do feel better in my surroundings. My creativity has also greatly benefited from having an interior that makes me feel calm and relaxed. My home is where I both live AND work. I no longer feel suffocated, empty, or claustrophobic. It’s been a game-changer! I know this is not a scientifically backed answer (although I have read many articles on the subject), but it IS my own experience, and I believe what I see. All I can provide is my own experience, and it has been a positive one! And so I think I leave this mental meandering on that note and leave you with a quote from one of our country’s greatest naturalists, John Muir: “Everybody needs beauty...places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike.” What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you have your own experiences to share? Drop a line in the comments, and let’s start a conversation! Sources: https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_nature_makes_you_kinder_happier_more_creative https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature https://selecthealth.org/blog/2019/07/10-reasons-why-being-in-nature-is-good-for-you https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-nature https://positivepsychology.com/positive-effects-of-nature/ Related blogs you may want to read:
Let’s talk about houseplants Biophilia in interior design How to repot a bonsai ficus How to repot a pothos plant How to propagate bromeliad pups Small houseplants that love bathroom humidity Eight health benefits of decorating with plants Eight tips for creating spring vignettes My Spring 2022 indoor fairy gardens Spring makeover for my indoor fairy gardens |
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