27 Jan Going green inside!
Another couple of overcast January days with little sunshine and this week I needed a dose of green, as in a greenhouse visit.
Would love to say this charming greenhouse was tucked into my backyard but that’s not the case. This is Moore and Moore Garden Center in Nashville. Whenever I need a lift, a good cup of coffee and a visit here immediately raises my spirits. Maybe it’s the added oxygen from all the plants or maybe it’s a sentimental thing. My great grandfather started a wholesale nursery business that was around for nearly a century in Ohio. As a child we would go there often to see my father who managed the business and I always loved seeing the burst of green and other colors depending on what was in season at the time.
Their greenhouse is always full of houseplants, containers and other home accessories that are creatively displayed, making you want to have your own space like this at home. When spring comes, these plants can be taken outside as long as you keep them out of direct sunlight, like on a covered porch or in the shade.
In the picture above are several popular choices. The tallest is a Fiddle Leaf Fig. You’ve probably seen them in house magazines since they’re pretty trendy these days. The leaves are large and glossy. They really make a statement in a room. On the left is a Raphis Palm and in the middle, an Umbrella Schefflera.
Then there are the various ferns to choose from, like the broader leaf bird’s nest fern and the delicate maidenhair fern. Love them both in pretty containers on tabletops but to be honest I’ve never had much luck keeping them alive in my house.
For a burst of color, a tropical choice is the Bromeliad which I’ve seen in several shades of red, pink and yellow. They are fairly easy to maintain and Antherium has pretty blooms as well.
They have a clever Valentine’s display when you walk in the front door. A blooming bicycle greets you. Adorable.
And if you notice the pink flamingos poking their heads out behind the bicycle, well, they’re umbrellas which we’ve needed quite often in Nashville recently.
Wouldn’t that be fun for Steeplechase if rain is in the forecast?!?
But back to the plants. Have you heard of a mother-in-law’s tongue? Of course that’s not the proper name but what it’s commonly referred to. Spiky leaves give way to blooms if the plant is kept in a dark space. It’s low maintenance plant. I know what you’re thinking. No sarcastic comments from this blogger.
And something unusual you could have alot of fun with is the Tillandsia, or air plant.
It is the largest genus in the Bromeliad family, found from jungle to rain forest to desert environments, and from sea level to high mountain regions.
Most species use their root systems to attach to trees or rocks. They absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves.
Maybe you’ve seen these growing from trees in the tropics. A fun conversation piece for your retreat.
African violets are sweet to put in a small pot for a pop of color in an unexpected place.
Whether it’s a philodendron, a palm, or a ficus, there are endless choices for going green in your home. And with a little TLC, you can enjoy bringing the outside in, adding texture, color and new life when everything outside is pretty dull.
For those of you who live in the Nashville area, Moore and Moore offers workshops you may want to check out. I’ve provided a link to their website.
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