Over this past summer I visited with a client who had many beautiful house plants. As someone who isn’t very “good” at keeping plants alive, this inspired me to write this post and to try bringing some more living plants into my own home.

I do work with cut flowers and pieces of trees and plants but I tend to forget and neglect my houseplants. The only worse thing than having no plants is having unhealthy and dead plants. So make sure you are going to give your plants the time and attention they need before you bring them into your home. I was determined to keep my plants alive so I researched each of them and what amount of water and light they would need. It turned out that 3 of the plants I had bought were not pet friendly, so I was forced to keep them in a room where the animals aren’t allowed. You can easily search and make sure the plants and flowers you’re bringing into your home aren’t toxic for anyone living there.

The bathroom hallway at Longwood Gardens

Bringing in the Wood Element
All plants and flowers are the Wood Element. Fake plants also count here so there are ways to bring in the feeling of plants without actually have a green thumb. In general it’s best to have plants with rounded leaves versus something that’s spiky, unless you are using it for protection. I had a client who had wanted more social connection and had a very welcoming home, with a welcome mat and all, but then a cactus on her front porch. While this actually may have worked for protection here, it wasn’t exactly welcoming and inviting guests in.

If you don’t want to go with fake plants and you don’t want the hassle of keeping plants alive, photos, art, fabrics and wallpaper containing plants will also do the trick. Have you ever felt really annoyed and then stepped into a forest or visited an arboretum or garden? It’s pretty hard to be unhappy in the presence of such beautiful colors and beauty. All plants, herbs and flowers have spiritual meanings you can also look up. In the end, you should choose ones that you love and that make you smile. Air plants are another easy option and require no planting. You can spritz or soak them. Bamboo grows in low light and is another easy plant to have.

Caring for your Plants
Plants should be checked on daily if possible. I’m sure you’ve heard by now that talking to or even playing music for plants helps them grow. If you have a plant that isn’t doing well, think about the placement or environment it’s in and try moving it. Also consider, perhaps it does just need a little more love! Maybe read it some poetry? I do find for myself keeping plants in the bathroom makes it easier to check on, water and care for them. You can’t avoid the bathroom for very long and there’s already water right there.

Sourcing your Plants and Flowers
There are a million posts on types of plants, easiest plants to grow, so I’ll leave that to the professionals. Support your local plant and flower shops when possible. A couple local favorites of mine are Vault + Vine and Safa Plant Co. Speak to them about your specific plant needs. There are also online plant delivery shops including The Sill, Bloomscape and Lively Root. I haven’t tried any of these, so I can’t speak to the quality but if you have any experiences or thoughts, comment below. I actually bought these last plants (pictured above getting a shower) at IKEA. They were very reasonably priced and they’re doing well months later. I even picked up a small fake plant for my bathroom there. I’ve seen pretty decent quality fake plants recently, everywhere from Target to Home Goods. You could also learn to propagate and make some new friends! Your local Buy Nothing group (on Facebook) or a plant-focused local group would be a great place to ask for plants that need a new home, or have someone share their clippings with you.

For flowers, try your local flower shop or search for a flower farm or CSA. Many florists and farms are doing weekly or bi-weekly shares during their growing season. It’s another way to support your local businesses while bringing beauty into your home. For local readers, I have done the flower share through Lancaster Farmacy from Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op.

Plant Placement
The best placement for plants and flowers is in the Health, Family and Wealth Guas. Refer to the Bagua map to see where those fall in your space. They would be in the very center of your home, the left center and back left. You don’t want too many plants in the bedroom. Since they are living things, it can be too much energy in a place where you are trying to rest. Of course, a couple would be okay here to help with air quality. Your office, desk or work area is another great place to add greenery or flowers. A money tree would be a great addition to both an office area or your Wealth Gua (back left corner of your home).

Another place to add plants, flowers and herbs into your life and home is to use them both in and on your body. Obviously, you already do this but you could be even more intentional about it. Keep fresh or dried herbs visible in the kitchen to promote health. Sprinkle roses on your latte or eat some Lavender chocolate. I love mixing up a green smoothie. Did you know I offer a Smoothie class? Incorporating colors and different plants will nourish your body, mind and soul. You can also take a bath and soak with plants and flowers. Calendula, rose or any other fresh or dried flowers are luxurious and soothing to bathe in. I also sell a bath soak here. You can use the scents as essential oils both on your body, in your bath and in your space.

Working with Plants and Flowers
I love working with both fresh and dried plants and flowers. You can forage for materials in your yard or nearby park. You can make a centerpiece, wreath or wallhanging. While we tend to think of these seasonally or for holidays, anytime is a great time to make a beautiful display to bring into your home! Have fun incorporating flowers, plants and nature into your home. I think you’ll really notice a difference in the way you feel by both working with and surrounding yourself with them.

Live your beautiful life, Now.

Using Plants and Flowers in Your Space