Flowers can brighten any room or any day in a matter of seconds. Adding a splash of color with lush plant life has been proven to enhance anyone’s mood and liven up any living space. With so many flowers to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Here are some beginner tips to get the perfect home florals.
Bring the Outside, In
Forage leaves with fruit or flower blossoms in the yard, public parks or nearby outdoor spaces. Group them together with dried grass or pink flowers. This leads to a bright, playful and stunning floral piece. Plus, pink is a favorite, trendy color this and every year.
Effortlessly design a tablescape using apples, clementines, lemons or apricots with branches and foliage from the backyard. The vivid colors and natural aesthetic give it a fresh look. Surround the mix with taper candles to make the centerpiece stand out.
Homegrown
Consider purchasing flowers that grow well in the local area. Pansies, primroses, snapdragons or sweet alyssums are easy to find here in Greater Gainesville. Pot these and nurture them so that you have pops of color everywhere that are not only homegrown, but grown at home, in time for spring.
Where the Green Fern Grows
Ferns are easy to fill a space with vibrant greenery. They are also accessible on a budget. Ferns only need watering once a week, and love bright, indirect sunlight. They are very effective in removing certain toxins from the air.
Another great tree is the Parlor Palm. Though not native to Gainesville, they fit in well with bright green leaves and a classic Florida palm tree look. Perfect for indoors, the Parlor Palm thrives in low light, are excellent air purifiers, are non-toxic and pet friendly.
Succulents Forever
Succulents come in all shapes, sizes and textures. They are an easy way to add sophistication to any room. Additionally, they are low maintenance and can live a long time, if taken care of properly.
The Yucca plant is a type of succulent with species native to Florida. Their long green leaves and tall stems of white, bell-shaped flowers are stunning and sturdy. There is also Aloe Vera, which can be used to treat sunburns or strengthen hair.
Fake or Faux
A fan of plants but do not want to take care of them? Or, perhaps, have allergies to certain plants or flowers? Consider a quality fake plant. They look real but there is zero maintenance. Home goods stores are full of faux plants, already in trendy pots and vases, that add extra character to any space.
Express Yourself
When it comes down to it, flowers are all about having fun and looking good doing it. Choose houseplants that are good air purifiers, are easy to maintain or are just pretty to look at.
Green Thumb Tips
Here are some extra tips to take care of your home’s living accessories.
- Always trim flowers at an angle
- Remove any foliage that is below the water level
- Use a clean vase and refresh the water daily
- Give your arrangement some flower food
- Always use fresh, local and seasonal flowers
- Incorporate unexpected elements
By Meredith Biesinger.