Although I would describe myself as an outdoor enthusiast – winter finds me lagging a bit. Needless to say, there is less to interact with as the outdoor world assumes a picture of still life – like Louise Penny’s debut novel but without the murder.
Dormancy can have a dead look about it, but it depends on your point of view. From my desk is a scene that works wonders for the soul whatever time of year it happens to be. At close range is an ancient stone wall with daubs of lichen adding character. Against this is the skeletal structure of a Japanese Maple (Crimson Queen, maybe) one that just sprang up from the Earth, and I never moved it and there is no hope of moving it as it’s rooted beneath the wall. We prune it to preserve the path, and its appearance is somewhat like a bonsai. Overhanging the wall are my neighbor’s rhododendrons always lending a green brushstroke in winter’s dearth. Finally, there is a long strip of yellowed fringe against our house of the dried fronds of Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) …In spring and summer this footpath will be flanked by lilies, sedum and ferns and a solitary Jack in the Pulpit. At present the scene is quite sedate – other than a pair of squirrels animating it.
While the dormant season plays out, my sights are turned toward my indoor plants (geranium, spider plant and cactus) that sit atop my desk where they get maximum light. A new acquisition – a dwarf weeping pussy willow tree – sits regally on a nearby table of the music room.I used to have many spread through the house and now I bring some to my classroom so as to spread the joy (and oxygen). Houseplants are a passion for some people. For others, myself included, they’re a stand-in for the outdoor garden.
You don’t feel as deprived when you have plants to tend. They’ve been in my rooms since college (unfortunately not the same plants) and through various apartments, keeping me connected to nature and testing my nurturing abilities. Let’s just say that more than a few wound up in the dumpster.
Too little or too much water, light or heat blighted a lot of my plants. Aphids and cats also wreaked havoc. I think many of us have had a plant tragedy along the way. I can remember finding my Corgi had tipped over a ficus tree in my bedroom (all over the cream-colored carpeting) only to have the cats spread it further as I walked in on the horrid scene. All was forgiven, but the tree never really revived.
Who hasn’t on occasion had themselves to blame? Guilty as charged! I was late bringing in several plants this year as they looked so comfy out in the greenhouse. To keep them out there a bit longer before placing them inside the house, I tempted fate. Someone (I’m not pointing fingers) left the greenhouse door open one night and the coldness crept in and murdered several of the less hardy plants. So, you see I’m as much to blame as my pets or aphid outbreaks.
Another case in point is our two lemon trees (one requiring two adults to maneuver into the entryway). Well human delays have consequences and in this case all of the leaves and some fruit were frazzled. I believe the plants were salvaged but will know better in a month or so. Just as a lot of plants are not impervious to even a moment of bone-chilling cold, many can’t cope with certain indoor conditions. This is the case in a lot of New England homes where dry heat is the norm.
Any landscaper knows that you match plants to the environment and the same is true for the environment of your home, particularly in the cooler months when the heat is going full throttle. Thus, it makes sense to grow plants that thrive in a dry environment, such as plants from the Mediterranean… succulents, cacti, citrus (such as limes, kumquat, sour mandarin oranges) as well as camellia, rosemary, and myrtles.
Choices have much to do with fragrance as providing a floral display. Nothing can surpass the sweet scent of citrus flowers or jasmine or gardenia, although it takes precision and tender loving care for the latter. Rosemary and herbs from the Mediterranean region always provide a fragrant moment when brushed against and are useful for cooking as well. Myrtle provides a rich green fine foliage that when crushed also provides fragrance so typical of Mediterranean foliage.
My great grandmother – who was a huge inspiration to me as a gardener – used to have a hibiscus plant in her kitchen by a door that led to the balcony and in her store on the first floor she kept assorted plants including an array of colorful geraniums. These would go outdoors when the weather allowed.
A nice feature to all of these houseplants is that they can be transferred to the outdoors in the warmer seasons. A good rule of thumb is to bring them outdoors mid-April and then back in by October 15.
A south-facing sunny, indoor porch will provide sufficient sun. When moving plants in or out, take care to prepare them for their new climate, including humidity levels and light exposure. When moving plants outdoors, place them in the shade for the first few weeks before full exposure to the sun. Plants may have grown substantially during the warm light filled months outdoors, so they may require careful pruning to fit back into the house. While outdoors, plants may have acquired unobserved insect pests, so apply preventive organic soil drenches and foliar sprays weeks before moving plants indoors to prevent infestations inside.
At the end of the day, there is nothing like a group of happy plants to lighten spirits and lend inspiration.
“Plants are solar powered air purifiers whose filter never needs replacing.” – Khang Kijarro Nguyen.
The Seaside Gardener
By Laura McLean
