GREEN THUMBS
Beginner gardeners might struggle with the fiddle-leaf fig tree (far left), which can be a bit picky, while snake plants (top) are nearly impossible to kill. The peace lily (bottom) is another hardy plant that will even bloom year-round in the right conditions.
Get Set Now it’s time to make a trip to the plant store and take a good, long look around to see what appeals to you the most. Philodendron, spathiphyllum (peace lily), dracaena, sansevieria (snake plant), chlorophytum (spider plant), aloe vera, and ferns are all hardy starters that tend to do well in moderate, indirect light. Ficus trees (particularly the fiddle leaf fig variety) are currently hot sellers, and herbs often perform nicely on kitchen windowsills, provided they get a lot of sun. “Succulents and cacti are also very popular right now,” adds Brett Cox, a plant specialist with Sullivan Hardware and Garden. “They do need a high level of light, but they come in a 36
IM HOME | 2018
“Whether it’s a f lowering plant, colorful foliage, or a palm tree that reminds you of a special vacation, the most important thing is that you love it.” scott bardash, marketing director for allisonville nursery, garden & home
lot of different varieties with attractive colors and foliage.” When shopping, Farris recommends examining each prospective purchase for vigorous growth, healthy color, and appropriately sized pots to
accommodate the roots. “Plants are sometimes acclimatized to move indoors by spending time in shade houses before they ship to plant stores,” he mentions. “They can be more costly, but are well worth it. Plants shipped straight from highlight fields to stores may be shocked going to lower-light home environments.” Professional staff members at nurseries and garden centers are well versed in their inventories, ready and willing to help customers zero in on the perfect addition to their new green space. “Whether it’s a flowering plant, colorful foliage, or a palm tree that reminds you of a special vacation, the most important thing is that you love it,” Bardash assures. “Don’t be scared to pick something because it requires a little more care or because you’ve killed a plant in the past. We can find something that will fit your needs.”