I have become a little obsessed with greening up the inside of my home. I am fortunate to live in an apartment that I can see out of, meaning, I don’t have views of my neighbours windows or brick walls. In fact I can see far beyond the boundary of the property down to the sea. Outside my kitchen window I can see yellow paper daisies (Xerochrysum sp.), a small potted Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis) and potted herbs that I rotate during the year depending on what’s flowering in my extensive (potted) garden. Outside my bedroom window is the top of my Fig Tree (Ficus benjamina) and on the fence opposite I have Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum). I have made the most of the spaces and views that I have but I want more. Of course I want more, I live a the city, I want to return to the country!

But back to ‘greening up the inside’. I have the usual indoor plant suspects, Peace Lily (Spathiphylum wallisii), Heart-Leaf Phillodendron (Phillodendron sp.) and Jade // Money Plant (Crassula ovata). But I also love arrangements of flowers (you already know this) and greenery to adorn various spots in my home. One of my favourites, due to its glossy green leaves and sculptural qualities is the leaf of the Monstera deliciosa. Most of us know this plant from our childhoods. It was undoubtedly in a garden somewhere around our neighbourhoods, taking over the garden and smothering anything planted underneath. Most owners of this plant, especially those with small city blocks want it removed yesterday, but when it is put to good use, you may just be able to keep it (slightly) contained. There is one on the shady side of my building and I love to cut stems off it to display in my home. I just cut a stem or two, put some water in a suitable vessel, pop the stem in the vessel and place the vessel someone in my home -easy! Alternatively you could have a small specimen growing in a pot – hmmm, now that’s a great idea! If you have one growing in your garden or know someone that does, you should be cutting stems to decorate your home too.

If this is not enough to get you motivated have a look at the pictures that I have gathered to inspire you.

So, are you inspired? Your head should be swirling with ideas and green possibilities. Remember, the sky is the limit, only your imagination can stop you.

Until next time.

Carmel

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