As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many gardeners may feel tempted to hang up their trowels and wait patiently for spring. But what if we told you that winter gardening can actually help brighten up the gloomiest season? That's the message coming from horticultural experts across New England, who are encouraging homeowners to get creative with their indoor and outdoor plantings.
Bringing the Outdoors In
"The East Coast is one of the most challenging spaces to care for plants, for tropical plants specifically," says Julio César Román, owner of Micro Plant Studio in South Boston. "And the reason is because of the shift from AC to heater — and from the outside elements." But Román and others are quick to point out that with the right care and selection, houseplants can thrive even in the depths of winter.
According to Deborah J. Benoit of the University of Vermont Extension, easy-to-grow foliage plants like pothos, philodendron, and Chinese evergreen can help satisfy the need to be surrounded by greenery. And for those craving blooms, African violets, cape primrose, and moth orchids can provide long-lasting flowers to brighten up the dreary months.
Outdoor Oases
But it's not just about what's happening indoors. The experts also recommend taking advantage of winter to prep your outdoor garden for a vibrant spring. The team at The Greenway in Boston suggests using the colder months to sow seeds, protect your soil, prune strategically, and plan out next season's layout.
The key, they say, is to think of winter as an opportunity rather than a hindrance. "This quiet time is actually one of the most important periods to prepare for a vibrant spring ahead," the Greenway team notes.
The Bigger Picture
What this really means is that gardeners don't have to resign themselves to a bleak, colorless few months. By bringing plants indoors and taking proactive steps outdoors, they can actually use the winter to set the stage for a lush, thriving garden in the warmer seasons to come.
And with more people spending time at home these days, the psychological benefits of surrounding yourself with greenery and blooms should not be overlooked. As snake plants and other hardy houseplants have shown, indoor gardening can be a true lifesaver for those seeking a mood boost in the depths of winter.