thegirlwithashovel, Author at The Girl with a Shovel

Buying Succulents Online

August 9, 2024October 26, 2017 by thegirlwithashovel

Here’s the deal… I live in a small town. And in a small town, there just aren’t that many options for buying indoor plants. I’ve always wanted to try out some succulents, but I never found any good options around here. And so with this frustration on my mind, I decided to try buying some online…

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with this awesome information!**

After looking at several different sites, I found some decent prices on Amazon. I was a bit skeptical at first. I mean, who buys their plants off of Amazon?! But even though I had my doubts, I went ahead and ordered. And I’m glad that I did. Here’s what I thought…

First off, the plants arrived within the week. Not as fast as picking them up from a garden center, but then again, it was shipped straight to me (which is helpful saving a trip). I got a variety of succulents (5 different types to be exact) and did I mention, they were delivered right to my door! Having kids, it’s especially helpful when I can just answer the door and get a box with exactly what I wanted inside. Not too bad!

Pro’s to Buying Succulents Online

I also got them delivered in the middle of the winter! I don’t know about you, but up here in Idaho the garden center is closed about 9 months out of the year. So to get plants in the middle of winter totally satisfied my winter need for something green!

Some more little details… they were a bit smaller than I’d imagined, but were the perfect size for a group planter on my windowsill. They arrived in the mail without getting crushed or damaged and were extremely well packaged. They even did well being shipped in the cold! (I was afraid they’d get frost damage from the freezing temperatures we’ve been having.) There were also a few little pups already on the plants that I could use to grow even more! This was definitely an added bonus!

Con’s to Buying Succulents Online

However, the one thing that I noticed was that the soil they arrived in needed to be switched out. So plan ahead and buy either 5 small 3″ pots, or one shallow 6″ pot to put them all into. Also have some cactus and succulent potting soil on hand to plant them in. And make sure that your soil is very well-draining. Cactus potting mix is the recommended soil type for all succulents. Water thoroughly when transplanted, but make sure that it drains well and that there is no excess water in the pot. These are also a super cute option of pots to go along with your brand new succulents! I personally ordered them and all of my succulents fit perfectly!

So all in all, I think my succulents from Amazon were great! It’s good to know that I shouldn’t be afraid to buy them online and neither should you. Plants ordered online were just as healthy and cute as any I would have picked up from the store! And for care information for these plants, check out my post on Succulent Plant Care! And remember, have fun with it!

Happy Digging!

Why is my Plant Dying?

August 9, 2024October 16, 2017 by thegirlwithashovel

We’ve all been there. We’ve all looked down at our sad little plant and asked ourselves this question… Why is my plant dying? Believe me. I’ve had my issues with dead plants too. But the key is to figure out what is wrong, change it, and nurse your little guy back to full health! So what are the main reasons our plants die?

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with this awesome information!**

#1 – Improper Watering

Let’s just get this one out of the way. Overwatering is the #1 reason for plants dying. People just have this feeling like if their favorite vine doesn’t look to great, well, maybe I should water it more. No. Stop. Don’t water it more.

Then there are those of us who just get so busy with life that we come home one day, look over, and the plant has collapsed. We look in the pot and see the Sahara desert staring back at us. Yep. Been there too. Oops. These are the times when you should water it more. Try setting an alarm on your phone, or marking it on your calendar. That way it will be easier for everyone.

If you think your problem is incorrect watering, then check out my post on How to Water your Houseplant. This will give you some great watering tips!

#2 – Light Issues

So for many of us living in apartments, one of our biggest problems is either not enough light, or too much light. My little succulents are just not thriving thanks to this problem of having too little light. (That, and it’s hard to keep them away from my one-year-old!). If you need more light, try a grow light. I know Amazon has several options available for those just needing a light or two.

Also, make sure that you aren’t giving a plant too much light. Most of our interior plants are tropical plants, taken from the wild understory of the jungle. Now, a lot of these plants are used to either low light or medium light. Only a very few need bright light. But regardless… most of these plants aren’t used to direct sunlight. That means my poor little dieffenbachia that I had back in college didn’t enjoy my enthusiastic placement of it in my windowsill. Basically, it got scorched. Leaf scorch to be technical. So know which of your plants want to be in that sunny windowsill and which ones would rather have a little protection… which leads me to my next problem…

#3 – Unknown Plants

Let’s face it. Not many people can tell me the common name as well as light- and water-requirements for their favorite houseplant. If you can, then you’re doing great! But for the rest of us, it helps to know exactly what type of plant you have. This will help you place it better in your house, as well as to know what it wants from you!

#4 – Drafts

Whether it’s a warm draft or a cold draft, most plants don’t like them. Right now in the winter, I need to take special precautions for any of my plants that are near the front door. They don’t appreciate the cold air gushing in every time I take the trash out. So, if it’s the change of a season (causing different temperatures in the house, as well as switching from heating to cooling or vice versa), then the decline of your plant is probably due to the changing temperatures caused by a draft.

#5 – Change in Location

If you recently changed a plant’s location, then it could easily be declining in health because it simply doesn’t like the new spot. This can be caused by one of the previous mentioned problems (like too much or too little light, or encountering drafts), but some plants can also just be picky and not like change. The biggest culprit of having tropophobia (the fear of moving… yes I had to look that one up), is the Weeping Fig. This ficus is the most stubborn plant as it likes to stay where it’s at. If you move it to a less-favorable spot, a common side-effect is that it will drop all of its leaves and die. Yep. Dramatic. I know. So be aware, and if you need to move your plant… give it some TLC the first couple of days.

So these are the most common reasons why indoor plants die. Some other problems such as insect or disease infestation, improper potting mix, or too little or too much humidity, can also cause problems in plants. However, these are usually less common indoors. Just make sure that you have a well-draining pot and that you know the requirements of your plants. For more information, check out my post, 10 Quick Tips to Keep your Houseplant Alive. Feel free to leave any comments or questions below!

Happy digging!

10 More Hard to Kill Houseplants!

August 9, 2024October 13, 2017 by thegirlwithashovel

For those of you who missed my original post, 10 Hard to Kill Houseplants , there was a lot of interest in these easy, low maintenance plants. So I decided, why not give everyone a few more to choose from?! Here’s a list of some of the less common indoor plants that are still easy, low maintenance, and hard to kill houseplants!

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with this awesome information!**

#1: Chinese Evergreen – Aglaonema

Starting off with one of the more vibrant plants, this low maintenance thriller also does well in low light conditions. Keep away from direct sunlight and let it dry out a little (not too much) in between waterings. Also, keep away from drafts, as this can cause the leaves to brown. Other than that, this plant is easy to care for, very forgiving, and cut leaves will propagate easily in water, leaving you with plenty of plants for your indoor space!

#2: Peperomia – Peperomia

Also called the Radiator plant, Peperomia is definitely on the easy to grow list. These plants prefer medium to brighter sunlight, but can also do well in low light conditions. This will produce a leggier (less bushy) plant and may reduce the vibrant colors in some variegated varieties, but they will tolerate it. They also store water in their fleshy leaves, so make sure to let it dry out a little between watering, as this plant can also handle a bit of neglectful care.

#3: Ponytail Palm – Beaucarnea recurvata

Ponytail palm is one of my favorite indoor plants! I just love the little tuft of leaves sprouting out the top that gives this little guy a very unique and soft look. Another name for this plant is Elephant’s foot, due to the large bulge at the base of the trunk. These plants are actually part of the succulent family, so make sure that the soil remains dry between waterings. Too much water and there can be some serious root damage. Ponytail palms also like bright light, but can do well without it during the winter months as long as it gets plenty of sun in the summer. In warmer climates it can actually be moved outdoors during the warmer months.

#4: Wandering Jew – Tradescantia pallida

Wandering Jew, often confused with Purple Heart, has deep purple and silver leaves and is a somewhat less common indoor vine (as the more common Pothos vine has been bigger in popularity lately). Don’t rule this one out, however, as it still looks and does great in the indoors! To keep Wandering Jew happy, give it bright light in the mornings, but avoid intense afternoon sunlight. It can also do well in low light conditions, but will become more leggy (less leaves on longer vines). Let it dry out a little between watering and make sure the base of the plant doesn’t stay wet as it will rot if too moist. Also pinch back the vines several times a year in order to get a more bushy vine.

#5: Rubber Plant – Ficus elastica

This ficus is one of the easiest of its relatives to grow! Keep it in bright but indirect sunlight and let it dry out between watering. Rubber plants come in a variety of sizes and can be either a small counter-top plant, or as big as a large tree. Also check out the variegated rubber plant for something pleasantly different for your space!

#6: Ti Plant – Cordyline terminalis

Ti plant is another very colorful indoor plant with varieties in a mix of purples, pinks, creams, and greens. Very slow growing, this low maintenance plant does well in bright light and can handle getting a bit dry. Just watch for the leaves getting brown on the edges. This is a sign that it’s been too dry, so step up the watering just a notch. This plant also does well with humidity, so it is the perfect plant for a bright shower area!

#7: Jade Plant – Crassula ovata

Though a bit more water-loving than its succulent cousins, the jade plant is still an easy-to-care-for plant! Make sure that it gets a medium amount of sunlight and let the soil get slightly dry between watering and don’t let the leaves get wet. Jade plants will like a bit more water during the summer time and a little less during the winter. Keep the same water to sunlight hours ratio for a good estimate of watering needs. Also, if the leaves are starting to brown and fall off, it means that your little guy needs a bit more water. Just make sure that it never stays wet. Like all succulents, this will make your jade plant start to rot.

#8: Dumbcane – Dieffenbachia

Dumbcane is a common houseplant to find in local plant centers. Be warned, however, that ingestion of this plant can cause swelling of the throat and tongue, and if ingested in large amounts, can cause suffocation. So keep away from children and animals that would be curious to give this plant a taste. The leaves are a beautiful, spotted green and white, but will turn yellow if it is getting too much sun. Keep it in moderate to bright indirect light. Also, be careful to not overwater this little guy. Let it dry out just a touch between watering. Also, as the plant grows upward, the lower leaves will turn brown and drop. This is normal, just keep doing what you’re doing and trim off any unsightly lower leaves.

#9: Hoya Plant – Hoya

There are several different types of Hoya, differing in leaf shape and colors from green to cream and pink! All Hoyas enjoy medium to bright light, but don’t do well in direct sunlight. They also do well with a bit of neglect as they like to dry out a bit before watering. Just make sure that they don’t receive too much water! Keep in smaller pots, as these guys like to get a bit root bound and it can also stimulate flowering.

#10: Umbrella Tree – Schefflera

Like several of the other plants in this list, Umbrella Tree, often called Schefflera, does best in bright, but indirect light. It also does not like to be overwatered. If your leaves are turning yellow and falling off, then it is either getting too much direct sunlight, or it is getting too much water. Make sure that all of these plants are in a well-draining pot that will allow your plant to dry out slightly between watering. For Schefflera plant care tips, check out this post by The Spruce, the Schefflera Plant Profile!

That’s it for my list of 10 More Hard to Kill Houseplants! Some of these can be found at local garden centers, but others may need to be specially ordered. And if you haven’t yet seen my original list of Top 10 Hard to Kill Houseplants, check it out here! Good luck, and feel free to comment below with any additional tips or questions!

Happy digging!

12 Best Plants for the Shade

August 9, 2024September 15, 2017 by thegirlwithashovel

One big problem that I see within landscapes is that dreaded shade circle. Usually people don’t plan for shady areas and end up planting the same grass, shrubs, or annuals in the shady and sunny regions of their yard. Most often, this leaves an area that is full and thriving in one area, then looks like it is dying five feet over. But here is a way to fix it! Remember to plant shade areas with shade-loving plants! What a concept! Don’t know what to plant? Here is a list of some of the more common plants for the shade…

*Note: If you really have no way around re-planting, but are left with dying plants, another alternative is if it is a tree or other plant that is causing the shade, try thinning out the shade. This is done via selective pruning. It is best to hire an arborist to prune large trees, but can also be done yourself if you have the proper experience and safety gear.*

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with this awesome information!**

Plants for the Shade #1: False Goat’s Beard – Astilbe

Found in most nurseries as simply Astilbe, this perennial is good for zones 3-9. There are many different varieties available that range from 6 inches to 5 feet in height. They are also available in white, red, pink, purple, and blue varieties. Astilbe does well in partial shade to full shade (though it won’t flower quite as much in full shade). It needs protection from hot afternoon sun as this can cause the leaves to burn. Astilbe also does well in pots that are left in shady areas. Just remember to keep these plants a bit moist as they don’t like to dry out!

Find it here!

Plants for the Shade #2: Hostas – Hosta

Hostas are a very common shade plant. And it’s clear to see why! There are thousands of different varieties of this plant, each one showing off its different patterns and shades of green, yellow, and white leaves. Hostas will also flower, but they are normally planted for their foliage, not their flowers. These plants vary in how much sun they require (depending on the variety), but all hostas will either like partial shade or full shade. Deer do like to much on these plants, though, so make sure to plant deer-resistant plants surrounding your hostas if you are in an area that has a lot of deer.

Find it here!

Plants for the Shade #3: Coral Bells – Heuchera

This is another plant that has very attractive foliage! Coral bells is a hardy perennial (down to zone 3!) and leaves come in colors ranging from red, orange, and yellow to dark green, purple, and near black! These plants will flower late spring to early summer and spent booms can be removed to show off the colorful leaves. Coral bells also does well in pots and are best in part shade to full shade conditions. Make sure to keep them slightly moist (but not drowning!) and enjoy these colorful plants all year long!

Find it here!

Plants for the Shade #4: Sweet Woodruff – Galium odoratum

Sweet Woodruff was originally grown for its sweet, fresh fragrance as well as its medicinal and edible uses. Hardy from zones 4-9, this pretty perennial loves the shade and will bloom from late spring to mid- summer. Reaching a height of only 1 foot, this is a great groundcover for large areas. It is also deer resistant. Be careful, though, as Sweet Woodruff can become invasive. They spread through underground rhizomes, so make sure that the area has a border and that any plants outside of the area is removed every spring. (Photo by Jean Gaffard)

Find it here!

Plants for the Shade #5: Japanese Forest Grass – Hakonechloa macra

This is one of my favorite grasses! This perennial grass not only does well in partially shaded borders and planters, but also does well in partially shaded pots. It has green foliage (and a variety with cream colored leaf margins!) and it will turn red in the fall as it prepares to go dormant. Japanese Forest Grass will also bloom, but flowers are small and inconspicuous. This grass is also deer resistant and slow-growing, making it a great landscape plant! (Photo by Real Jardin Botanico de Madrid)

Find it here!

Plants for the Shade #6: Columbine – Aquilegia

Columbine plants are a great option for areas with partial shade. These plants can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but need partial shade in warmer regions. This native plant has many different varieties to choose from. So many in fact, that you can find columbine in any color you want! Columbine do have short lives (around 3-4 years), but they will re-seed easily and the new seedlings will produce flowers starting in their second year. There are also drought-tolerant varieties available, making it great for anyone looking to cut back on their water bill!

Find it here!

Plants for the Shade #7: Ferns

Ferns are great for shady spaces! They not only do well in the shade garden, but also thrive in indoor and outdoor pots, making them great for any area that doesn’t receive much sunlight. There are many different types of ferns available, so choose one that is the right size and has the upright or hanging form that you like. Depending on your climate, some ferns may die back in the winter, whereas some ferns will actually be evergreen! And don’t worry too much about your gardening experience… ferns are some of the easiest plants to grow!

Check out this Japanese Painted Fern!

Plants for the Shade #8: Bleeding Heart – Lamprocapnos spectabilis

This shade-loving perennial is also one of the easiest perennials to grow! Foliage and flowers emerge in early spring and plants will thrive in cool, shady locations. After blooming and with the hot summer temperatures, Bleeding Heart will have an early fall and the leaves will turn yellow and die back. These can be trimmed back in preparation for the next spring’s pink and white show!

Find it here!

Plants for the Shade #9: Lenten Rose – Helleborus orientalis

Lenten Rose is one of the most popular shade plants. With flowers available in white, green, red, pink, purple, and even a near black, this plant has a lot of colors to choose from! Lenten Rose can grow in zones 3-9 but will be evergreen in any zone above 5. These late-winter to early-spring blooms are also deer and rabbit resistant, which makes them great for forested regions. They also love the shade and once established, can even tolerate dry conditions. Overall, they are an easy-to-care-for perennial that will make you want to keep planting more!

Find it here!

Plants for the Shade #10: Caladium – Caladium

Also known as Elephant ear, Caladium has very showy leaves that range in colors of greens, reds, whites, pinks, and purples. This plant prefers partial shade and is only a perennial down to zone 9. However, in colder climates, the tubers can be dug up in the fall to be stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring. Caladiums can also be grown in pots for easily placing indoors during the winter. Though Caladiums require a bit more care, their bright, colorful leaves are definitely worth the extra effort!

Find it here!

Plants for the Shade #11: Hydrangea – Hydrangea spp.

Hydrangeas are an ever-popular plant and it’s no question why! These guys do great in partial shade and there are even some varieties that are more tolerant to full shade. Their great, big bundles of blooms are either white, green, or the famous blue (in acidic soil) and pink (in alkaline soil). There are also hydrangeas that do well from zones 3-9, thus making it the perfect option for many people in various climates. Just make sure that they receive a bit of attention during the winter to ensure their safety!

Find it here!

Plants for the Shade #12: Mondo Grass – Ophiopogon japonicus

Mondo grass is also very popular in the landscape. With both green and black varieties, Mondo grass can be grown in borders, planters, pots, or even as a lawn! It can tolerate full sun, but will have a darker color in partial shade. This is perfect for areas that are a mix of sun and shade. This perennial grow only 6 to 10 inches tall, making it perfect for a low border, or to add an additional layer to planting beds! (Photo by brewbooks)

Find it here!

There’s my list of 12 plants for the shade! There are many more perennial plants that can tolerate the shade, but I tried to keep it to plants that are more common and readily available at any local nursery. And if you live in warmer zones, or are okay with an annual, check out my list of 14 Coleus Varieties for the Shade! Then feel free to comment about any of these plants, as well as any other plants that you have found to be successful in your own shade garden!

Happy digging!

10 Quick Tips to Keep your Indoor Plants Alive

August 9, 2024August 28, 2017 by thegirlwithashovel

Do you struggle to keep your indoor plants alive? Believe me, I’ve had my fair share of plants dying. But not anymore! It’s very difficult to know exactly what to do and how to keep indoor plants alive. Especially when you are in an apartment or home that is limited in light or in other favorable conditions. So here are 10 tips that I’ve studied and learned through the years that will help you to keep your plants green and healthy!

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with this awesome information!**

Tip #1: Choose Plants Wisely

When looking for interior plants, don’t just go to the store and pick one out that you like. First, think of where you are going to put it. Do you have a lot of space, or a little? Check out my posts for small interior plants and large interior plants. Also, consider if that space gets a lot of direct sunlight, a medium amount of direct sunlight, or hardly any sunlight at all. Here’s a post for plants that do well with low light conditions. Then, consider any interesting aspects of that spot. Does it get humid (placed in a bathroom for example), or is it near a door where there will be winter chills and summer heat? Try to consider all of these things, then decide which plants would fit that area. Then from that list, choose a plant that you like!

Tip #2: Know what you have Growing

Knowing what you have growing is similar to tip #1, but sometimes we can suddenly find ourselves with a mystery plant. Like when we’re given those beautiful plant baskets, but nothing is labelled! Well, my advice is to get to know what plants you have. Try Google, Pinterest, Facebook, or even just asking friends and neighbors. You can also check out my post on the top sites for indoor plant identification. It is important to know what you have growing in order to know how to best care for it.

Tip #3: Well-Draining is the Best!

Do you know why almost every plant says that it needs well-draining soil? It’s because unless you are growing a swamp plant, you will need good drainage. This goes for well-draining soil, as well as choosing a pot with good drainage. You’re looking for something that will be able to be moist for a day or two, but then dries out. This ensures that the plant doesn’t stay too wet for too long. For succulents and cacti, this means go ahead and grab some succulent and cactus potting soil. You won’t regret it!

Tip #4: Use the Right Lighting

Whether you have a plant that needs a lot of light, or hardly any light, make sure that you are following its requirements. If a low-light plant is placed in too much direct sunlight, it can kill it! And the same goes for high-light plants that are placed in low-light conditions. One way around this, though, is if you want to put a high-light plant in a low-light area, buy two of the same plant. Then you can place one in the low-light area and one in a high-light area and switch them every two weeks. This will ensure that they both will eventually get some time with the light conditions that they need.

Tip #5: Don’t Overwater!

Giving a plant too much water is one of the fastest ways to kill it. And how do you know? Stick your finger in the soil. If it feels moist, then don’t water it! Some plants like to stay a little moist, so once again, know what you’re growing. However, most indoor plants can’t survive for long being too wet. So, if you’re one of those people who water their plants to death, either try to tone it down, or only go with plants that love the water. For extra tips, check out my post on how to water your houseplant.

Tip #6: Set a Watering Schedule

This is a must-do for people living in our busy world today. Without a schedule, some days I would forget how long it had been since I had last watered. Then I would end up either over-watering, or under-watering my poor little guys. So I’ve found that it’s best to figure out about how often your plant needs water, then set a watering schedule. This can either be a Monday, Thursday, Saturday type schedule on your day planner, or maybe even a once-a-week reminder on your phone. Do what works best for you, then stay on schedule!

Tip #7: Watch the Drafts!

There are many different ways that plants can be in drafts of either warm or cold air. They can come from doors, windows, air conditioners, heaters, or even frequently used fans. Some plants can do well with warmer drafts in the winter, but the majority of indoor plants would rather be kept at a consistent temperature. So watch out for cold windowsills and drafty doorways if you want to keep your plants happy!

Tip #8: Remember to Transplant

People often buy a houseplant thinking that it will stay the same size as when they bought it. However, this is hardly the case. Most plants are sold while still young. Then they grow to their mature size in your home. So if your plant starts looking a little too big for its pot, it is time to transplant it. Moving it to a bigger pot will give it more room to spread its roots and will give it a burst of fresh growth.

Tip #9: Fertilize

Having a plant in the same soil for too long can cause it to use up a lot of the nutrients within that soil. That is why it is important to occasionally add a bit of fertilizer to give it the nutrients that it needs to keep on going. Just make sure to use an appropriate fertilizer for your plant and to apply at the recommended doses. Too much fertilizer can also quickly kill any plant. This is the fertilizer I personally use and love!

Tip #10: Try Easy Plants First

If you’re new to interior plants, or just haven’t had much luck with them in the past, then try out my list of hard-to-kill houseplants. Once you have a few of these successfully growing, then you can slowly try out more and more difficult plants. Remember, not all green thumbs are born that way. It can take years of knowledge and hands-on experience to come to understand what each plant needs. So do yourself a favor and buy one of these easy indoor plants first before you try to tackle the plant Olympics!

I hope that these tips will help you to grow beautiful interior plants! Feel free to comment with any further advice and/or stories of your own successes and not-so-successes! We’ve all had good and bad times with our plants and remember… a little knowledge about our plants can go a long way!

Happy Digging!

Top 10 Fragrant Houseplants

August 9, 2024August 26, 2017 by thegirlwithashovel

Some people want houseplants for the added green, some people want them for their air purifying qualities. And some people just like the look of them. But today we’re going to focus on those people who love the smell of their houseplants! Here’s a list of the top 10 fragrant houseplants, along with a few tips on how to keep them alive!

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with this awesome information!**

Fragrant Houseplant #1: Lavender – Lavandula

Probably one of the easier fragrant plants to grow, lavender has many different beneficial properties. Not only is the scent soothing to aid in falling asleep, but it is also a natural bug repellent! Just make sure that it gets adequate sunlight and moderate water. For info on how to care for this plant, check out my post, Indoor Lavender Plant Care!

Find it here!

Fragrant Houseplant #2: Roses – Rosa

Roses come in all shapes and sizes. When choosing and indoor rose, choose a smaller variety so that it won’t try to take over the entire room! Also, if space is limited, consider purchasing a climbing rose and planting it against a trellis just outside of your window. This will allow you to crack open your window at night for some cool air, as well as the lovely smell of roses.

Check out this miniature fragrant rose here!

Fragrant Houseplant #3: Lemon Balm – Melissa officinalis

This is a wonderfully fragrant plant that, like lavender, also has many different beneficial properties. It can also tolerate less light conditions, however it does like consistent waterings. Don’t let it sit in water, but do try to keep it a bit more moist.

Find it here!

Fragrant Houseplant #4: Gardenia – Gardenia jasminoides

Gardenias smell amazing, but are one of the harder houseplants to keep alive indoors. Generally, they like to be in warm, sunny locations. They also like to be in well-drained soil that is given the chance to dry out just a touch between waterings, but also make sure to keep the leaves dry when watering. Gardenias also like humidity, so either place in a sunny bathroom, or keep it humid with a tray of pebbles and water nearby (this will increase the nearby relative humidity). This can also be planted outside near a window to draw the scent inside, or planted outside and the flowers used in a floral bouquet that will bring the wonderful smell indoors!

Find it here!

Fragrant Houseplant #5: Orchid – Orchidaceae

One of our tropical fragrances, the smell of orchids have become quite popular lately. They are also wonderfully compact plants, and they can usually be encouraged to re-bloom for twice the amount of sweet-smelling flowers each year. Just make sure that it gets enough sunlight and that it stays warm.

Find it here!

Fragrant Houseplant #6: Citrus Plants – Rutaceae

All citrus plants have that distinct, tangy scent that freshens up any indoor space. There are also quite a few dwarf varieties that are becoming available to those who want anything from lemons, to tangerines, to grapefruit in their home!

Check out this indoor orange tree!

Fragrant Houseplant #7: Honeysuckle – Lonicera

When looking for an indoor honeysuckle, make sure to purchase a dwarf variety, or soon it will be taking up way too much space. Just like the roses, this can also be a good option to grow just outside the window and allowed to reach its full size outdoors where the scent can flow in at night.

Find dwarf seeds here, or an outdoor plant here!

Fragrant Houseplant #8: Valerian – Valeriana officinalis

This was a new plant to me and I’ve loved reading up on it! Valerian has many different benefits, ranging from its sleep-inducing vanilla scented flowers to its roots that can be used as a mild sedative. This is a very good plant to have around! It does require a bit more attention indoors, however, as it needs at least 6 hours of sunlight each day and also needs a lot of watering.

Find it here!

Fragrant Houseplant #9: Hoya – Hoya carnosa

Hoya is another one of the easier indoor plants to take care of. While they do like morning sunlight, they prefer more indirect light. The thicker, waxy leaves can also do well with a little bit of neglect and don’t need as much constant watering. The flowers also produce a nice, sleep-inducing fragrance that is perfect for placing in a bedroom.

Find it here!

Fragrant Houseplant #10: Jasmine – Jasminum

Make sure that you buy actual jasmine (Jasminus), and not the fake jasmine (Philadelphus). Both smell great and do well as houseplants, but only the real jasmine contains the sedative properties that are great for inducing sleep through its fragrance, as well as being used for tea. One benefit to jasmine is that it can be planted in a soil-less potting mix, but it does require a higher level of sunlight. But the added attention is definitely worth it when you can fall asleep to the wonderful, sweet fragrance at night.

Find it here!

That’s my list of fragrant, indoor plants! Feel free to comment below if there are any others that you love! And also feel free to ask any questions as well. I hope that we can all benefit from having some of these wonderful fragrant plants in our homes!

Happy Digging!

Top 10 Large Indoor Plants

August 9, 2024August 25, 2017 by thegirlwithashovel

So after I did a post for small interior plants, I figured that I should do one about large interior plants. Unlike my tiny apartment, some of us are lucky and have wonderful, large rooms. And large rooms are perfect to add something that really makes a statement in the style that you want. These indoor plants are sure to grab people’s attention and will liven up any room fast!

Note: You can find many of these plants in smaller versions, but given adequate light, water, time, and a big enough pot, they will be able to reach their full mature size.

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with this awesome information!**

Large Indoor Plant #1: Split-leaf Philodendron – Monstera deliciosa

The Split-leaf Philodendron, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, has large, beautiful leaves. When fully grown, these leaves are often cut and used in artwork, or even floral arrangements. The distinctive look of this plant is sure to add texture to your space.

Split Leaf Philodendron – Get it here!

Large Indoor Plant #2: Dracaena – Dracaena spp.

There are many different types of dracaena that will all grow rather large if given proper care. The ‘Janet Craig’ dracaena and the ‘Cornstalk’ dracaena are especially suited and sold for their larger size. Just make sure that they don’t get too much light or water, as this can easily damage your plant.

Dracaena – Get it here!

Large Indoor Plant #3: Areca Palm – Dypsis lutescens

A long-time favorite, this is the classic indoor palm tree. Long, arching branches will look great in an style room, from cozy and cluttered, to minimalistic and modern. This palm just plain looks great anywhere!

Areca Palm – Get it here!

Large Indoor Plant #4: Fiddle-leaf Fig – Ficus lyrata

The Fiddle-leaf Fig has also been a big hit lately. With twisted, fiddle-shaped leaves and a more upright form, there is definitely something eye-catching about this plant. Make sure to keep it in once place, however, as being a ficus it doesn’t like to move around too much, as well as doesn’t like any warm or cold drafts.

Fiddle-leaf Fig – Get it here!

Large Indoor Plant #5: Flamingo Lily – Anthurium andraeanum

This plant is commonly sold as a smaller, younger plant. However, given enough time it can grow to be quite the large bush with beautiful, long leaves and flowers. One of the best ways to get this little guy to beef up is to slowly increase the size of the pot. Always make sure that it’s got a bit of wiggle room for its roots to grow, which will then ensure that the leaves will have the needed support to also grow larger.

Flamingo Lily – Get it here!

Large Indoor Plant #6: Weeping Fig – Ficus benjamina

Another popular tree from the ficus family, the Weeping Fig can get quite large if given the room to grow. However, make sure that it, like the Fiddle-leaf Fig, is put in a draft-free area and isn’t moved around. If put under stress, the Weeping Fig is likely to start shedding all of its leaves and eventually die (believe me, I know this from experience!) So take special care to pamper this big guy.

Weeping Fig – Get it here!

Large Indoor Plant #7: Ponytail Palm – Beaucarnea recurvata

I love this palm for its unique long leaves that really do resemble a ponytail! It is also known as the Elephant’s Foot palm as it has a large circular mound where it comes out of the soil. Definitely a unique plant, this palm does very well indoors and can grow as an outdoor tree in warmer climates.

Ponytail Palm – Get it here!

Large Indoor Plant #8: Snake Plant – Sansevieria trifasciata

While there are some smaller varieties of Snake Plant, most of them are considered large. I’ve found that Snake Plant will grow to its mature height (in wonderfully tall, modernistic lines), and then it will start to grow offshoots in either direction. So the larger the pot, the more full your snake plant will eventually be. This is perfect for some people as it will not continue to grow taller, but rather spread out. Put it in rectangular pots and it will add tons of sleek, sharp lines for your space.

Snake Plant – Get it here!

hard_to_kill_houseplants_sansevieria_trifasciata_snake_plant

Large Indoor Plant #9: Umbrella Tree – Schefflera actinophylla

Also simply called Schefflera, this is also one of those plants that are commonly sold as a very small houseplant. But given time and care, it can grow to be a fairly large tree. Just be sure to be patient and continually increasing its pot size and you will soon be rewarded with a very full, leafy indoor tree.

Umbrella Tree – Get it here!

Large Indoor Plant #10: Bamboo – Bambusoideae

While not commonly thought of as an indoor plant, this is a great one for long, rectangular pots (just like the Snake Plant). Due to its weedy tendencies a lot of people shy away from this guy, but that’s exactly what makes it perfect for the indoors! It is kept in its individual container, and its fast-growing tendencies make it easy to wait for. And make sure to buy a bamboo that will do well with the light that you have in the particular space.

Bamboo – Get it here!

Well there’s my list of top 10 large houseplants! I know that having one (or more) of these guys will not only green up and add life to any space, but will also give you tons of added benefits to your life. So if you’re lucky enough to have the space, enjoy these awesome plants!

Happy Digging!

15 Indoor Plants for Small Spaces

August 9, 2024August 18, 2017 by thegirlwithashovel

Not all of us have the luxury of extra space in our homes. This is one of the reasons why people don’t have houseplants… they feel like they don’t have the space for them! But here’s a list of 15 indoor plants that are perfect for small spaces. And don’t worry, I specifically chose plants that don’t just start small, but they’ll stay small! No need to move them to bigger and bigger pots. Nope, these really are small indoor plants!

Small Indoor Plants #1: Peperomia – Peperomia pellucida

This is a small, compact plant with semi-waxy leaves. It is very efficient in purifying the air, and is also an easy-to-care-for houseplant. Just make sure that it doesn’t get overwatered and the soil is allowed to dry between waterings.

Small Indoor Plants #2: Devil’s Ivy (Pothos) – Epipremnun aureum

I can’t say it enough how much I love Devil’s Ivy! This plant does well in low-light conditions and is hard to kill. It can do well being moist, but can also handle a bit of drying out. Left in a pot, it will continue to grow along the ends. These can simply be cut to desired length with a pair of scissors and the excess can either be tossed, or planted back into the pot for a thicker, bushier vine! For care information for this plant, check out my post Pothos Vine Care!

Small Indoor Plants #3: String of Pearls – Senecio rowleyanus

This is a great substitute for Devil’s Ivy. While the one can deal with extra water, String of Pearls is for those who tend to neglect their houseplants more often. It needs to dry out between waterings, or else it will die. And don’t worry, all of those little pearls are filled with water! And just like the Devil’s Ivy, this too can be trimmed at the ends and re-potted for more little plants! (just wind a little row around the top of a new pot and they will start to root!!!)

Small Indoor Plants #4: Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum

Spider plants are great for placing on countertops, side tables, or even hanging. They tend to grow to a full, bushy plant, then stop growing from there and instead send off their little ‘pups’. These small offshoots can either be left on for aesthetics, or they can be trimmed off and re-potted for more of these wonderful little plants! For care information for this plant, check out my post Spider Plant Care!

Small Indoor Plants #5: Orchids – Orchidaceae spp.

Orchids are a great, small plant. While taking up very little space for the pot, their vertical blooms are large and stunning, creating an instant focal point for any room. With proper care and instruction, they can even be persuaded to re-bloom multiple times, giving you multiple displays of these stunning blooms!

Small Indoor Plants #6: Heartleaf Philodendron – Philodendron cordatum

Heartleaf philodendron is also very similar to Devil’s Ivy. They prefer low-light conditions and do well with being overwatered, as well as can run a little dry. They have several different varieties available that can add different styles to your space.

Small Indoor Plants #7: Cacti – Cactaceae spp.

With so many to choose from, there are cacti for every space and style! Just make sure that they are in a well-draining potting mix, as well as they have time to dry out between waterings. They also do better with more sunlight, so sunny windowsills are great for these little guys! (as long as it isn’t too cold on the windowsill during the winter…)

Small Indoor Plants #8: English Ivy – Hedera helix

This little vine is great for the indoors! It prefers low light conditions and is one of my hard-to-kill houseplants. English Ivy is a very forgiving plant and can be trimmed back to stay in the space available.

Small Indoor Plants #9: Succulents

There are thousands of different types of succulents! Each one has a unique shape or coloring. They also vary quite a bit in size. From huge Agaves to their mini counterparts, succulents usually grow to a mature size, then will start producing seeds or offshoots. So when selecting a succulent, just make sure that the mature size fits with the space that you have in mind. For care information, check out my post Succulent Plant Care!

Small Indoor Plants #10: Lucky Bamboo – Dracaena braunii

Lucky bamboo has become quite popular in the last few years due to its ease in growing and its diversity in shapes. Lucky bamboo prefers low light conditions and does well in straight water. It is an easy-to-care-for houseplant and will be content for quite a long time before any trimming will be necessary. To know how to care for this plant, check out my post, Lucky Bamboo Plant Care!

hard_to_kill_houseplants_lucky_bamboo_dracaena

Small Indoor Plants #11: Bromeliads – Bromeliaceae spp.

Bromeliads are a sure way to add a bit of interest to a room! With lots of different colors and leaf patterns to choose from, bromeliads do very well indoors considering their low light and low water requirements. Though some bromeliads can get huge, choose a variety that is more suited for the indoors and has a smaller mature size. Once it reaches that size, it should then only focus on storing energy for its beautiful flower stalks, as well as in producing new pups. These little plantlets can then be removed and either thrown away or repotted for even more bromeliads! (And remember… plants make great gifts!)

Small Indoor Plants #12: Aloe Vera – Aloe vera

This plant is a very common houseplant and is being seen more and more as fewer people have their own yards. Once again, choose a plant that will fit your space at its mature size and you won’t have any issues with running out of space. Also try to give it a bit more sunlight and let it dry out between waterings. The quickest way to kill a cactus or a succulent is by overwatering it! For information on how to care for this plant, check out my post on Aloe Plant Care!

Small Indoor Plants #13: African Violet – Saintpaulia

African violets are a pretty, small, flowering plant that does very well indoors. Some things to avoid, however, are overwatering and getting water on its leaves. This can cause brown spots to appear. Try to instead water the plant from the bottom through keeping it in a container with drainage holes and letting the pot sit in a shallow container of water for about 10 minutes. This will ensure that the leaves stay dry, while the roots stay moist. For care information for this plant, check out my post African Violet Plant Care!

Small Indoor Plants #14: Air Plants – Tillandsia spp.

Tillandsia (commonly referred to as simply ‘air plants’) have made quite the scene in recent indoor design. From the many different variations in usage to the very low-maintenance aspect, Air Plants are definitely on the rise! These plants can range in size and can come in slight variations in color. All air plants, however, need the same type of watering. Basically, do not water more than once a week, and during the weekly waterings, simply soak roots in water for 10-15 minutes, then put it back on display! For more information, check out my post, Air Plant Care, as well as How to Water Air Plants!

Small Indoor Plants #15: Venus Flytraps – Dionaea muscipula

While a little more difficult to take care of, Venus flytraps will definitely make a statement in any space. There are also many different sizes of flytraps that will stay small and compact for years. They do, however, need purified water, as some of the hard tap waters can cause damage to it. Also feed it according to the recommendations of the specific flytrap that you purchase. Then have fun watching these guys open and close, and maybe even get rid of some of the bugs in your home!

That’s it for my list of small interior plants! Once again, I tried to choose plants that not only started off small, but also stayed small and wouldn’t get too large over time. Because believe me, I understand when people are short on space, but still want to squeeze in a plant or two to liven things up! And feel free to share any comments or questions below!

Happy digging!

Landscaping 101: Designing your Yard in 10 Basic Steps

August 9, 2024August 14, 2017 by thegirlwithashovel

For most people, designing their yard can seem like a daunting task. Where to begin? What to include? How much will it cost? These are all great questions that can leave homeowners scratching their heads and delaying their plans. But don’t worry. It’s easy to create a DIY yard design. Just follow these 10 steps, and you’ll have a basic yard design down in no time!

*Note: If these steps seem too complicated for you, then you can always hire a landscape designer to create a design for you. They are trained to create a functional, beautiful space that you will love. There is no real substitute for a professional!*

That being said… now it’s on to your design!!!

DIY Yard Design Step #1: Decide what is staying and what is going!

If you have a brand new house with a blank slate, consider yourself lucky and go on to the next step. If not (like most of us), we need to decide what features we like, and what features we want to change up. Check out my post on how to decide which plants to keep! Then also decide what hardscape (all non-plant) features you want to keep and which ones to trash.

DIY Yard Design Step #2: Make a list of what you want from your yard…

This is the time to really put the brain to work. What do you really want to do in your yard? Do you want to use it for entertaining? Would you use a play area for kids? Or would you simply want it to increase your home’s curb appeal? Do you want a space to sit and relax? Make a list of all the things that you want from your yard. Remember, this is your yard and you want to meet your needs.

DIY Yard Design Step #3: Time to draw…

Get out a sketchpad and draw up a basic sketch of your yard. Then add general areas of where you want everything. Things like Pool Area, Play Area, Sitting Area, and Garden. Put in what you want, but make sure it’s very general and loose.

Next, add in walkways. This makes sure that you have a good flow from one area to the next. Use lots of big arrows to indicate where people will be walking. Then maybe even walk it yourself a couple of times. Make sure that you don’t feel trapped by anything, or that you have to go around multiple things to get where you want. Add in entrances or exits as necessary.

DIY Yard Design Step #4: Add in plant areas!

Once again, keep this very general. Don’t add specific plants unless they are already existent. Draw in plant areas and designate places you might want trees, shrubs, vines, etc. This is more for what shapes you want, not for specific plants.

DIY Yard Design Step #5: Keep a budget in mind…

Think of how much you have to spend, then think of what you have planned. This might have you going back and changing up some things, but also try to think of more budget-friendly ways to achieve what you want. Maybe it’s in doing a couple DIY projects instead of hiring it out. (Note: Make sure that it’s something you feel comfortable with, as DIY projects, if done incorrectly, can cost you more in the long run…)

Also consider completing things in sections (like the play area this year, the pool area next year, etc). And try to get a realistic pricing for everything. Remember, hardscape can cost quite a bit, but purchasing hundreds of plants can also be very pricey. So be realistic and change things up if you have to, but make sure that what you plan is within your budget.

DIY Yard Design Step #6: Look for Inspiration!

Now that you have your general areas in mind, as well as a price range set, start looking around for ideas! My personal favorite is Pinterest, but there are plenty of ways to collect ideas, such as in magazines, local nurseries, or even a stroll around your own neighborhood. Make sure you get lots of different ideas together and decide on your overall style. This will help in the next steps…

DIY Yard Design Step #7: Think of water…

Water has become quite a hot topic over the last several years. Plan in what existing water lines you have and which ones you will need to change. Also designate water areas (low-water, medium-water, and high-water areas). This will help keep down water costs in the future.

DIY Yard Design Step #8: Plan out the hardscape…

Keeping in mind your budget and your style, decide what materials you want to use, as well as the exact shapes. This is the time to define the overall lines in your yard, whether it is curvy and loose, or straight and modern. The hardscape is what will generally be the most permanent, so plan wisely.

For some hardscape inspiration, check out Belgard’s Inspiration Gallery!

DIY Yard Design Step #9: Plan out the softscape (the plants)…

Keep in mind the watering zones you set in step #7… Then consider sun requirements. You will have some sunny areas, some shady areas, and some in-between. Also check your hardiness zone to see what plants will survive your climate. Once you have it all looked up, choose specific plants that fit the requirements for each space.

Look around at what plants do well in your area. Check out local nurseries to see what they’re selling. Then make sure that the mature size fits the space, as well as keep in mind any maintenance requirements (to fit your time schedule).

Next, remember to choose fun colors and to mix up the textures of the foliage so you don’t end up with a very bland yard.

All of these things are important when selecting plants to use, so take your time and choose wisely!

DIY Yard Design Step #10: Install and enjoy!

The installation period can take the longest, especially if you’re doing a lot on your own. But I know that in the end you will have a beautiful yard and a space you can truly enjoy!

There’s the list! And remember, if you get too overwhelmed or have any questions, feel free to contact me, or leave a comment below!

Happy digging!

Deciding which Plants to Keep when Landscaping

April 15, 2022August 12, 2017 by thegirlwithashovel

We’ve all been there… Landscaping, pruning, or even just doing a bit of yard cleanup… There’s always at least one plant that we’re trying to decide what we should do with it. Should we keep it as is, move it somewhere else, or just finally get rid of it??? This can be a tough decision, but here are some questions to ask yourself that can help you decide…

Question #1: Do I love it?

We’ve all been there and had that plant that we just couldn’t ever think to get rid of! Whether it’s the beautiful flowers, wonderful smell, or just the memories attached, we have a hard time letting go. It could be the last plant standing in the middle of a complete yard makeover. Or it could be located right where you want to put the pool. Either way, there are ways to work past this…

Consider transplanting, potting, or getting a cutting! This way your beloved plant will still be around, but won’t be in the way of any renovations…

But, if you only like it, then toss it. There will be plenty of future plants for you to absolutely fall in love with!

Question #2: Is it too big?

This is what gets most homeowners. They plant everything perfectly, then three years later, one plant has grown so big it looks like it’s trying to take over the world! If you can trim it back, go for it. But there’s usually a reason why you haven’t gotten to it yet (see my question on time). Or, if it can’t be easily trimmed back without looking garish, then think about removing the whole thing. It’s better to plant something to fit the space than to be battling it for years…

Question #3: Is it in the way?

Most plants that are in the way are just too big, but occasionally we can have smaller plants that are also just plain in the way. This reminds me of my friend who has some bushes lining her front walkway. She keeps them well trimmed, but the walkway is so small that people are constantly brushing into it. Get more than two people on her front step and it gets claustrophobic! So, I suggested… get rid of the plant! Open it up! You should never have to squeeze past a plant or trudge through a flower bed unless you’re retrieving a lost soccer ball.

Question #4: How much time does it require?

Let’s get real here. How much time do you really spend in the yard? Maybe an hour a week? Some people spend more time, some people spend less time. So, if you’re constantly running short on time and not ever getting around to your yard’s To-Do list, then it’s time that you make it easier on yourself. What is taking the most time in your yard? Is it mowing the grass? Edging? Or is it trimming back the hedges? Whatever it is, there are ways to fix it. Consider mixing things up and think of what you can change in your yard to make it less of a burden. I promise you’ll enjoy it much more when you’re not stressed about all those To-Do’s.

Question #5: How much water does it need?

This question has become really important in the last few years. With water prices rising, sometimes we have to ask ourselves if we really want to invest that much money into watering those guzzlers! Consider replacing with low-water alternatives. Or, consider transplanting all the water-loving plants into one area of the yard. That way you can flood the one section without wasting it on the rest of the yard that doesn’t really need the extra liquids.

Question #6: Is it invasive?

Let me suggest this one thing… If it’s invasive, get rid of it. And make sure you get rid of all of it. Now, I realize that there are a lot of invasive plants that people absolutely love. These plants are fine to grow if you know what you’re doing.

First off, know how it spreads. If it spreads through the roots, consider planting in pots or in designated beds that are separated by concrete. Believe me, invasive root systems can be a pain to get rid of if they have time to get established.

If they spread through seed, however, be considerate of neighbors and don’t plant it where it can spread to other yards. Also try to stay up with the pre-emergent herbicides to keep those seeds from spreading.

This is why I suggest just getting rid of it. If the plant has invasive tendencies, then either take it out once and for all, or make sure that you have the time available to properly care for your plant.

Question #7: How well is it doing?

If your plant is thriving where it is, then don’t worry about it. But if it is looking like it’s been having a rough time, consider either transplanting it or getting rid of it. Sometimes a plant can do better in either a sunnier location, or one that gets a bit more shade. Other times, it might be right on the edge of surviving the cold winters or hot summers and might do best in a pot where it can be moved indoors in extreme weather. Or, if it is just not doing well and there are other problems with it (like you don’t really love it, or it’s in the way, etc…) then just get rid of it.

I hope this list helped you to determine what to do with the plants in your yard. And remember, not all plants are the same. Just like not all people are the same. A person has groups that they get along with and groups that they can’t stand! It’s the same with plants. If you are having bad thoughts about a particular plant, then consider replacing it with something that works better. If you do your research, then odds are that you’ll find a replacement plant that you absolutely love! And that’s what you deserve… a yard filled with things that you love.

And for more awesome tips on landscaping, check out my post, Designing your Yard in 10 Easy Steps!

Happy digging!