December 25th, 2023Glen, about the house

Not just for Christmas

Like puppies and kittens, they’re to keep and cherish for their lifetime. I’m talking about house plants, because with a little care and the right treatment and conditions they can be expected to last for years…especially if presented in an attractive, decorated pot.

But it doesn’t stop with indoor plants. I’m yet to hear of anyone turning down a flowering shrub or garden ornament as a gift.

As an ardent last-minute panic Christmas shopper perhaps resorting to “something for the garden” I know there’s an endless supply of garden goodies to be had from all of the little nurseries, florists and gift shops scattered throughout our area.

Now, if ever a range of gifts was waiting for you it has to be those destined for the garden. Whether it be pot plants, garden ornaments or sculptures, the choice is all yours.

If the choice is plant life, more than a little care is needed to select something that is both appealing and capable of surviving way past the euphoria of Christmas Day. So buy locally from the people who know and grow for themselves.

Obviously any gifted tree or shrub will yearn for the outdoors and should not be kept indoors any longer than Christmas/New Year before being released in the garden.

But the indoor varieties are a different matter. They will mostly thrive if placed in front of a well-lit window, preferably a southern one away from direct sunlight.

Out of the sunlight is best for the soft-leaf ferns. Coming mostly from the depths of rainforests, they can tolerate longer spells of low light. But for other cool climate species, early morning sunlight is fine.

Frost-sensitive plants such as poinsettia need the protection of double glazing or a constantly warm room to survive the worst of winter. Take care not to overwater your plants, they are more likely to rot off or drown than to suffer from a few days without water.

Potted plants for indoors, or a sheltered spot on the porch or terrace are always welcomed, especially if they come with an attractive container.

Most homes have a well-lit spot indoors where indoor plants will flourish but away from direct sunlight is best. These can range from such ornamental foliaged plants as ivy, sansevieria (snake plant), ficus, philodendrons or among the vast range of ornamental ferns – many of which are native to Australia.

The all-time favourite saintpaulia or African violets are in bloom right now in a range of delightful colours from white to deep purple. For outdoors, larger plants, along with suitably large containers always make terrific gifts.

For a cool, shaded spot, nothing compares with hydrangeas. In sunny places plants grown simply for their attractive foliage include cordyline flax, conifers and the slender-foliaged, weeping dwarf acacias.

Among my favourites would be the new range of fruiting miniature citrus trees and the ubiquitous aspidistra. Since Victorian times, through decades of ridicule and downright rejection, these stalwarts (especially the striped variegated form) have survived neglect in dark, dusty corners to now rightfully claim their place of honour in our homes and gardens.

Got a gardening query? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com