Houseplants: The Art of Feng Shui

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Ficus)

A reader from the blog has asked that I write about Feng Shui, specifically how to use houseplants correctly.  I have done some research and learned a few things myself!  In previous blogs, I've written about the importance of plants to clean the air, and discussed other positive attributes of having plants around your home.

Photo by Paul Gellatly
(Peace Lily)

In the Art of Feng Shui, life force takes center stage.   Having live plants in your home contributes to life energy, and enhances the wood element; both of which are fundamental aspects of this art.  There are common plants that are used in typical Feng Shui, however its important to note that any healthy living plant will emit a positive flow of chi into your home.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Jade Plant)

Plants that are commonly used are Bamboo, Palms, Orchids, Begonias, Dracaena, Peace Lily, Jade Plant, and Ficus (which I learned Buddha was sitting under when he achieved enlightenment... VERY COOL!)

If you have an area where plants aren't an option, fresh cut flowers are a good choice, as long as they are thrown away quickly, when they begin to wilt.  Also keep in mind dried flowers are never used in Feng Shui, because the life force that flower once had is gone.   Always replace a dying plant with a larger healthier plant, ensuring you overcome the reduction in chi energies.

Photo by Paul Gellatly (Bamboo)

Here are some ideals to keep in mind when decorating your home with Feng Shui in mind...  Hide any sharp and harsh lines, (for example a corner or a slanted ceiling); use a plant to hide these lines in your home and keep the flow of chi moving between rooms.  Utilize the entrance way to your home in a positive way.  This is the first space in your home where you welcome people, and fresh air enters freely.  Try growing herbs in your home, for example...  a lavender plant, known to promote relaxation.  Plants in pairs are said to increase chi in your living space.  Finally, consider placing a fern in the bedroom, with its softer leaves, it promotes relaxation and tranquility.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Begonia)

For centuries this ancient Chinese art... The art of Feng Shui, has been said to balance the energy, and create a sense of true harmony and peace in every room of your home.  Truthfully I have never considered Feng Shui in my home or my placement of plants.  After having researched it for this blog... I realized I already had a lot of things right but I did make a couple of changes.

We are constantly exposed to negative energy on a daily basis... The art of Feng Shui has been passed down over hundreds of years, generation to generation.  There is something to be said about tradition... Can it make a difference in your life and your home? Why not consider the possibility?

Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Tiger Fern)

Just Around the Corner

(Prunus serrulata) Photograph By Paul Gellatly

Spring is just around the corner.  Before you know it the bulbs will begin to grow, the buds on the trees will start to open, and a new season, full of life and colour will be upon us.  There are many things you can be doing now to prepare for the upcoming season.  Start making a list of things you'd like to accomplish this year... maybe its putting in a rose garden, a vegetable garden, a water feature; or removing overgrown foundation plantings, and rejuvenating the curb appeal of your home. In an apartment or condo, it could be having balcony boxes, or terraces that you can enjoy with your family and friends.

  

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Another thing you might consider is starting some seeds indoors.  Growing plants from seed can save you quite a bit of money, be very rewarding, and provide different varieties of plants than you will have buying ready grown plants from a nursery.  

In previous blogs I have discussed seed catalogues as a source to buy seeds.  Another great source for seeds are the same nurseries and garden centres you buy your plants from in the spring.  Most of them will have a vast selection of seeds right now to choose from.  It is the perfect time to get started.  If you have never tried growing plants from seed, give it a try.  Starting seeds indoors can give you a jump start on the season to come.  

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

When picking out your seeds, make sure to read the seed packages carefully, they are full of information you will need to know about that plant, how and when to plant it, how tall it will grow etc.  Keep the colours of your garden in mind when choosing seeds, and pick ones that will enhance the beauty of your existing garden. Take a chance on a plant that you haven't tried before, after all... what have you got to lose?  

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Next week I am starting back at a greenhouse I was lucky enough to get involved with last year.  This is the kick off to the 2012 season for me.  I work 4 different jobs in Horticulture throughout the season.  Which, over the course of the year, will provide lots of information for you through this blog.

Over the past 2 months, this blog has been viewed 2100 times in 36 countries!  What an amazing response.  I hope you are enjoying reading the blog as much as I have been enjoying writing it!  This blog has been read in Canada, United States, Russia, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Ukraine, Australia, France, Ireland, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, Poland, United Arab Emerates, Kuwait, Puerto Rico, Netherlands, Peru, Brazil, Latvia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Romania, Myanmar (Burma), India, Norway, Bulgaria, Hungary, Estonia, Czech Republic, Turkey, South Korea, Belarus, Jamaica, and Malaysia.  

Photograph by Angel W.

Abutilon... My First 'Must Have Plant' for Your Home AND Garden

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Photograph by Paul Gellatly
Abutilon 'Bella'

For quite some time I have been enamored with the Abutilon, also commonly known as a flowering maple.  I currently have 6 different varieties, all of which do particularly well in both my south, and west facing windows.  Given the right conditions these plants will flower frequently throughout the year with quite a display of blooms.  The leaves are light to medium green in colour, and shaped like that of a maple leaf.  The flowers look like a cross between a hibiscus and a single hollyhock flower; flowers are orange, red, yellow, white, pink, and everything in between.  Because of their varied colours they work well with any colour scheme in your home or garden.

Photograph by Kelly Butts
Abutilon 'Savitzii'

Best kept indoors in a south, or west facing window; Plants can be kept outdoors after the risk of frost is over in the spring, and back in before the risk of frost in the fall.  They should be in a sunny location, where they are sheltered from the hot mid-day sun.  You can also opt to enjoy this plant strictly as a houseplant.   When keeping it indoors, it is a good habit to mist the leaves every once in a while to keep up the humidity. (Your plants will thank you)

Depending on variety, this plant can be anywhere from 2 to 10 feet in height... however it responds very well to pruning and shaping.  I have trained mine into standards. (small trees)

Photograph by Paul Gellatly
Abutilon 'Bella'

Water the plant thoroughly, and then let the surface soil dry to the touch, before watering again.  I water mine every 7 to 10 days in the winter, and more frequently in the spring and summer.   Remember that given this plant flowers so prolifically it needs regular fertilizing.  I fertilize half strength every 2 weeks (every other time I water), with a balanced fertilizer.

Only transplant this plant when you have roots growing out the bottom of the pot. When transplanting, move it to a pot only slightly larger than the pot its currently in.  This will ensure you keep your plant healthy and happy.

Photo by Paul Gellatly
Abutilon 'Savitzii'

Photo by Paul Gellatly
Abutilon 'Savitzii'

One variety I particularly like is Abutilon 'Savitzii'.  Grown for its beautiful variegated cream and green leaves.  I've had one in my collection for 3 years.  It may not be quite as easy to find as some of the more common varieties, so if you do happen to run across it, definitely pick it up!

To add some interest to your garden, balcony, or home... an Abutilon is a beautiful choice.