From harvest festivals to tailgate football parties, the colorful fall season is in full swing. Crisp air and cooler nights signal the holidays are right around the corner!
If you're looking for ways to add a festive and unique touch to your home, think live plants. Rather than rummaging through basements and attics for holiday decorations or buying yet another centerpiece, plants add long-lasting year-round style and cheer to any home.
"Live plants are a perfect way to add instant holiday style to any home and they're affordable and eco-friendly," says Justin W. Hancock, editor of Better Homes & Gardens online (BHG.com).These "green heroes" also provide oxygen and clean the indoor air as they provide holiday warmth and year-round pleasure!
Here are some tips from the plant pros at Costa Farms to add live plants for holiday charm:
Enhance your home's proportions and style: Whether you
live in a traditional stately home or small apartment, live plants add
dimension and texture to any space. Long-lasting, indoor plants like
the affordable Norfolk Island pine, fit any lifestyle and décor.
"Decorating with live plants like the Norfolk Island
pine is a home trend, "says Hancock. "Miniature evergreens work in a
container on the mantel, as a centerpiece in the middle of the table or
decorated in the kid's room for fun."
Small enough for a tabletop display or large enough to
be a dramatic focal point of any room, they tuck nicely into tight
spaces in apartments, dorm rooms, patios or cozy corners. From 14 to 44
inches tall, the Norfolk Island Pines come fully decorated, or ready
for your creative touch with mini lights and homemade ornaments.
Instantly change the atmosphere of any room: Think of
the impact you want to make in your living room, family, or dining
room. Color and the shape of the plants, arranged in simple containers
or elaborate planters, can grab attention as a focal point, or be an
understated accent for larger pieces.
"Mini moth orchids are a great choice for people
looking for a dramatic centerpiece for their dining room table," says
Hancock." Their exotic shape and stunning colors enhance any size room."
Mini-orchids are readily available, require easy-care, are affordable, and provide months of blooms with little to no effort.
These beauties come in a wide range of colors in both
3-inch and 6-inch pots. Use as a stand-alone or group them under a
seasonal table runner for a striking centerpiece. Add a sprig of greens
and voila´- you have instant high impact with a low price tag.
Select plant-friendly locations: Ever pass by a display
of holiday plants and linger over the Christmas cactus? This tropical
plant has flattened leaflike structures with tips of ruffled flowers
that range in color from reds and fuchsia, oranges and creams.
"Christmas cactus is a houseplant that looks great
during the holidays and will provide years of pleasure," adds Hancock.
"Give it attention and the right location and you can enjoy blooms
several times throughout the year."
Group them in a decorative container and add sprigs of
greenery for an instant ornamental display. Place them on your kitchen
countertops or windowsills for a cheery touch throughout the holidays
and year-round.
Use color for greater design impact: Do you have a
space you want to accentuate, or fill a hollow area that is bare and
boring? Poinsettias can add a punch of vivid red, white and pink living
color for your holidays.
They love bright locations and can liven up any room or space that needs a joyful color accent. And they make a perfect gift!
Poinsettias, like gingerbread houses, symbolize the
holiday season," says Hancock. "Their bright colors and graceful beauty
captures the essence of the holidays."
This seasonal must-have likes humidity but don't
over-water. Display them in mono-color groupings for a bold statement
or mix them up like living art.
With these simple tips you can enjoy the fall knowing
it's easy to spruce up your home with festive live plants and share the
holiday spirit with friends and family.The Norfolk Island pine is small enough for a tabletop display or tucks nicely into tight spaces.
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