And inherited houseplants: a concise orientation before we get practical.
And inherited houseplants: Quick notes
Hi GPODers!
Last week we were introduced to Barbara Owen’s indoor plant collection (Barbara’s Indoor Garden in Massachusetts), and I’m thrilled to share that more gardeners have been inspired to share their houseplant hoards. Todays batch of photos come from Leni Johnston in Dunnville, Ontario, Canada (Zone 5). Leni is a professional photographer (@leni.j.photo on Instagram) who’s eye for bold photos is just as strong as her eye for fascinating plants. Her outdoor plantings are covered in a thick blanket of snow right now, but there is plenty of greenery to enjoy indoors.
We have had a garden for over 20 years, but it hasn’t been until the last few years that I have really focused on making it something special. We have about 1 acre of heavy moist clay surrounded by farmland and deciduous forest that is very wet. We are on the north shore of Lake Erie, and our weather is significantly influenced by the winds off the lake. I am most proud of the over 60 trees we have planted, mostly native to our Carolinian forest area. Our land was just an empty field when we bought it. I have also started planting a lot of native shrubs and have created a few beds. around the trees and shrubs. The goal moving forward is to introduce more native and hardy non-native flowers to fill in all the holes. We also have a vegetable garden, which is in mid construction as we had to move it to a sunnier location. I can’t wait for it to warm up so I can get back to making the beds and installing a greenhouse. I’m uploading some images of my houseplants. My mother passed recently, and I inherited her orchids, african violets and a couple Christmas cactus. My window sills are overflowing because I also am compelled to propagate almost any plant. I currently have a couple roses and a holly that seem to have taken root, and then all of my Pelargoniums that I overwinter. It is incredibly cold and snowy outside so having all these plants around me gives me hope.
In front are two somewhat sad-looking Christmas cacti and a Kalanchoe. I’m hoping new soil and bigger pots will help these fellows along. This is a west-facing window, but there is a woodland next door so the light is mostly dappled.
A mish-mash of plants too big for any other spot in the house. Same west side facing side of the house. My mother was a member of the local horticultural society and she was always bringing home a plant for me. The crazy cactus on the left was one such plant. Somehow, I have managed to keep it alive, though its growth is a bit vine-like.
A collection of succulents, cactus and African violets. The violet on the far right was not doing well, so I just repotted it. The other violets I was able to propagate from a leaf. The plants on the far left are my attempt at starting roses from a cutting. This is a west-facing window that works for now with the low and weak winter sun. I will probably have to move these plants in the spring as things heat up.
This is my only south-facing window with a window sill, and it tends to get packed with plants at this time of year. I have more succulents and cacti, but also my Pelargoniums. There is a basil and a peppermint that are experiments to see if I can keep them going over the winter, and at the far right, the little holly that has a couple of new leaves on it. I feel a bit like an amateur mad scientist sometimes, but the urge to grow things at this time of year is very strong.
Thank you so much for sharing your incredible collection of houseplant treasures with us, Leni! It is a truly special bond to share a love of gardening with a close family member, and an honor to continue to care for the special plants they leave behind.
Keep the indoor plant photos coming! I’ve been thoroughly enjoying all the greenery that brings a touch of the garden indoors when the view outside is quiet and white. Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!
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And inherited houseplants comes up here to connect ideas for clarity.
