Let there be LIFE!

March 2015, By Nicole Langelier.

As we say goodbye to summer and face the reality that the cold winter months are fast approaching, it is only natural to crave a bit of tropical paradise – so why not create your own oasis at home? It is time to let the life in and welcome some fresh plants into your world.

For those of you who’s thumbs are less than green, try a Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (available at Bunnings and most plant shops). The ZZ can survive in just about any setting, and need little water and light. They grow like crazy, and can survive at home on their own for stretches of time (just fill a bottle with water and stick it into the soil, and your ZZ will feed itself!). Another easy customer – despite the name – is a Mother in Law’s Tongue. You hardly have to lift a finger around her – she thrives on neglect and virtually nothing can keep her down – she just keeps on growing!

Melbournian’s have embraced the wondrous mini-world of the terrarium, and I too am in love with these tiny wonders! I have yet to try and make one myself, but there are many ‘’How To’’ sites and they seem simple enough – or you can go out and buy one just about anywhere. They are like itty-bitty little self-contained green houses in a variety of super cool glass vessels, and apparently they are even easier to maintain than my friends the ZZ and the Mother in Laws Tongue.

For a charming little kitchen bench top herb garden, get creative and recycle your old coffee tins and tomato cans for quick and easy planters. I like Annalisa brand cans for a little old world Italian kitsch. Just poke a few holes in the bottom of the cans, pot the plants, water, and Ta-Da!

If you really have no patience for live plants, treat yourself with fresh cut flowers. I often keep a bunch of Aussie natives in a vase on my desk. They are so hearty and robust and they last forever. There is nothing like a fresh bunch of your favorite buds to put a smile on your face!