Since the Ground Hog “Punxsutawney Phil” has predicted 6 more weeks of winter weather, we have had two snowstorms, and at least another two snowfalls are predicted before 1 weeks’ worth of time.
I am growing a bit weary of the winter we are having here, and it prompts me to enjoy the benefits of a nice warm house shared with my Wife, children, 3 cats, and yes, houseplants. Okay, so in my last article, I talked about “why don’t people have more houseplants?”
What happened to those of us who sat around in our living rooms in the favorite armchair with a glass of wine, and stereo playing Chick Corea or Pat Metheny, in a room with lots of nice live plants, (contributing in more ways than one to the atmosphere)? I think, and hope that there are more than a few of us left!
One reason that many of us have houseplants now is because houseplants are deemed as nice gift items. However, they have been relegated to the 4”, or 6” size of Thanksgiving Cactus, Dwarf palm, or “cute” December Decorated Holiday Tree, found in the supermarket rather than a greenhouse. Well, as I think of plants as gifts, I am reminded of St. Valentine’s Day upcoming. My grower friend, Luigi L. allowed me to take some photos of his greenhouse selections for flowering plants available this month. Not only fantastic as gift plants, these selections last longer than a bouquet of flowers, as well as the fun and pride we have of nurturing them.
These flowering [plants lift our spirits, and give happiness to a gloomy day. Care for these wonderful friends is relatively easy, and not very time consuming.
Right now, I am sitting in my easy chair, listening to my stereo, enjoying some good music, and liking my surroundings of blooming tropical houseplants. I hope that you are enjoying yours, too. Until next month, I hope everyone reading this will perhaps go out and bring home a new type of blooming houseplant.
Written By: Everett Fink
Edited By: Elysse Fink
Everett Fink is a Certified Rutgers Master Gardener, Certified Pesticide applicator, and N.J. State licensed Home Improvement Contractor. Everett was designated Top Tier Designer at Sponzilli Landscape, and currently Owns Property Details LLC, in New Jersey. Property Details has a Container Gardening Division designing and maintaining Pools, Patios, and Porches with beautiful flowers, and foliage.
