We could all benefit from a little happy and positive news as we all navigate the challenges we’re facing right now. We’re doing everything we can at Mother Nature to keep our staff, customers, and community safe and healthy. We’re cleaning and disinfecting non-stop, washing our hands frequently, and keeping safe distances. To support our community, we’re also implementing curbside pickup and delivery available within Powell River. If you need some pet food, plant supplies, or even a new plant to keep up your spirits, give us a call.
Plants Make Us Happier
It’s no secret that plants make us happier; there has been tons of research on the mental and physical health and wellness benefits of plants and gardening. So, we’ve listed some of the top plants that can help make us feel happier and give us a little hope while we weather this experience.
Here are a few plants, some houseplants and some for the garden, that can help lift our spirits and put a smile on our faces.
Houseplants
African Violets are blooming like mad this time of year, their pretty little flowers are always a cheerful view. These little beauties don’t take up much space, and their blossoms can last more than a month. There are plenty of different colours to choose from, and if you give them a spot near a south window with a sheer curtain, they’ll keep on blooming for awhile yet.
Peace Lily is a popular houseplant that can tolerate low-light situations, like in rooms with north-facing windows. Peace lily embodies a sense of calm and peacefulness. Its graceful white blooms last for a long time, and its simple beauty is an excellent reminder to slow down and take a few deep breaths.
Orchids are one of the most delightful blooming houseplants. The flowers are exotic and beautiful, and available in so many colours. However, the best part thing about these houseplants is that the blooms last for 2-3 months at a time!
Bromeliads are so bright and cheerful. They’re available in a variety of brilliant tropical colours, and their funky shape is a happy addition to any home. Like orchids, bromeliad blooms also last an exceptionally long time.
Garden Plants
Sweet Peas are a common garden favourite for many people. Many people have fond childhood memories of them, but even if you don’t, they’re likely to put a smile on your face! They have a delightfully fresh scent, and they come in a million colours. The best part about sweet peas is that the more flowers you cut off for arrangements, the more they bloom. Here in Powell River, you can plant Sweet Peas out as soon as the soil is dry enough to work in. They like good drainage and lots of sunshine, but they do best in cool and moist soil. The best way to achieve this is to ensure their roots sit beneath the shade of low-growing annuals like marigolds, petunias, or geraniums.
Lily of the Valley is strikingly beautiful in its simplicity. The white nodding bells on delicate stems with broad dark green leaves have a calming presence, similar to peace lily. These perennials like a partially shady spot with moist soil, and that’s about all they need. Over time they’ll naturalize and slowly spread to fill an area.
Pansies might be the most immediate way to add some cheer and happiness to your garden, patio, or front porch. Their bright and cheerful faces are always smiling up towards us. These easy growers are a perfect pop of colour to lift our spirits almost anywhere in the garden.
Our community, and the rest of the world, is in our hearts during this difficult time. Give us a call if you need a plant fix, some pet food, or anything else. Let’s support one another and find any opportunity we can to make the best of a tough time. We’ll all get through this together!
