Having the time and space to enjoy leisure hobbies are a wonderful benefit to the slower pace of your twilight years. Hobbies that challenge your mind can help stimulate cognitive function, and decrease stress. Gardening, both indoor and outdoor, can bring joy and a sense of accomplishment to your daily routine. Indoor gardening can be a manageable gateway to those who are interested in gardening but do not want to invest the labor and money into an outdoor garden. There are some considerations to be mindful when starting a new gardening project and those considerations are tailored to your specific goals and expenses.
Location, Location, Location
Whether you live in a large house or a small apartment, there is always space for plants. However, the placement is dependent on access to sunlight and space. Some plants, like snake plants or spider plants, can do very well in low light or partial light settings, and some plants, like hoyas or succulents, need more full or direct sun. Ensure you research the needs of the plants before purchase and have a beneficial placement for them to thrive. Hanging baskets can be a great way to save space and allow plants more light without sacrificing counter space. Ferns can make a great statement piece as a hanging plant without taking over your table.
Tools & Accessories
While not necessary, having more tools and accessories can make gardening more fun. You would be surprised how much you can do with some thrift pots, potting soil, seeds and your imagination. But stylizing your pots with your home decor can add a joyful dimension to your decorating. It can also be helpful to buy a small handheld shovel and gardening gloves for planting and transplanting when your plants flourish beyond their nursery pots.
Safety Considerations
With any activity, it is important to be mindful of safety considerations and potential hazards. While plants bring happiness to your home, they can also be a potential danger. If you have any pets or grandchildren, some plants may be extremely toxic to them. Ensure you do your research before bringing new plants into your home. There are many plants that are common to have in households, such as Aloe Vera, that are toxic to pets. If you have any plants that are toxic to pets or humans, keep them in hanging planters or on high shelves in order to minimize the risk of ingestion. As well, if you have large pots on the floor, be mindful of where you put them as they could be trip hazards.
As a gardener, like an artist, you get to tailor your indoor garden to your needs and desires. If you love cooking, you could start an herb garden in the kitchen or a vegetable garden on the balcony or porch. If you are into interior decor, then DIY succulent projects the newest fad in design. If you love flowers, then there are many indoor plants that flower such as the African Violet and the Christmas Cactus. There are so many beautiful combinations and ways to style your home and grow plants you can be proud of. Gardening can give you another sense of purpose because you are the caretaker of your own little slice of earth.
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