Are you prone to seasonal depression? I am… Autumn may be my favorite season, but when the leaves have fallen and the light is gone, and everything is gray and cold, I feel my energy level dropping. No matter how many pumpkin lattes I consume, my mood wanes as the last colors disappear into the cold, wet, gray mud…
But HEY! Dry your tears, dear gardeners, today I’m talking about ways to keep some of the warmth and color of the moment throughout the winter. It’s too early to talk about a gray autumn, don’t you think? Yes, so do I, but it’s not the middle of December when you’re going to be harvesting fresh flowers to dry!
I’ve listed my tips for capturing the beautiful season and extending it in order, from the most accessible to the most… extreme!
Have Pretty Houseplants That Stay Beautiful, Even in Winter
Yes, hibiscus are magnificent in summer. Yes, begonias and coleus look absolutely stunning in the sun. But in winter, good luck getting flowers and pretty colors with these plants!
To avoid getting depressed, have a few plants in your collection that stay beautiful in winter. Plants that can tolerate low light, but will look great on your windowsill. You can even equip yourself with two or three grow lights on timers. Coming home in the dark is depressing, but coming home to see your pretty plants lit up is good for morale!
Some plants to consider: pothos, philodendrons, spider plants, crassulas, snake plants, ZZ, aglaonema, many slow-growing succulents, etc. I invite you to browse through the blog posts for ideas.
Installing a grow light on a timer can also be a good option. The plants that benefit from it will be prettier, and what’s more, you’ll have a longer “light cycle” in the house. When the timer turns off the light only at 8 p.m., arriving home at 6 p.m. after a day’s work is less depressing: you feel as if you’ve arrived at daylight, even if the sun has long since set.
Stimulate Your Senses
Touch your plants. Smell your herbs. Leaf through a colorful gardening book. Grow a small square metre of lawn in a tub to rub your feet on. You love gardening; treat yourself to the sensations of gardening.
If you’re the experimental type, you can even make your own cosmetics with your favorite flowers and herbs. Dare a bath with mint leaves or dried flowers, homemade soaps with lavender, creams, floral waters and more. The garden version of self-care!
Putting Summer in Jars
Why not dry a few flowers? If you’re a fan of dried flowers and potpourri, go for it, but personally, I prefer herbal teas and spices that look like decoration. Edible flowers (and leaves) aren’t limited to summer: you can stock up and enjoy them all year round.
A small collection of colorful Masson jars on a kitchen shelf can brighten up any day! Dry your nasturtium, lavender and chamomile flowers whole and impress your visitors.
Wow, that’s an original decoration. Where did you buy it?
Thanks, but I actually dried them myself… and they’re the ingredients in the tea you’re drinking, by the way!
Fresh Herbs
Microgreens and herbs: don’t overlook the benefits of fresh greens! The vitamins they contain are more effective than those found in imported salads. Their taste and the fact that they grow quickly are balms for the heart.
The advantage of microgreens is that they don’t really need light. Herbs can be more temperamental.
Summer Outings in Winter
Still need more? Find some outings in greenhouses. It’s warmer, there’s sun and plants. They can be hard to find, but I look forward to your suggestions in the comments!
Going South
An extreme solution that’s not accessible to everyone… If you ever have an extra bill, my suitcase is ready!
Thank you so much for your lovely ideas! As for the grow lights there seems to be a large selection on the market. What wattage would be ideal? Would you have a suggestion for one that is not too expensive and easy to install? Thank you! Always enjoy reading your articles!