Botanical Inspiration: Fancy Foliage

For this week's Botanical Inspiration, I'm sharing Calathea, a fancy foliage plant.  Having admired my mother-in-law's Calathea for some time now, I decided to buy one for our place.  Its intricate foliage pattern and color makes it a stand out botanical in any space, but one that's not so easy to care for.  If you tend to over water your plants, Calatheas may be a perfect fit for you, but if you're like me and let the plants dry out between waterings, they may not be the botanicals for you.  They require bright indirect light and evenly moist soil.  Even the most attentive plant person may be challenged by this one. Do you own a Calathea?

Calatheas are so pretty, it's absolutely worth it to give them a shot in your home!

Botanical Inspiration: Plants And People

Lately I've been drawn to images of people and plants together.  Of course, seeing botanicals in their environment is always inspiring, but seeing them used as props is actually delightful.  Here's a collection of my favorites so far.  Whether just for fun or for marketing purposes, utilizing leaves to style a photo can add both interest and intrigue.  Next time you're looking for a whimsical photo with friends or need an interesting set detail grab a palm frond or an interesting bloom and snap away. For more of my favorite botanical images follow my Pinterest board here. 

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6.

Botanical Inspiration: False Aralia

For this week's Botanical Inspiration I'm introducing the elegant False Aralia plant.  Its jagged edge foliage sprouts in a coppery color, then turns to a  deep, dark green as it matures.  Although the leaves resemble those of a marijuana plant I assure you, the two are not related.  Placed in a brightly lit spot without direct sun light (since this would burn the delicate leaf edges) and with regular watering, the False Aralia will flourish and grow into a large houseplant with several woody stems.  What I like best about this plant is its delicate leaf formation.  Especially when clustered with broad leaf plants, such as the snake plant, it will lend contrast and softness to a botanical grouping.  Take a look:

Remember, plants add life to any space.  I will be happy to suggest the right ones for your home.  

Wreath Inspiration

For the past three years I've made holiday wreaths to adorn our fireplace.  Each wreath a bit different from the previous one, but not any less beautiful.  This year, I'd like to put together something a little less traditional.  Here are a few that are currently inspiring me.  Take a look and stay tuned to see how mine turns out.

Images:  1./2./3./4.

Botanical Inspiration: Sansevieria trifasciata

For this week's botanical inspiration I'm sharing the hardy snake plant.  This one is for those among you who claim to be "not plant people".  It's virtually indestructible.  Happy even in low light conditions and infrequent watering, Sansevieria is the perfect botanical for any space or person.   Its stiff leaves and beautiful coloration allow it to stand alone or to be grouped with other plants for contrast.  Ours flanks our fireplace in a ceramic pot similar in color to the brick hearth so that its shape and color really stand out.  Take a look:

Adopt one today.