Introduction Most of us have memories from childhood of indoor plants that seemed somehow part of the family. Maybe it was a classic Boston fern hanging from the ceiling, or a potted cactus or bamboo, or a ficus in the corner. What many people don’t have to go along with those memories, however, is the knowledge of or confidence in how to take care of indoor plants of their own. I used to teach people how to grow food in an urban setting. Along the way, I realized how many folks of all ages weren’t ready for that because they had an outright fear of plants. “Can’t grow a thing,” they told me. “I can kill a plant just by looking at it.” And I knew the type because while my mother had a beautiful garden outside our Pacific Northwest home (with a little plot always set aside for me), she had a brown thumb indoors!
Some people consider owning a houseplant to being akin to owning a dog in terms of responsibility. I must disagree there. While it’s true that like dogs, certain breeds of plants are better suited to certain owners, a plant requires far less care and less responsibility, and it’s much easier to learn how to do it right.
After I realized it was fear holding so many people back, I made it my mission to give people the skills and the confidence to play with indoor plants and to use greenery to create a sense of home in their space. Think about what a space without plants feels like: clinical, sterile. Now add plants. Homey, right? Warm, designed, cared for. There’s real science behind all those fuzzy feelings; studies show that office production goes up when there are plants in the office and that dopamine levels rise for people with plants in the home, especially if they help handle them and care for them. An often-cited study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also found that certain indoor plants do a fantastic job of filtering our interior air of chemicals. While NASA studied a specific list of cultivars, all indoor plants work to filter the air and add oxygen in varying amounts, so the more plants the better! What I love about plants is that the beauty, joy, and health that plants bring to us indoors are accessible to everyone. Black thumb or no, there is truly a plant for you, and in this book you’ll find all the information to demystify plant ownership, including potting, watering, pruning, and feeding, as well as a guide to some of the most common houseplants organized by their environmental needs so you can easily pick the plants that both appeal to your aesthetics and suit your home environment and caretaking style.
But plants don’t just clean our air and generate a sense of Zen. They’re also design powerhouses, able to play into completely different looks and design aesthetics and act as statement pieces or subtle decor. Inside this book you’ll find everything you need to feel confident in bringing plants in all their glory into your space. Both those who live in tiny apartments and those with a host of spacious rooms to fill will find just the right look to highlight a plant as well as brighten a corner or bring drama to a tabletop. Because while many of us hold cherished memories of Grandma’s plants, we don’t necessarily want to replicate her aesthetic. Whether you’re partial to an untamed lush look or want a touch of modern minimalism, indoor plants are incredibly versatile. The projects in this book are meant to highlight what makes each type of plant special, whether it’s a striking pattern on the foliage or a cool texture to the leaf, and let you customize your designs. Don’t fret if you’re not crafty; some projects are more advanced while others involve nothing more than tying a knot. Both beginning and more experienced indoor gardeners should begin by reading Part I: Plant Basics (page xii) and Part II: Plant Guide (page 32), both primers of sorts to give you a good base of knowledge before choosing your first project from Part III: Plant Projects (page 74). After you’ve mastered the basics, Part IV: Plant Style (page 154) gives you a range of looks to inspire you and get you started on creating your own designs. Your indoor gardens can get as creative as you dare. Ready? Let’s dive in and turn your space into a gorgeous garden paradise.
Copyright © 2023 by Jen Stearns. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
