Today my heart goes out to all those in Oklahoma who experienced such devastation yesterday. I wish I could jump in my car and drive out there and help in some way. I watched the news until way too late last night and as soon as daylight hit I raced downstairs to see if there was any word from our friend Jennifer at Dimples and Tangles. Thankfully she and her family are safe, but so many others lost their lives, loved ones, and homes. Like Boston, I know the outpouring of help and love will be strong. As the Irish proverb goes:
It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.
God bless all our neighbors in Oklahoma.
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So – lets talk about plants.
A part of design that I really think makes a room sing is a bit of living greens. Even the most modern of spaces needs something organic and fresh to warm it up.
Take a look at these rooms and try to imagine them without plants. They would be pretty flat, wouldn’t they?
{via}
Pottery Barn stylists know the importance of a well placed plant in a room:
{Pottery Barn}
{Pottery Barn}
{Pottery Barn}
Whatever way your decor leans – traditional, rustic, urban – plants give a space energy.
{via}
The fiddle leaf fig tree is currently the sweetheart of the design world with it’s glorious leaves!
{Grant K. Gibson}
In my experience they are a bit finicky, so read up on caring for fiddle leaf fig trees before investing in one.
I am the first to admit that I have trouble keeping houseplants alive. (My mother will gladly second that. She is constantly trying to revive small plants around my house.) The ficus in particular does not thrive in my care. However, there are some house plants that even my neglect won’t kill. I have had wonderful luck with this variety – the Madagascar dragon tree:
The lighter green one on the right has been with us for almost a decade (!!!!!) and started out as a little baby. The dark green one on the left is a newbie and is filling up space in our under-decorated living room.
Are you hesitant to bring plants into your home because you have a special gift for killing them off? Here are some suggestions for you fellow black-thumbers:
[1] philodendron {via}
[2] golden pothos {via}
[3] peace lily {via}
[4] umbrella plant {via}
[5] rubber tree {via}
For more hard-to-kill houseplants check out this article at DIY Network.
Not only do large house plants fill up space in a room and bring in some life, they improve the quality of the air you breathe. To read more about the best plant air filters, visit this article at Mother Nature Network.
So tell me……
{via}
…do you love plants in design as much as I do???
{Source Unknown – House Beautiful??}
thistlewoodfarm says
So true!!
Plants are always a great addition to any room!!
Hope you a great rest of the week!!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Thank you so much for your thoughts, concern, and prayers Lisa! We're full of so much pride to live in Oklahoma and see how people always come together immediately to help through devastating circumstances like these.
That FLF in your first pic is amazing. I'm adding more and more plants all the time…love them!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
i am praying for all those families, too….. the sad thing is i can't say, "i can't imagine" because we were there for katrina and have seen devastation and have seen people pick their lives back up. BUT, there is hope in that…. strong communities always survive.
pam {simple details} says
I like the quote I heard from our friend Dana…God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers! Praying for everyone in OK.
I just finished taking pics for tomorrow's post, a little something green. 🙂 Yes, I'm a big fan!
The Pink Pagoda says
My rooms look so much better with the addition of some green. Thanks for the list of hardy indoor plants. I have to have things I can't kill!
Dana Frieling says
Um, yes, pretty sure I've managed to kill #3 and #5 on your list of hard to kill plants. Can we say double black thumb?! I'm holding my breath on my fiddle leaf figs though. I love them so! (btw, pretty sure the last image is Lauren Liess)
Tiffany says
I can't even keep fake plants looking good…I'm hopeless.
Andrea says
Great post, Lisa. I'm one of those houseplant killers, so I was so happy to read this. I love using plants in decor too. Just wish I could keep them alive longer!
Linda {Calling it Home} says
I do love them, but I also kill them. Funny, I did not know the name of that palm tree plant that you have, but I have one too and can't kill it!
[email protected] says
Came over to read your post from Simple Details and loved it! I just picked up a few little plants yesterday to add some summer green indoors-now lets hope I can keep them alive! Thanks for the tips!
Denise @ frazzled JOY says
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for us Okies. I love plants, but tend to kill anything I bring inside. I was excited to see your list of hard to kill plants and then had to laugh – because I have actually killed even a couple on that list!! Ha!! I have really am going to try again because I love the look!!
Dawn @ Inspired Living says
I love this post, because I love adding pants to our house! I've neglected them a little since getting outdoors to garden….must remember to water…..the last picture is the living room of Lauren Liess @ Pure Style Home. I love her blog!
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
This is a great list as I tend to kill everything that comes in the door – plant-wise. 🙂
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
I got a fiddle leaf fig, FINALLY, about a month ago, and it's not looking good. 🙁 BUMMER. I love it so much though!
Kim says
I do try … I LOVE plants in every room … and it is a struggle worth the fight!! xo
Cara says
The last image is from the Pure Style Home blog, by Lauren Liess. Great post!