Gardening
5 Plants to Banish the January Blues
January can be a depressing month. A combination of bad weather, debt, the post-Christmas anti-climax, failing new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels despite feeling the need to take action sends our mood plummeting into the doldrums.
That thought? Plants and flowers!
That thought? Plants and flowers!
People who work or relax in environments that encompass nature, trees and plants are happier people – a proven fact.
You would be very surprised by how many people are unaware of the importance of smell and colour and the positive effects they have on our wellbeing. We all have our favourite colour that triggers happy emotions or a favourite smell that makes us feel good.
What better way to trigger the happy senses on dreary Blue Monday than with five plant suggestions?
1. Botanical Name: Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Westerstede’
Common Name: Witch Hazel
Witch hazels are grown for their beautiful fragrant flowers, which are produced in late winter and early spring. Its green leaves turn golden yellow before falling in autumn.
2. Botanical Name: Erica x darleyensis ‘Kramers Red’
Common Name: Winter-Spring Flower Heather
A fantastic low-growing ground cover plant, which is covered in glimmering cerise pink flowers from winter to late spring. When bees come out of their hibernation, heathers are a vital source of food for them. (https://takes2fitness.com/) An easy-to-grow plant, which will even grow in heavy clay soils.
3. Botanical Name: Helleborus ICE N’ ROSES
Common Name: Christmas Rose; Lenten Rose
I call these my winter WOW Flowers, as they are amazing and will flower right through winter until early spring. They are easy to grow and simply thrive in shaded garden borders and will put a winter smile in your front door planters.
4. Botanical Name: Primula
As primroses blooms in early spring, they are associated with new beginnings – new life or birth. These small plants really do punch above their weight, as their huge, showy flowers cover most of the plant. With so many bright, punchy colours available, you are guaranteed to find a primrose to brighten up your garden border or patio planters.
5. Botanical Name Sarcococca hookeriana
Common Name: Sweet Box
Creamy white sweet-smelling flowers are free borne in clusters on the underside of the stems. Its common name is aptly given for the beautiful sweet-smelling flowers that grow on small bushy plants which resemble box plants. This is what I call an all-rounder plant; smells good, grows in sun or shade and keeps its leaves all-year-round.
There you go – plant today and enjoy the mood benefits of colour and smell in the months ahead.
All these plants are in stock in Arboretum Carlow and Kilquade. Don’t hesitate to ask any of our garden centre staff for help or advice.
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