The winter wet seems to have made everything dull and grey. Whilst it is this damp and dreary, it is almost impossible to find the motivation to do any real decorating indoors. It may seem far better to wait until the weather is a little drier and at least the windows can be opened. Instead of investing in expensive furniture, why not give yourself a treat and brighten your home with spring flowers?
Spring Bulbs to Grow Indoors
Even those who have never been successful at growing flowers indoors can succeed with easy-to-grow bulbs. Favourites to brighten any dark day include Amaryllis which are one of the easiest to grow and come in a variety of colours—there are over 500 varieties from the palest white to the brightest of reds and unusual variations in between, including exquisite stripes and borders as well as some with extra petals.
Whilst it may be a little late to start growing your own this year, look out for arrangements. Next year you can buy all your favourites and force them through their cold and dark cycles early to brighten even winter solstice. Anemones, Crocuses, Narcissi (Daffodils), Iris, and Hyacinths will all do well indoors with very little care. They also won’t break the bank; just get cheap bulbs and sort out the logistics. The effort is worth it, especially if you can time them to flower straight through the darkest days to spread their cheer all winter long.
Cut Flowers Add a Splash of Much-needed Colour
One of the easiest ways to add a splash of colour to any room is to get a cut flower arrangement. Go to your local florist to pick out your favourite blossoms or simply pick them out from a reliable florist who can make sure you get exactly what you want. Although there may be some restrictions due to the time of year, or holidays like Valentine’s Day, they are sure to have blossomed to suit any décor, style, and mood. Many florists now provide locally grown, fair trade and cut flowers from sustainable crops for those who love flowers and want to stay eco-friendly.
Whatever your mood, there is a rainbow of choices all year round which can set exactly the right tone, adding their fresh fragrance to remind all that spring is finally here. From whites to yellows, orange, salmon, vibrant reds through to purples and blues, there is always a variety of choices. Mixing the colours, light to dark is an effective way to get the contrast in the colours to pop out.
Flowers for Every Room
An often missed trick is to split up a bunch of flowers and mix them up in every room. Perhaps one or two blossoms in the bathroom to give yourself a smile is all you need there. In the lounge and dining room, perhaps different contrasts in colour will be all the change that is needed. And for the bedroom, what can be more romantic than a single blossom or two?
Think about using unusual items to display them—a bowl of water upon which to float and also add some much-needed moisture to overly hot rooms. Gerbera daisies, camellias, and orchids are some of the easiest to float. As for unusual vases, even an old teapot or champagne flute will do nicely with the right kind of flowers.
Putting That Flower Power to Use
Rather than putting the flowers at the end of their life into the bin, help continue the circle of life and upcycle and recycle what you can. Try your hand at homegrown potpourri by carefully separating the colourful blossoms and drying them out over several days. Use them with your favourite essential oils to create your own special scent to enjoy.
Flower petals can also be used to create natural homemade shower soap. They can also be used to make a surface cleaner for floors, adding a completely natural fragrance. They can also be used to make candles, floral art, and even organic perfume. Flower petals can be added to anything which can use their colour and fragrance to add the one-off uniqueness which will make it extra special.
When it is time to bin it, remember to put all the organic waste into your own compost pile as they are not accepted at most local council’s kerbside residual or recycling bin. Dead flowers can be recycled at your local household waste recycling centre to help reduce landfill usage.
Say Goodbye to Winter Blues
There is no doubt that even just the aroma of fresh flowers can help chase the winter blues away and spruce up the home for spring. Having fresh flowers gives a much-needed emotional and mental lift, even if we are not conscious of it. Let that beautiful celebration of life carry that lift forward in all you do and look forward to.
