When the weather is cold the landscapes around us can get bleak and dark. We start to dream of lush green days spent in the garden. What better in the winter season than to sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy some colorful and tropical plants in the conservatory. It isn’t known who first came up with the idea of maintaining a winter garden for the darker days of the year but it created milestone in the history of gardening and conservatories open up all sorts of possibilities in terms of the pants you can maintain all year round, no matter where you live. Today, we give you some maintenance tips for plants in the winter garden as well as various examples of how to make a winter garden.
Plants for a winter garden are different from those of the greenhouse where the goal is to maintain optimal conditions for the growth of plants. The winter garden is basically a part of the house where the plants you choose will thrive.
Plants in the winter garden.
One of the main advantages of a veranda is the micro climate in the space which provides natural conditions for plant growth. This means that you can grow exotic plant species that would be a problem in a standard room during the cold season. Indeed, the choice of the type of vegetation is almost unlimited. However, it is best to choose plants according to their climate and environmental requirements. Traditional inhabitants of winter gardens are tropical and subtropical desert plants. Species of tropical plants prefer a hot and humid climate but some will grow very well without this.
Subtropical plants require lots of light and grow well in regular low temperatures of around 5 degrees. Desert plants need a lot of heat and light and very little humidity. If you have a small porch you should just focus on filling the space with your favorite plants and then making the conditions favorable for them, if your winter garden is larger then think about introducing plants which naturally thrive in the conditions that are there.
Secure the necessary light – plants in the winter garden.
Good light is very important and it is a good idea to opt for windows which are much larger than in your normal rooms. If you have a choice don’t structure your conservatory to be north facing as this is limiting for the plants.
Bear in mind that sun protection glass is not suitable as this will not allow plants to be nourished by the sunlight. This factor also means you shouldn’t be hanging large or thick curtains as once again when deprived of natural sunlight your plants can become withered or even die. Blinds can be a good option if you want to be able to reduce the brightness of the room while you are in it. Ventilation is important, try and open windows as often as possible to let the fresh air in.
Generally speaking plants with dark green, dense leaves are better suited to shady spots. If there are shady areas in your conservatory you can fill these with plants that can manage with less direct sunlight.
The conservatory is beautiful and comfortable.
The average temperature in the winter garden should be about 20-25 degrees and relative humidity – 60-70%. This means a healthy environment for plants and comfortable for you too.
It is recommended that you plant flowers and shrubs in separate pots as this allows you to observe their individual needs in terms of watering etc This also makes it easier to move the pots around and therefore redesign the space. Layout is crucial, small plants can get lost if overshadowed by larger plants and if you don’t help them stand out by placing them on stands or shelves. Climbers on the walls and on the ceiling not only saves space but also creates the feeling of a tropical paradise.
Beautiful and practical.
You can decorate your winter garden with various decorative elements, such as we use in the regular garden, but in the miniature size that matches. Figures, fountains, mini-ponds, a small rock garden, lighting, and thermometers – all these will work. You can house pets such as fish or turtles in an aquarium or have parrots in a cage. There really are many ways to make this have a holiday resort feel. For example, you can use wicker furniture to create a restful atmosphere. A wooden table with chairs would be perfect in this space, or a set of plastic garden furniture which has the advantage that it is cheap and easy to maintain.
The best kind of winter garden will be one that allows you some leftover space for furniture. Lots of windows, good heating and ventilation all play a part. Even if space and more money to spend can make a better winter garden there is no reason not to create something unique and lovely with the resources that you have.
On the balcony.
Window sills, shelves and hanging baskets will help you make the most of the space you have. This also creates a fuller, more tropical feel not to mention letting you express your creativity and make something that is truly your own. Many winter gardens don’t have enough space for furniture and that makes a lot of people wonder about extending the winter garden. Something to carefully consider!
If space is not sufficient…
A winter garden needn’t be one room. You can add plants throughout your home and use spaces where you already have chairs and tables etc to bring a winter garden to every room. Hopefully these ideas and tips have helped you decide how you will create yours!
Anna Lohan
miranda_shida
Lincoln Matheson
