When the weather is cold, the landscapes around us can look bleak and dark. We start to dream of lush green days in the garden. What could be better in winter than sitting down with a cup of coffee and enjoying colorful tropical plants in the conservatory? It is not known who first came up with the idea of maintaining a winter garden for the darker days of the year, but it became a milestone in gardening history. Conservatories open up many possibilities for the plants you can maintain all year round, no matter where you live. Today we offer maintenance tips for plants in the winter garden as well as examples of how to create one.
Plants for a winter garden are different from greenhouse plants, where the goal is to maintain optimal growing conditions. A winter garden is basically part of the house, so the plants you choose should thrive in those specific conditions.
Plants in the winter garden
One of the main advantages of a veranda is the microclimate it creates, providing natural conditions for plant growth. This means you can grow exotic plant species that would struggle in a standard room during the cold season. The choice of vegetation is almost unlimited, but it is best to choose plants according to their climate and environmental requirements. Traditional winter garden plants include tropical, subtropical and desert species. Tropical plants prefer a hot, humid climate, though some can grow well without extreme humidity.
Subtropical plants require plenty of light and grow well at regular low temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius. Desert plants need a lot of heat and light and very little humidity. If you have a small veranda, focus on your favorite plants and create favorable conditions for them. If your winter garden is larger, consider introducing plants that naturally thrive in the conditions already present.
Secure the necessary light for plants in the winter garden
Good light is very important, so it is wise to choose windows much larger than those in normal rooms. If you have a choice, avoid making the conservatory north-facing, as this limits the plants.
Remember that sun-protection glass is not suitable because it prevents plants from receiving enough sunlight. For the same reason, avoid large or thick curtains; without natural sunlight, plants can wither or die. Blinds can be a good option when you want to reduce brightness while using the room. Ventilation is also important, so open the windows often to let in fresh air.
Generally speaking, plants with dark green, dense leaves are better suited to shady spots. If there are shaded areas in your conservatory, fill them 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 to 25 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity around 60 to 70 percent. This creates a healthy environment for plants and a comfortable one for you.
It is recommended to plant flowers and shrubs in separate pots, as this allows you to meet their individual watering needs. It also makes it easier to move the pots and redesign the space. Layout is crucial: small plants can get lost if they are overshadowed by larger ones, so place them on stands or shelves. Climbers on the walls and ceiling save space and create the feeling of a tropical paradise.
Beautiful and practical
You can decorate your winter garden with miniature versions of regular garden elements. Figures, fountains, mini-ponds, a small rock garden, lighting and thermometers can all work. You can also keep fish or turtles in an aquarium, or parrots in a cage. There are many ways to give the space a holiday-resort feeling. Wicker furniture creates a restful atmosphere. A wooden table with chairs would also be perfect, while plastic garden furniture is inexpensive and easy to maintain.
The best winter garden leaves some space for furniture. Lots of windows, good heating and ventilation all play a role. More space and more money can make a winter garden easier to design, but you can still create something unique and lovely with the resources you have.
On the balcony.
Window sills, shelves and hanging baskets help you make the most of the available space. They also create a fuller, more tropical feeling and let you express your creativity. Many winter gardens do not have enough space for furniture, which leads some people to consider an extension. Think carefully before taking that step.
If space is not sufficient…
A winter garden does not have to be one room. You can add plants throughout the home and use spaces where you already have chairs and tables to bring a winter garden feeling into every room. Hopefully these ideas and tips have helped you decide how to create yours.
miranda_shida
Anna Lohan
