A wellbeing tip from Simon at Forward Trust
Written by Simon Allen, Lead Practitioner at Forward Trust
“Every morning, I skip into work, eager to check on my pals: Monty the Monstera, Ron the Philodendron and Gonzales the Mexican Firecracker. Yes, my botanical pals have names - which doesn’t sound that odd if you are a fellow green thumbed plant parent.
It is no great surprise that spending time in and around nature and plants is of considerably benefit, giving us predictability in a world of unpredictability and can help us find balance.
There’s an evolutionary response when you bring nature into your home or office and can be an immense source of pleasure. Indoor gardening can relieve stress, boost creativity, productivity, and focus, teach us about patience, responsibility and how to nurture. There’s also evidence that houseplants positively influence the air quality in your home and office. Sharing your living or working space with a living, breathing plant can make your environment a happier, healthier place to be, almost like you’ve created yourself a sanctuary.
Every thumb can be transformed into a green one, start by visiting your local garden centre and ask which plants will flourish in your house or office. If you’re feeling adventurous, try propagating…making babies.
Step 1
Choose healthy shoots of new growth. Cut below a leaf joint with a sharp knife. Remove lower leaves to ensure a clean stem is submerged into water.
Step 2
Push the base of the cuttings in a jam jar or glass of water and place in a warm, bright position.
Step 3
Keep the water topped up. Within a few weeks you should see white roots emerging from the stem.
Step 4
Once a good root system has developed, pot the cuttings in compost…Voila, you have become a plant parent.
“People in recovery want to know when’s a good time to start dating…first get a plant, then in about a year, get a pet. if after two years the plant and the pet are still alive, then you can start to think about having a relationship.” ”