Low Maintenance Houseplants

So now that you know the benefits, the next step is to choose which houseplants you want to incorporate into your home.  Here are ten low-maintenance plants that we recommend:

1. Sansevieria (Pictured Top Left): Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue or the Snake Plant, this plant has foliage that come in a variety of colors and patterns.  They are a succulent and are very forgiving, making them a great plant for when you leave on vacation for a week.

2. Philodendron: The key to this beautiful green-leafed plant is light.  They thrive in nearly to fully direct sunlight.  There are many varieties of this plant, some that trail and others that are more upright.  Both make great houseplants.

3. Pothos: Similar to the trailing philodendron, the pothos have beautiful green and white leaves that trail.  These are the “go-to” houseplant for many and can survive with little attention.  When indoors these plants like bright but indirect light.

4. Dracena: Some know this plant as a spike, but there are many varieties that can make great houseplants such as corn plant and lucky bamboo.  These plants, like the pothos, like bright, indirect light. They also come in a variety of colors.

5. Anthurium: A great plant for rooms of your home that don’t get a lot of light.  These plants have beautiful green heart-shaped leaves and flowers that can last year-round if they get the right amount of indirect light. These flowers come in a variety of colors which includes white, red and purple.

6. Zebrina: Also known as Wandering Jew, this beautiful purple and green striped leaves  is not only low-maintenance, but can be grown in soil or water.  It is a succulent trailer that can easily provide cuttings to create more plants from. They also can produce a small white or purple flower along with the striking foliage.

7. Nepthytis: This plant is also known as the Arrowhead Plant.  It has green and white arrow-shaped leaves that resemble the tropical plant Elephant Ears.  This plant wants bright, indirect light and for best results we encourage you to turn the pot once a week for even growing.

8. Neanthebella Palm (Pictured Bottom Left): A smaller, compact palm, this plant is great for indoors.  The amount of water it needs is based on how much light it gets.  The less light, the less you’ll have to water it.  Ideally it wants filtered light, meaning no direct sunlight.

9. Zygocactus: Cactus plants in general are low-maintenance plants, but this type, also known as Christmas Cactus, is one of our favorites.  They prefer somewhat sandier soil and only need water about once every two weeks during the winter and about once a week in the warmer months. They produce red, pink and purple blooms twice a year at Christmas time and Easter.  To get the blooms to set for Christmas, it is best to place them in a cooler room where they will get plenty of darkness at night.  

10. Kalanchoe: Another flowering houseplant, the kalanchoe is a great way to bring color into your home throughout the year.  They come in a wide variety of colors and need bright light to keep blooming.  After they are done blooming, clip off the dead flowers and while it may be green for a few weeks, it will start flowering once again. These are succulents so they like to have the soil dry out in between watering, and need to be kept on the dryer side during the winter months.

Houseplants: They're Not Just for Show

Many gardeners have houseplants during the winter to bginr a little bit of the outdoors in, and some green into an otherwise gray and white environment.  But did you know that having houseplants in your home can actually improve your health?  Here are a few reasons you should have houseplants:

Plants are Cold-Fighters: According to MastersinHealthCare.com, indoor plants reduce cold-related illnesses by more than 30% due to the fact that they increase humidity while decreasing levels of dust inthe air.

Plants can remove airborne contaminants while also reducing the levels of carbon dioxide: During the process of photosynthesis, plants draw in carbon dioxide from the air and then release oxygen.  By drawing in the carbon dioxide in your home, plants are not only removing CO₂ which can help prevent drowsiness, but also purify your air.  Indoor plants remove VOCs that cause headaches, nausea and more. It can also be found that indoor plants, such as a Peace Lily, can help remove airborne chemicals from cigarette smoke and negate the effects they have on people.  

Houseplants Make You Happy: According to Masters in Healthcare.com, it has been found that houseplants can contribute to a feeling of well-being, and make you calmer and more optimistic. There have been studies performed that have shown recovering patients who face a garden view in their hospital rooms often recuperate more quickly than those facing a wall.

Plants help your brain work better & aid your mental health: Not only can potted plants improve your ideas and mood, but caring for a living thing can help when you're depressed and lonely. Winter is a time when many struggle with depression because of the lack of sun and the cold, so now is the perfect time to incorporate plants into your home. 

Plants & Allergies: While many people fight allergens like mold and pollen, bringing a plant into your home can help prevent your kids from having allergies.  Exposing them to these allergerns early on in life will help them build a tolerance and immunity to them.

Plants are natural humidifiers: During the winter, when your furnace is pumping dry air into your home, having plants around can help add humidity to the air. Instead of buying a humidifier machine to soften the airm just bring in a plant or two.

Houseplants & Pets: Many people are hesitant to have houseplants because of their pets. Many plants can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, but there are ways to prevent this and plenty of plants to choose from that are not poisonous.

First, keep any houseplants out of your pets' reach. Positioning the plants on a high, inaccessible window ledge or on top of tall furniture works, while hanging baskets are another option.  Tall plant stands can be another option as well, just be sure they're sturdy enough to not get knocked over.

If you have a problem of pets knocking over your plants and spilling soil over your carpet, try growing plants that do not require a lot of soil. This includes succulents, cacti, bamboo and tillandsia (air plant) that do not require a lot, if any, soil to grow.

Much like with the rabbits in your garden outside, you can coat houseplants with a deterrent that will keep your furry friend from nibbling on it. Not only do some of the same rabbit repelling sprays work, but pet stores also sell sprays like "Bitter Apple" that will deter a pet from going for a plant. Again, much like with rabbits, you may have to apply the spray more than once to keep the pets away.

A lot of people plant marigolds to help avoid dealing with rabbits altogether, and if you like this method, then grow houseplants specifically for your pets.  If you have a cat that loves to get into your plants, be sure that you're growing plants that are okay for them to eat. Plants like catnip, cat grass and mint are three options that can be easily grown indoors, just for your cat.  In fact, if you have these around, other plants may appear unappealing to your cat.

If none of these methods work, try growing non-toxic houseplants. A great resource for finding out if any plant is poisonous is the ASPCA website.  Some of the most common houseplants are surprisingly toxic for your best friend. Here are some you want to avoid: Aloe Vera, Antherium, Begonia, Calla Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Corn Plant, Croton, Oxalis, Peace Lily, Philodendron, Sago Palm, Dieffenbachia, Geranium, Ivy, Jade, Mother-in-Laws Tongue, Norfolk Island Pine, Pothos and Schefflera.

All houseplants are not bad, however. Here's a list of the non-toxic plants for cats and dogs: African Violets, Bamboo, Boston Ferns, Button Ferns, Hens & Chicks, Blue Echeveria, Areca Palm, Lamb's Tail, Christmas Cactus, Neanthebella Palm, Pearl Plant, Pony Tail Palm and Spider Plant.

When in doubt, be sure to check your plants' toxicity on the ASPCA website or call your vet for information if your pet has already ingested the plant.

With a little bit of planning, you and your pets can enjoy the beauty and health benefits of having houseplants in your home.

Keep Your Thumb Green Until Next Spring

Winter Class Schedule for Vern Goers Greenhouse

Saturday, January 26 at 10:00 a.m: English Garden Basket Workshop

English Garden Baskets make great gifts, centerpieces and can be used throughout the year. At our class, designer Debbie Wentz will teach you about the different plants to use, design methods and you will even be able to make one of your own.  Be sure to bring a basket from home or choose from our wide selection to create a beautiful display for your home. The only cost is the materials used. While our workshop is free to attend, space is limited.

Saturday, February 16 at 10:00 a.m: Bonsai Styling & Potting Workshop

Our two hour workshop gives Bonsai enthusiasts a chance for one-on-one instruction with our on-staff Bonsai expert Dan Kosta.  Each participant will create a Boxwood Bonsai to take home with them.  We will supply the trees and the tools, but participants are welcome to bring any of their own tools to use.  This workshop will last two hours, costs $35/person and is limited to 12 people. 

Saturday, March 9 at 10:00 a.m: Keeping Your Garden Healthy

          Dan Kosta will speak about ways to help your garden produce the best flowers, vegetables and plants possible. Dan will be covering topics that include plant disease, insect control, watering and more; as well as the best fertilizers, pesticides, and additives to use.

 Friday, April 26 from 5:00-8:00 p.m: Flower Happy Hour

          Our third annual open house helps kick off the Spring season. Join us for food, flowers, and free wine! Special sales throughout the evening, as well as a preview to the season’s newest plants and tips for prepping your garden will have you read for the season.

 Saturday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m: Edible Gardening

          Once again, horticulturist Dan Kosta will be leading a class all about edible gardening. Covering your basic tomatoes and peppers, as well as herbs, other vegetables and more.  Take lots of notes and get a head start on your garden this season!

To sign up for any classes, please speak to a salesperson or call 630-323-1085.
Any questions, feel free to ask Kim.

Yes! We're Open!

Like many of you, our holiday is over and it's back to work.  We are open all winter long. Monday-Saturday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm and closed on Sundays.

So stop by for a dose of spring or try one of our winter workshops to keep your hands busy.
We'll be here!

Looking Ahead to 2013

It’s the time of year when everyone starts making their resolutions and planning ahead for the next year.  In the gardening world, we’re doing the same thing.  Here are a few things to look out for in 2013:

Each year, the National Garden Bureau predicts an annual, vegetable and perennial to be showcased that are chosen for their popularity, versatility, and simplicity. NGB is predicting 2013 to be the Year of Watermelon, the Year of Gerbera Daisies and Year of Wildflowers.  All of these have not only been popular for years, but are great plants to grow in our Midwest conditions.

There’s going to be a big focus on water this year.  From creating drip irrigation, to rain gardens, water harvesting and drought-tolerant plants, gardeners are more going to be more conscious of the way their plants are watered and preserving what they can.

A few gardening trends that are going to become even more popular than they were in 2012 are miniature gardening and edible gardening.  Each of these offers something different for gardeners, and edible gardening is becoming more popular for novice gardeners as well. This year, urban farming will also be a growing trend as everyone strives to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Container crops and rooftop gardens will be taking center stage with the city-gardeners.

This may also be among your resolutions for 2013. An easy way to live green is to start in your garden.  Begin by creating your own compost pile.  Another way to be green is to start or expand an edible garden. Not only will you be everyone’s favorite neighbor on the block, but you will have fresh produce that you grew on your dinner table all summer long.  By learning different canning techniques, you can enjoy your produce throughout the year as well.

A few more ways to be green in the garden include converting to a natural or organic lawn-care program and using rain barrels. By collecting rain water to use for watering your garden, you will not only be recycling rain but saving money on your water bill.

Finally, attracting something to your garden other than rabbits can actually be green.  Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees can benefit all of your plants and your garden.  Having these little guys frequent your garden will keep you entertained and your flowers happy.

All in all, 2013 is shaping up to be a great year for gardening….now if only the weather would cooperate we will be good to go!

Our Holiday Hours:

Decebmer 26 - December 29: 9:00 a.m.- 4:00p.m.

New Years Eve: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

New Years Day: CLOSED

January 2 our Winter Hours begin: Monday- Saturday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.