[Ebook Việt Hoá] Indoor Gardening (2017): Introduction (Giới thiệu)

Hello! I’m Sophie Lee, founder of botanical styling company geo-fleur. I love adding greenery to everything, whether it’s a windowsill, bookcase or even a bedpost. Plants make everything feel and look more beautiful, no matter how big (or small) the space. At geo-fleur, along with educating our customers about the joys of indoor gardening, we aim to inspire everyone to green up their homes.

 

I started geo-fleur back in October 2014, but I have always had an obsession with house plants; my mum is a florist (and a huge inspiration!) and from a young age I was always helping her out with making occasion buttonholes, big table decorations and bridal bouquets. I guess green fingers run in the family, as my uncle is the head gardener of a National Trust garden and goes seed collecting in Japan – he would always bring me back the most beautiful succulents to propagate, which then prompted me to start my own company. This is why succulents feature so much at geo-fleur!

 

My business partner, Sally, prefers plants without flowers, so when she got married I suggested that I plant her up a terrarium to carry down the aisle. It all kind of took off from there; I made a few more and then got addicted, and now run my own terrarium workshop so people can learn how to make their own miniature landscapes. For me, terrariums are the perfect example of indoor gardening, and how you can bring the beauty of nature into your home.

 

Indoor plants can be just as good as an outdoor garden – plus, they are versatile, personal and can move house when you do! Plants can add subtle pops of green to a room, or serve as a dramatic focal point. Whether your style is modern and minimal or vintage and whimsical, you can find the right plant to suit you. Once you start a plant collection, you won’t be able to stop – you’ll soon be giving them names and treating them to fancy, decorative pots.

 

Not just for show, plants are hugely beneficial to your health. Studies have proved that house plants improve concentration, purify the air, improve productivity, lower blood pressure and boost your mood. They serve a practical and aesthetic purpose, and will enhance your life.

 

As well as plant styling tips, I have also included some helpful How To ideas, to help you create bespoke, plant-based decor for your home. The demand for indoor plants and ways to display them only grows, and I can’t wait to share my knowledge with everyone out there who wants to create their own indoor jungle. I hope you’ll find this book insightful and that it will inspire you to get creative with nature and make your own green, urban sanctuary.

THE BEAUTY OF PLANTS

House plants are good for your health: they release oxygen into your home, control humidity and purify the air. An indoor garden can be your sanctuary from the outside world, and for many people it is a source of great joy. Whether you live in a small apartment, or a large “country house, by introducing certain plants into your home, you will start to notice improvements to your health, and overall happiness.

 

Knowing what plants are best for what room is crucial when it comes to plant styling: the bathroom is perfect for air plants and kokedama, as the excess moisture from your daily shower helps those particular plants flourish. If you’re lucky enough to have a conservatory or a super hot room, then fill it with ferns, palms, succulents and cacti as they will love the heat. Most plants don’t like direct midday sun, so please be wary of this when placing your plants in your home. The biggest killer for house plants is overwatering and accidentally drowning them! See different ways to water your plant to learn how to correctly water your plants.

It is so easy to add some greenery to your home, and you will notice an instant change. Adorn your windowsills with succulents, drape vibrant macramé hangers from curtain rails or try something big and bold like the gorgeous fiddle leaf fig. You can also have fun with the pots, and display your plants in beautiful ceramic and copper containers. Owning plants doesn’t have to be expensive: just take a cutting from a friend’s plant or from your local plant shop. There is also a section on this book for beginner’s plants and how to style your home with a few statement, hardy plants (Easy-going plants for beginners).

 

 

 

 

VẺ ĐẸP CỦA CÂY