Plants and flowers are good for you. This is more obvious in indoor settings, more so when it is all gray and gloomy. It is even much more evident as days grow shorter and the nights get longer, heralding the onset of winter months that accompany Yule festivities. In these months, it can always be all too easy to feel low-spirited and gloomy.
In winter, the lack of sunlight and greenery outside can impact people’s mood and overall well-being. Yet, a simple and effective solution that can help brighten one’s spirits and improve their health is by bringing the outdoors in. Adding plants in the indoor spaces simply makes all the difference. It brightens up the setting.
Decorum’s Range of Plants and Flowers Brighten Up Those Dark Days
There is a large variety of plants and flowers that can be handy in enhancing the feel of a setting during those gloomy days when the weather isn't just right. But the wide assortment from Decorum simply speaks for itself. This brand composed of several growers, each with a unique variety of plants and flowers, just has what you’d need to get your groove on when it isn't all that bright and sunshiny around you.
Think, for instance, of the bay laurel from grower Gova. Or perhaps the indoor Amaryllis, also known as Hippeastrum from Vreugdenhil Bulbs & Plants. There is also the Adenium obesum, also called desert rose, or the Aphelandra squarrosa from grower Richplant. Asparagus tree, Caladiums, Hyacinthus, Kalanchoë, Solanum, Roselily, and many more, are other great examples. Or flowers like Freesia, Curcuma, Gerberas, Ranunculus, and many others from other Decorum growers. The list of the brand’s plant and flower collection is practically infinite. You have the luxury of making your own choice!
Interesting DIY Ideas for Creating Christmas Decor
Christmas trees are the epitome of brightening up the dark and gloomy days that always accompany the joyous season. But instead of the usual varieties everyone uses, how about going a notch higher and incorporating some more unique varieties? Asparagus trees or the bay laurel could make good alternatives.
The Laurus nobilis, better known as bay laurel lives up to its name with its shiny green leaves and a regal shape. This evergreen shrub from Decorum grower Gova originates from the Mediterranean and brings calm and cool not just to the garden, but also pleasantly makes a real feature in pots and containers on a patio or balcony.
More than that, it could also be used as a Christmas tree when one applies some creative inspiration to it, especially by trimming it into a suitable shape. Its greatest beauty lies in the natural bush shape that it possesses. Plus, from Gova, the bay laurel comes in different special shapes and exclusive sizes, such as twisted stems, columns, balls, hedges, and heart shapes, all of which you can try!
Asparagus, also known as ornamental foliage, forms a perfect accompaniment to any classic or contemporary bouquet. But the plant itself can be used as a Christmas tree as well. Available from growers JoGrow and Van der Valk Groenesier, this ornamental plant can be another handy option when creating Christmas tree decor.
You Want to Beat That Gloomy Feel? Indoor Plants and Flowers Are Good for You
Plants and flowers in your indoor spaces can provide a wide range of benefits, from improved air quality to better focus and productivity. And these benefits become even more important during the winter when people tend to spend more time cooped up indoors. Scientific research has shown that indoor plants generally have a positive impact on physical and mental well-being.
One of the primary reasons why plants are so good for humans is their ability to purify the air. Many common indoor plants are natural air filters. They absorb toxins and release clean, oxygen-rich air. This is especially appreciated during the dark and gloomy winter months when people tend to have windows and doors closed more often, trapping stale, polluted air inside.
In such cases, plants can remove harmful compounds like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, while also boosting humidity levels. Even still, dry indoor air in the winter can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. But the moisture released by the plants helps counteract this. With improved air quality, often, the result is that individuals experience fewer headaches, better sleep, and a general sense of increased energy and vitality.
In addition to the physical benefits, having plants around can also do wonders for mental health and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that interacting with plants—whether caring for them or simply looking at them—can reduce stress and anxiety levels, while also improving concentration and focus. The mere presence of greenery has a calming, restorative effect that can help counteract the gloominess and darkness that often accompanies winter months.
Watching a plant grow and thrive can also provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which is especially important when people spend more time indoors and have fewer opportunities for outdoor activities. For those who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the ‘winter blues,’ incorporating plants into the home environment can be a simple yet effective way to improve their mood and outlook.
Aside from the mental and emotional benefits, having plants and flowers around can also boost productivity and creativity. Several studies have found that people who work in workspaces with plants are more attentive, generate more ideas, and report higher levels of job satisfaction. The reason for this is twofold. First, the presence of greenery has a restorative effect, helping to reduce mental fatigue and improve focus. Secondly, interacting with plants can spark feelings of connectedness to nature, which has been shown to enhance cognitive performance. So, during the winter, when it's easy to feel insipid and uninspired, surrounding yourself with plants can help you stay motivated, engaged, and primed for everything.
The great thing about using plants to brighten either indoor or outdoor spaces is that it is relatively easy and affordable to do so. Even without a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance options that can thrive with minimal care. Some of these varieties are hardy, require infrequent watering, and can tolerate a range of lighting conditions. They can be placed just about anywhere—on desks, shelves, windowsills, or even hung from the ceiling.
Make a Surprising Difference in the Look and Feel of Your Space With Plants and Flowers
When all is said and done, what remains apparent is that in all your household spaces, plants and flowers are good for you. This is especially so on dark and gloomy days. For maximum impact, when setting them up, you may consider grouping several plants in one area. Or just scatter them throughout the space.
You can even incorporate them into the home decor using stylish planters and pots to complement the existing aesthetic. The change doesn't have to be dramatic, either. Just adding even, a single plant can make a surprising difference in the look and feel of a space, and in turn, uplift the mood and feel, brightening your dark days.
Photos are of Decorum's plants and flowers in Christmas-themed designs and arrangements.
