The following column was submitted to the Tri-City News from Brian Minter — master gardener, best-selling author, Order of Canada recipient and co-owner of Minter Country Garden Store.
Now that Christmas is over and we are heading into one of the coldest months of the year, we probably all need a little pick-me-up.
B.C. growers have done a remarkable job of producing dozens of varieties of colourful, cheery and inexpensive plants that will stand up well in the poor winter growing conditions of many homes.
Although most of these plants will tolerate somewhat difficult situations, windowsills are one of the best spots for them. If this isn't possible, the coolest location in your home with one of the stylish new Power Smart LED light fixtures overhead will make an incredible difference in the quality and lifespan of your plants.
It's always uplifting to have bouquets of fresh flowers or colourful potted plants in highly visible locations around your home.
Even a few smaller pots of colour here and there can add warmth to any room.
Small, potted spring flowers are my favourites at this time of year.
Topping my list are ‘Tete-a-Tete’ miniature daffodils. Their tiny yellow blossoms never seem to quit. They stand up beautifully, reminding us that spring is on the way! Fragrant hyacinths are also beautiful and long lasting, and you know, a single flower is as precious as a whole bouquet. If you purchase some crocuses that are a little on the tight side, it's fun to watch them explode into colour. Miniature blue irises and grape hyacinths or muscari are cute as buttons and last surprisingly well indoors. Try to keep all these bulbs as cool as you can and wet for maximum enjoyment.
Kolanchoes have been a real sleeper for too many years now. These brightly coloured succulents last and last with the very minimum of care, and they will stand up well in almost any location. Purchase them at the ‘tight-bud’ stage, just before the blossoms begin to open, and each month try one of the many different colours, from yellows and pinks to deep reds and oranges. Beautiful double flowering varieties called, ‘calendivas’, are my favourites.
Cyclamen have come a long way in terms of durability over the past few years, especially the miniature varieties. If you prefer pastel colours, you will love the colour range of the minis. From the softest pinks to the deepest rose reds, they are, perhaps, one of the most elegant of all potted plants. Even the full-sized blossom series we have available today in four-inch pots are far superior to the cyclamen we remember from just a few years ago. Water well but let them become a touch dry before you water again. Be sure to keep water off the crown of the corm. They love to be misted occasionally too. The cooler you keep them, the richer their colours and the longer they last.
I'm truly amazed how orchids have grown in popularity as houseplants. Phalaenopsis, or butterfly orchids, lead the way with exotic pink, white and mauve blossoms that last for weeks. They need so little care and stand up so well that they make a super gift. Check out the prices too - with so many growers now producing for our local market, the prices have really come down to the point where for long-lasting enjoyment, orchids are, by far, the best value. They also come in four-inch pots and are ideal for desks and windowsills.
Beautiful, easy-care and colourful anthuriums are "hot" this year. Their heart-shaped flowers, now available in white, red, pink and burgundy, seemingly last forever. I love the smaller four-inch pots that are incredibly versatile.
Flowers are great, but colourful foliage is still trendy. Old varieties of more common plants have really been spiced up. The most innovative are the nephthytis. From green foliage plants that were a little boring, they have evolved into hot lime, red, burgundy and some with cool multi-coloured foliage. The old type of peperomias have new red-edged varieties, and fittonias now come with white and red netted leaves.
Today, there are so many new, exciting plants that have never been available in the past. From new ferns, hoyas, rhipsalis and air plants to Monstera deliciosa (swiss cheese plant), Pilea peperomioides and, of course, the fabulous new fiddle leaf fig ‘Audrey’, all of these fun, easy-care varieties will pop colour into your living spaces and they will also bring fresh life into our homes just when we need it most.
