1. Shade
If you live somewhere hot (like we do), then shade is a gift that cannot be overlooked. And with the right trees and hedges, you can get all the shade you need and more. If you plant trees strategically (like where the sunlight streams into
your windows or on the west/south sides of your AC), then you can even keep your home cooler in the summer (and slash your energy bill in the process).
Chinese Pistache, Maples, and Ashe trees are great options for shade trees.
2. Aromatherapy
Many people love aromatherapy. It’s calming, all-natural, and great for the senses, and with a few home-grown plants, you can aromatherapy all you want. Pop some lavender, geranium, or chamomile into your garden and you’ll be equipped with the starting materials you need to create a soothing aromatic essential oil. Have questions? Give us a call at (661) 366-6291.
3. Aromatic
If you’re not into aromatherapy, that’s okay. You can still get behind things that simply smell good. So ditch the plug-ins and opt for an all-natural way to a home (and garden) that smells good. Citrus, rosemary, and gardenia are the perfect “smell-good” starter pack.
4. Purifiers
Plants are a great way to fix-it-and-forget-it when it comes to your air. Place a few plants around your home — plants like ficus, peace lily, and ferns — and don’t think twice about purifying your air. The plants will take care of it.
5. Food
Of course, you can’t forget about food, and plants are a perfect way to fill up your belly. Stock up on veggies, herbs, and fruits and create your very own
grocery store right outside your front or back door. From the perfect go-to snack (like a fresh-picked peach or orange) to homemade salsa and edible plate decorations (like pentunia petals and finger lime), the possiblities are endless.
Have more questions? Visit our site.
6. Medicine
Plants have been used as medicine since the beginning of time. People believe plants are the answer to ailments such as the common cold, obesity, and even cancer. If you want to check out some of the ways plants can be used as medicine, watch our latest video
7. Pest Control
No one likes bugs — well, at least, not the bad bugs. And plants can help you steer clear of pesky critters. Marigold, basil, and petunias are perfect options for DIY pest control.
8. Makeup
From mascara to moisturizer, beauty products are all about plant-based products … so why not just make it yourself? With the right plants in your garden, you can make anything your beauty counter requires. Lavender can be used in skin creams;
thyme can be used to treat acne, and rose petals can be used in toners. Really, the possibilities are endless.
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9. Hygiene
Yup, that’s right. Plants can even be used for actual everyday items … even toilet paper. Mullein has long been hailed as the “cowboy toilet paper” because of it’s big, soft leaves. So for those days when you “suddenly” run out of toilet paper, mullein is more than capable of coming to the rescue. Don’t hate it ‘till you try it. And if you’re not up for toilet paper, you could try things like growing your own bath luffa.
10. Dental Care
If you’re not into using plants as toilet paper, then you could always use them as a way to keep your teeth in check. For example, you can chew on dogwood twigs to help whiten and clean your teeth and even add a little mint to plain toothpaste. If anything, this DIY dental care tip can come in handy if you’re camping and find yourself without a toothbrush.
11. Flowers
What tabletop would deny a great vase of flowers? Not one we can think of. So skip the line at your local grocery store and head outside to your own garden instead. Fill your home with beautiful colors and fragrances, courtesy of your backyard.
Psst
… have you seen dried flower art? check it our here.
12. Barriers
Fences can be expensive to build and maintain, and they don’t exactly blend into your landscape. So instead of installing a wood or metal fence, plant some shrubs. Shrubs are a great way to create walking paths, provide natural boundary lines
around your yard or garden, and even control noise (more on this in a second).
Take a look at The 5 Best Hedges from the Gardener’s Path to
learn more about what shrubs create the best hedges and why.
13. Noise
If you live on a busy street or simply like things to be nice and quiet, plants are a simple, inexpensive way to control some of that noise. You can rely on plants that have thick branches closer to the ground to reduce noise for you 24 hours a day. In this case, junipers and hollies are great options.
14. Cocktails
While you can’t exactly grow alcohol in your front- or backyard, you can grow many of the ingredients your favorite cocktails require. From mint and basil to strawberries and peaches, a cocktail-inspired garden is doable for anyone with a
little room to spare (even if it is just a patio).
Psst … Check out some of our favorite patio gardens here.
15. Cooking
Not very many people can say they grow their own food, but with the right setup, your plant-based breakfast, lunch, or dinner is right around the corner. Kale, avocados, tomatoes, berries, and oranges are edible plants that can be used in a variety of meals and drinks and are easy to grow from home. Just think of all the salads, salsas, potatoes, pies, and jams that can be made, courtesy of your own garden.
16. Gifts
We’ve all been there before — thinking about what to get someone for their birthday or anniversary at the very last minute. Plants can jump in and save the day ten out of ten times. Put together a quick plant container, a bouquet of flowers, or even a basket of homegrown veggies. You might be surprised at how much others will enjoy receiving such a thoughtful, from-the-home gift.
17. Memorials
Plants can be with you for the long haul, and because of this, they can be used as memorials. For example, you can plant a tree to memorialize your child’s birth or even the passing of a loved one.
18. Art
When it comes to plants, don’t stop at a vase of flowers. Keep going. The art possibilities are endless, making plants an excellent way to scratch your creative itch. With plant containers, in particular, you can really go crazy.
19. Education
If you have kids, a home garden is an invaluable learning opportunity. And plus, it’s outdoors (which makes it even better). Explore the ins and outs of gardening with them and teach your children about the world around them. They’ll thank you for it later.