Decluttering your space is simple in theory: just sell, donate, or discard/recycle anything you don’t use or need anymore. But it's the practice of that simple theory that can be hard.
16.05.2024 - 09:17 / balconygardenweb.com / Raul Cornelius
Colorful and trailing—these are the highlights of tradescantia, and it is probably one of the most recognised plants in America, too. If you are wondering why, and don’t have one in your collection, well, you’ll get one after reading this!
Not long ago, this plant was famous by the name—wandering jew. However, the “Jew” in it made people confuse, and sorta angry, as it related it to some biblical story. The tale in which a man mocked Jesus when he was on his way to the cross, and that man, then, was cursed to wander the Earth. Umm, do you see the connection?
To put an end to the confusion and anger, the “Jew” in the plant was replaced by “Dude,” and that’s kind of relatable, too, as it wanders and trails anywhere you grow it!
What if I tell you that you can have three wandering dude plants with different color leaves? It is perfectly possible! All you need to do, is play a little with the sunlight exposure.
When the plant receives ample bright and indirect light, with a few hours ofdirect and mild morning sunlight exposure, it remains vivid and purple.
However, for a little washed out look, start exposing it to a bit of shade, and you will see it making the purple on the leaves, a little less vivid. It might show you a combination of pink-purple on the foliage.
For a completely washed out look, having that more silvery sheen, you can expose it to indirect and bright light for just 2-3 hours in a day.
Do note that for a healthy specimen, it is important for it to get bright and indirect light all day long. Avoid exposing it to the harsh afternoon sun, as it can burn its delicate leaves.
You just can’t kill this plant, like you can kill the other ones in your collection. It is not at all fussy when it comes to the growing medium,
Decluttering your space is simple in theory: just sell, donate, or discard/recycle anything you don’t use or need anymore. But it's the practice of that simple theory that can be hard.
Right plant, right place, as Roy Lancaster’s book taught us, is a well-known adage and one we all try to live by. Get it right and your garden will love you for it. On closer inspection that phrase belies a whole historical context that is not evident at first sight. I was reminded recently of the stark fact that most of the plants we have in our gardens are from somewhere else. From Asia, the Antipodes, South Africa, to the Americas and continental Europe, these continents have supplied us for centuries with plants that fill our green spaces. Many are now so familiar and yet two hundred plus years ago they arrived as exotic specimens, delighting the Victorians and their predecessors.
Sure, Bambi is cute. But what’s not so cute is when she’s chowing down on yourvegetable garden or devouring yourhostas anddaylilies. Even if you’ve never had deer visiting your yard before, there’s always a first time. And no plant—even those said to be “deer resistant”—is truly safe from their voracious appetites.
Decorating your home can be fun but can also feel daunting and confusing. There's a lot to consider between discovering your style, keeping up with the latest trends (if that’s your thing), and balancing aesthetics and practicality.
Pouring liquids or even certain food items down the drain may seem like an easy way to clean up your kitchen or bathroom and prevent any further mess, but in some instances, you may be setting yourself up for clogs—or worse.
James Carriere
Left: Martin Zaiser / Getty Images; Right: ziprashantzi / Getty Images
While doing a deep clean or a massive decluttering can be both satisfying and rewarding, most will agree that it’s generally better to tackle your chores on a regular basis. But if you’re trying to create a weekly schedule, where to begin?
Once you’ve planted your grass and watched it grow into a beautiful lawn (such a proud moment) the next step is figuring out the best way to maintain your lawn. Watering is a key component of this, which means lawn watering mistakes are also one of the most common headaches.
If you showcase plants the right way around your house, they can make it look a million bucks! Flowers can be a great pick for this, and we have some amazing ones to do the job for you!
Not everyone has the fortune of living in their ultimate dream home the first time around, and even if they do, their tastes and needs may change over time. So, it’s more likely that homeowners will find elements and spaces in and around the house that they feel can be improved and updated.