Plants: Transform Your Home and Yard

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  June 21, 2022
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Plants are great for the house and yard, but some are better than others. Some are easy to take care of, while others require a lot of attention. Some are pretty and some are useful. Some are both pretty and useful.

In this article, I’ll discuss the types of plants that are good for both the house and yard, and some that are good for the house but not the yard, and vice versa.

Plants for house and yard

Flowering House Plants: Adding Color and Life to Your Home

When it comes to flowering house plants, there are a wide variety of species to choose from. Here are some of the most popular types:

  • Orchids: Known for their exotic beauty, orchids are a favorite among indoor gardeners. They come in a wide range of colors and are relatively easy to care for.
  • Bromeliads: These plants produce bright, colorful flowers that can last for months. They’re also known for their shiny, sword-like leaves.
  • Peace Lily: This attractive plant produces white flowers and is known for its ability to purify the air. It’s also relatively low maintenance.
  • Rose: While not a common houseplant, roses can be grown indoors if given the right care. They add a touch of elegance and beauty to any room.
  • Maple: This plant is known for its bright red leaves, which appear in the fall. It’s a great way to add some extra color to your home.

Caring for Flowering House Plants

While each type of flowering house plant has its own specific care requirements, there are some basic tips that can help you keep them healthy and looking their best:

  • Water: Make sure to water your plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. Most plants prefer to dry out a little between waterings.
  • Light: Different plants require different levels of light. Be sure to place your plants in the right spot to ensure they get the light they need.
  • Clean: Keeping your plants clean can help prevent pests and diseases. Wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth every few days to remove dust and dirt.
  • Control: If you notice pests or diseases on your plants, take action right away. Use natural methods if possible, but if you need to use chemicals, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
  • Expert help: If you’re not sure how to care for a particular plant, do some research or ask an expert at your local garden center. They can help you find the right information and products to keep your plants healthy.

Evergreen Houseplants: A Low-Maintenance and Stylish Addition to Your Home

When it comes to indoor plants, evergreens are a great choice for those who want to add some greenery to their home without worrying about constantly maintaining them. These plants are commonly found in Chinese and botanical gardens and are widely popular due to their tough nature and ability to improve air quality. In this section, we will take a look at some of the best evergreen houseplants that you can consider starting with.

Benefits of Evergreen Houseplants

Evergreen houseplants offer a wide range of benefits, making them an excellent choice for people looking to add some greenery to their home. Here are some of the benefits of having evergreen houseplants:

  • They are low-maintenance and require minimal watering and care.
  • They are great for improving air quality by cleaning the air and producing oxygen.
  • They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a versatile choice for any home.
  • They create a focal point in any room and can be placed in any part of the house.
  • They offer a comfortable and cool environment, especially during warmer months.
  • They are tough and can stand up to lower light conditions, making them perfect for darker parts of the house.

Flowering Yard Plants: Adding Color and Fragrance to Your Outdoor Space

Perennials are a great option for those who want a low maintenance garden that comes back year after year. Here are some great options for flowering perennials:

  • Peony: These stunning flowers come in a number of colors, including pink, white, and purple. They are a treat for the senses with their fragrance and attractive blooms.
  • Spirea: This compact shrub creates a delicate cascade of white or pink flowers in the summer. It’s a great option for edging or as a ground cover.
  • Azalea: These dwarf shrubs come in a number of colors and are perfect for adding a pop of color to shady areas. They are reliable and easy to grow.

Trailing and Creeping Plants: Covering Ground and Creating Height

Trailing and creeping plants are great for covering unsightly elements in your yard and creating height in your garden. Here are some options:

  • Vinca: This low-growing plant creates a carpet of delicate flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. It’s easy to grow and requires little maintenance.
  • Butterfly Bush: This shrub produces long, cascading blooms in shades of purple and pink. It’s a great option for attracting butterflies to your yard.
  • Creeping Phlox: This ground cover produces a carpet of delicate flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. It’s a great option for covering edges and creating height.

Underrated Options: Adding Color and Spice to Your Yard

There are a number of underrated options for flowering yard plants that can add color and spice to your outdoor space. Here are some options:

  • Korean Spice Viburnum: This shrub produces clusters of sweetly scented flowers in the springtime. It’s a great option for adding fragrance to your yard.
  • Festiva Maxima Peony: This stunning peony produces large, fragrant blooms in shades of white and pink. It’s a great option for adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
  • Mint and Chamomile: These plants not only add color to your yard, but they also have medicinal qualities. Mint can help with an upset stomach, while chamomile can aid in relaxation.

Ensuring Survival: Hardiness and Care

To ensure that your flowering yard plants survive the winters and thrive in the springtime, it’s important to know their specific needs. Here are some tips:

  • Check the label: Make sure you know the specific needs of your plant, including its hardiness zone and sun/shade requirements.
  • Water and fertilize: Make sure your plants are getting the right amount of water and fertilizer for their needs.
  • Bring indoors: Some plants, like lavender, may need to be brought indoors during the winter months to ensure survival.
  • Prune: Regular pruning can help your plants stay healthy and promote new growth.

Adding flowering yard plants to your outdoor space can create a beautiful and fragrant environment. With the right care and attention, these plants can thrive and bring joy to your senses.

Year-round Greenery: The Best Evergreen Yard Plants

When it comes to landscaping, evergreen yard plants are a popular choice for a reason. Here are some of the benefits of choosing these types of plants for your yard:

  • They provide year-round greenery, even in the winter months when other plants have lost their leaves.
  • They require less maintenance than deciduous plants, as they don’t need to be pruned as often.
  • They can provide privacy and act as a natural fence or barrier.
  • They can help to reduce noise pollution by absorbing sound waves.

The Best Evergreen Shrubs for Your Yard

If you’re looking to add some evergreen shrubs to your yard, here are some of the best options to consider:

  • Boxwood: This classic shrub is a popular choice for hedges and borders. It’s easy to shape and maintain, and it can grow in a variety of soil types and light conditions.
  • Holly: With its glossy green leaves and bright red berries, holly is a festive addition to any yard. It’s also a great choice for attracting birds and other wildlife.
  • Juniper: This hardy shrub comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from low-growing groundcovers to tall, columnar varieties. It’s drought-tolerant and can thrive in a range of soil types.
  • Yew: Yew is a slow-growing shrub that can live for hundreds of years. It’s a great choice for adding structure to your yard, as it can be shaped into topiaries and other ornamental forms.
  • Arborvitae: This tall, narrow shrub is a great choice for adding privacy to your yard. It’s also a popular choice for lining driveways and walkways.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining Evergreen Yard Plants

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your evergreen yard plants:

  • Choose the right plant for the right spot. Consider the soil type, light conditions, and space available before planting.
  • Water your plants regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
  • Mulch around the base of your plants to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.
  • Prune your plants as needed to maintain their shape and size.
  • Fertilize your plants once a year in the spring to promote healthy growth.

With these tips and some careful planning, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance yard that stays green all year long.

Conclusion

So, there are many types of plants you can choose from for your house or yard, depending on your needs. 

Flowering plants are great for adding color and beauty to the house, while evergreen plants are great for adding greenery to the yard. 

So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect plant for you!

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.