As we enter a new year, unfortunately one still carrying forward the challenges of 2020, but also one promising hope for a return to some sense of normalcy, we really need to be mindful of the negative impact this pandemic has had on so many people.
Isolation from a familiar circle of relationships is, perhaps, the most difficult situation. As the lights, sounds and fragrances of the Christmas season fade away, and we enter the darkest, coldest months of the year, this reality weighs heavily on our spirits, and with the current pandemic protocols in place, it can be difficult to ease this sense of isolation.
In terms of lifting spirits, overwhelming evidence shows that the power of nature can help. While we’re in the depths of winter, anything that can link us to the colour, perfume and warmth of spring has far more healing power than we might imagine.
I truly admire our younger generations, who are far more connected in understanding and appreciating the environment. Their love for all things green is infectious. With no prior experience, they are learning quickly how to grow plants, often in difficult situations, and how to make them thrive.
Yes, they make mistakes, but they are keen to learn from them. In turn, that process creates a sense of well-being, a connection to living plants and greater happiness. It may seem simplistic, but the sharing of plants and flowers with friends who are more isolated can give them a much-needed boost. The power of flowers cannot be overstated; the positive feelings they evoke are quite remarkable.
I was surprised, and so was our entire industry, at the number of amaryllis bulbs that were sold before Christmas. Folks wanted to give something that would grow easily and could offer the experience of seeing flowers develop and bloom. This may be why amaryllis sales in Europe have now overtaken poinsettia purchases during the Christmas season.
This is the time of year when major local growers are producing potted spring bulbs in significant numbers. Usually grown in four-inch pots (10cm), they are quite inexpensive. Miniature daffodils, iris, crocus and fragrant hyacinths are now in the marketplace, and what a delight they are as their bulbs bloom, filling the flowerpots with spring colour. For anyone alone or isolated, they are a cheery reminder that spring is just around the corner.
Primulas, too, are now available, and they make lovely, bright windowsill plants. While colour is important, the addition of perfume is when the magic happens, and most yellow primulas are fragrant. The new outdoor primula, called ‘Coco’, has an attractive white frill around each flower, making it especially elegant. All these plants can go in the garden in spring.
Bred mostly in Denmark, tiny miniature roses come in an excellent range of colours. Although a little more difficult to find, a pink variety, called ‘RosAroma’, is nicely perfumed. It comes from the famous Kordes breeding program, and its perfume does surprise.
There is also a wide range of delightful, longer-lasting indoor plants to consider. Varieties with a lingering perfume are hard to find, especially at this time of year, but the easy-to-grow Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac) is one of the best. If it has a home near a window, it tends to bloom sporadically throughout the year. The leaves are often used to make jasmine tea.
Smaller sized potted orchids are one of the best values. Available in a wide range of colours, phalaenopsis orchids can bloom for months with minimal care.
For decks and balconies, there are several outdoor winter-flowering shrubs that are a real treat to watch as their blooms open. White, pink and purple heathers are great choices for winter colour, and on those beautiful winter days when the temperature rises above 10C, they attract bees looking for pollen.
The highly perfumed Himalayan sweet box (Sarcococca hookeriana) is fast becoming everyone’s favourite. They prefer shade, but at this time of year they can go anywhere on a patio. Depending on the severity of the winter, they can produce hundreds of tiny flowers that explode open with a beautiful scent, and blooming can last for weeks.
Camellia sasanqua are now showing colourful buds, which, depending on how winter unfolds, will begin to bloom a little at a time until April. Its open blossoms attract Anna’s hummingbirds and native bees.
Feeding both birds and hummingbirds at this time of year is an activity more and more people are enjoying. When supporting native birds, especially in winter, we must be consistent and proactive in doing it right. The reward is seeing a lot of local birds around our feeders.
A small gift of a plant or a fragrant bouquet may be all that is needed to make a positive difference in someone’s day or week. It’s a connection to nature that so many folks are missing today, and as with most aspects of life, it can be the little things that are the most important.
