When summer days become hotter and longer, people need to plan accordingly. They need to start changing their home decor to fit the season! As Keeping Life docuseries’ featured experts explain, caring for houseplants in summer months takes a little more effort than you might think. Andrew Timothy O’Brien, the host of the “Gardens, Weeds & Words” podcast, emphasizes this critical turn in how we care for plants. Plants that were doing fine on occasional watering over winter suddenly need regular and frequent watering. He points out that seeds planted in early- to mid-June will have an easier time germinating. These connections build a perfect storm of opportunities for gardeners to make their gardens greener!
Interior design also thrives on the changing of the seasons, just like caring for greenery indoors. Lowrey Boyd, an iconic figure in home decor and design, recommends that home dwellers change out cushions and curtains to greet each season. Create incremental changes to your environment. Switch out the textiles and colors for something new, making a bright, new atmosphere that reflects the floral, sunny summer just outside.
Thoughtful plant care can turn your home into a green oasis full of life. These careful decor changes foster a greater bond with the beauty of nature outside as summer sets in.
Watering and Feeding Houseplants
As we enter the summer months, many houseplants will need to be watered more frequently to stay healthy. Andrew Timothy O’Brien shares that in the cooler months of winter, some plants require watering once every two to three weeks. With temperatures climbing and days getting longer, these same plants might officially require watering at a quicker rate.
“It’s vital to keep houseplants well-watered to prevent wilting,” O’Brien states. With the rising levels of light and temperature, keeping plants consistently moist will be very important to keep plants healthy. To give plants the energy to establish strong root systems he advises fertilizing them once a month during the summer growing season.
Along with frequent watering and fertilizing, O’Brien recommends that gardeners be on the lookout for pests. An occasional inspection can prevent a much worse situation from developing down the line. It doesn’t require too much, but taking some simple preventive measures will help keep your plants healthy all summer long.
“We don’t want to be destroying insects; they’re essential for pollination.” – Nancy Birtwhistle
Nancy Birtwhistle shares her tips for keeping nature’s deterrents on your side and keeping a pest free garden. She suggests dispensing lemons and cloves as powerful bug deterrents. Furthermore, she recommends mixing up your own cleaning spray using 160ml water, 60ml vinegar and 40ml surgical spirit to prevent ants.
Seasonal Gardening Tips
As we continue into the dog days of summer, now is the perfect opportunity for gardeners to plant some new seeds. As Lowrey Boyd reminds us, sometimes you just need to keep your garden vibrant and fresh. Just like you change your clothes with the seasons, your garden should change as well. He points out that ornamentals sown this late will still stretch the blooming season well into late summer and fall. Plants including nasturtiums, sunflowers, and night-scented stocks are ideal selections for this seasonal period.
Boyd has tips for making outdoor dining spaces more beautiful, too.
“Give your dining table (or the rickety one in the garden) a summer makeover with a bold, stripy tablecloth or some clashing printed napkins.” – Lowrey Boyd
He believes that even simple changes can transform meals into sun-drenched picnics, no matter how humble the fare may be.
Home gardeners can do their part to beautify their local gardens and neighborhoods by planting beautiful, beneficial wildflowers. Try cow parsley, teasel, tufted vetch, yarrow, Welsh poppy, dandelions, hedge woundwort, ox-eye daisies and lawn daisies. These tough little beauties can stay in bloom for up to 10 months a year and often survive even the most severe weather challenges.
“Happy accidents are more interesting than regimented rows.” – Allan Jenkins
Gardening with spontaneity often brings about unexpected wonders and a livelier garden full of promise.
Home Decor Adjustments
Now that summer is officially here, switching up your home decor is a great way to bring warm, summertime vibes indoors. Lowrey Boyd recommends changing out new items according to the season to add visual interest and keep things fresh. This seemingly small change makes an enormous difference in how people enjoy and use their homes.
As journalist Kate Watson-Smyth put it, you can make seasonal changes so that each feels like a complete redecorating job in its own right. She wants consumers to adopt this idea, swapping in new cushions just like they trade in their summer wardrobe come fall.
“You change your clothes with the seasons, why not your cushions?” – Kate Watson-Smyth
“At this time of year, the best room in the house is the garden.” – Bradley
By bringing their focus to both indoor and outdoor improvements, homeowners can greatly enhance the way they experience and enjoy their homes.