PERENNIALS

A perennial is a plant that lives more that two years and usually flower every year.


Perennials have so many different variaties of flowers and every color you can think of are represented as well. They have different shapes and sizes and they flower at different times of the year.


Perennials have a wonderful scent which makes it pleasant to walk around the garden They also attract bees, butterflys and birds. 


Most perennials are easy to grow, and need not too much attention and are easy  to propagate. You can dig up a plant when its dormant and split it in two to replant  again . They are also look good with other plants like shrubs and bulb type flowers.


Some of the perennials names are - Gaillardia,  bluebells, asters, Lobelias,  cinerarias, wedding bells. birch hybrid, floro Pleno, bellflower, camelia , marigolds,Calanthe,  Bellis daisy , Begonia, astrantias, disporiums, cornflowers, chrysanthums,  geraniums,(come in so many shapes and colors) Baby's breath, crocosmias, hellopsis, lythrums,monardas.lavander  just to name a few   


The american horticultural society encyclopedia of Perenials is a fabulous book on the subject of Perennials.                                                   

INDOOR HOUSE PLANTS

A plant for indoors is usually destined for a cetain position whether it be a window sill, shelf or table . Things to consider are light,  warmth, humidity and space  when deciding your next indoor plant. 


Most indoor plants need around 60-71 degrees F (15-21 degrees C) In winter plants on the windowsill may get too cold  move them to a warmer spot .


In summer, plants need more attention than winter.All indoor plants even cacti need a humidity level  of between 40-60% . The warmer and drier the conditions are the more water the plant loses through the leaves.

In the very hot months of summer- improve the humidity by spraying the plants using a fine misting spray. You can also fill the saucer with water to let the plant take up the moisture 


Here are a few pictures of plants suitable for indoors


Angel wings, have a beautiful color and like a warm area to live in. Keep the potting soil moist in spring and   summer and ferfilize every  two weeks as well in summer.


Peacock Plant, is a tropical plant but likes to be kept moist in spring  to Autumn and slightly drier in winter. Do not put plant near bright light as it will fade the color the leaf markings. Water with standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks in spring to summer.


Star of Bethlehem, Italian bellflower, looks better in a hanging basket as flowers will tumble out showing star shaped flowers… keep thoroughly moist during spring and summer  water with standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks from late spring to autumn. remove flowers as they fade to prolong the flowering period.


Ornamental pepper, produce tiny white flowers in summer followed  by the attractive fruits which are green turning to oranges , red or purple  over the weeks as they ripen. keep thoroughly moist at all times  and fertlizer every two weeks if you touch the fruit wash your hands as you may come in contact  with your eyes and they will sting. 


Poinsettia, is a cheerful brightly colored flower. It doesn’t have a long life but it's nice to have around the house at Christmas time Water thoroughly  but not too often  - no need to fertilize.


Scarlet Star,  lastly this plant is usually grown for its beautiful star like flowers  keep moist at all times also add a little water to the central cup. High humidity is essential so keep plant on a tray of damp pepples and  mist the foliage every day.  Water with half strength liquid once a month on  the soil surface and into the cup.  


All this knowledge was gained from readers digest guide to house plants