Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: therapeutic gardenin

  • The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)

    The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)





    From Plant Killer to Proud Plant Parent: My Story

    Let’s be honest, I wasn’t always a green thumb. In fact, I had a bit of a reputation for accidentally offing any leafy friend who dared to share my living space. Cacti, succulents, you name it – they all met their demise under my care. I was convinced I was cursed with a black thumb of doom.

    plant parenthood another shot. And you know what? It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

    Plants for Mental Wellbeing: The Silent Therapists You Never Knew You Needed

    Turns out, caring for plants is surprisingly therapeutic. There’s something incredibly calming about digging in the soil, watering thirsty leaves, and watching new growth emerge. My daily plant check-ins became miniature mindfulness exercises, a chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with something tangible and alive. Plus, unlike my human companions, my plants never judge my questionable dance moves or my tendency to talk to myself.

    And the best part? They actually listen! (Or at least they pretend to, which is good enough for me.)

    Benefits of Houseplants: Greenery Galore for Home Decor

    Remember that sad, sterile studio apartment I mentioned? Yeah, that’s a distant memory. With each new plant baby, my space transformed into a vibrant, oxygen-pumping oasis. Suddenly, I was a proud inhabitant of my very own urban jungle, complete with trailing vines, leafy ferns, and even a majestic monstera (who I swear winks at me sometimes).

  • The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)

    The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)





    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent: My Story

    Let’s be honest, before I became a plant parent, my thumbs were about as brown as my neglected cactus (RIP, Spike). I thought I was destined for a life devoid of greenery, except for the occasional wilting supermarket bouquet. But then, something miraculous happened. I was gifted a resilient little snake plant, and against all odds (and my complete lack of skills), it thrived!

    That’s when I realized that maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t doomed to be a plant murderer after all. Fast forward to today, and my apartment looks like a scene out of Jumanji, but in the best way possible. I’ve discovered the unexpected joys of being a plant parent, and trust me, it’s more than just watering and hoping for the best.

    The Joys of Plant Parenthood: Talking to Your Leafy Companions

    Look, I know what you’re thinking – talking to your plants is a one-way ticket to Crazy Town. But hear me out! There’s something incredibly therapeutic about whispering words of encouragement to your fiddle-leaf fig or celebrating a new leaf with your monstera.

  • The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)

    The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)




    The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)


    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent: My Plant Journey

    Let’s be honest, I wasn’t always a natural nurturer. In fact, my thumbs were closer to charcoal black than vibrant green. I’d managed to kill even the most resilient succulents, leaving a trail of crispy leaves and drooping stems in my wake. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a peace lily for my birthday, I accepted it with a mix of gratitude and trepidation. “Don’t worry,” she chirped, “it’s practically impossible to kill!” (Famous last words, right?)

    To my surprise, something shifted. I found myself drawn to this little green being, misting its leaves, whispering words of encouragement (don’t judge), and even Googling “best Spotify playlist for plant growth” (yes, really!). And guess what? It thrived! That’s when I realized: being a plant parent wasn’t just about keeping something alive—it was about the unexpected joys it brought into my life.

    Plant parents talk to their plants. We just do. And you know what? It’s incredibly therapeutic! Venting your frustrations to a leafy friend who will never judge your questionable life choices? Priceless. Celebrating a win with a triumphant, “Look at you, growing like a champ!” to your spider plant? Absolutely necessary.

    Then there’s the detective work. Is that a new leaf unfurling, or are you just seeing things? Is that droopy frond a cry for water, or a dramatic plea for more sunlight? Trust me, the drama is real. You’ll become a master of observation, deciphering the subtle cues of your leafy companions like a botanical Sherlock Holmes.

    Life Lessons Learned From Being a Plant Parent

    Beyond the quirky conversations and daily check-ins, being a plant parent has taught me valuable life lessons. Here are a few gems I’ve picked up along the way:

    • Patience is a virtue (and a necessity). Unlike instant gratification apps and overnight shipping, plants teach you to slow down and appreciate the journey. That tiny sprout might not seem like much now, but with patience and care, it will blossom into something beautiful.
    • Embrace the imperfections. Just like us, plants have good days and bad days. Sometimes they thrive, sometimes they struggle. Learning to accept their imperfections (and our own) is all part of the journey.
    • Find joy in the simple things. There’s something incredibly grounding about nurturing another living thing. The act of watering, repotting, and simply observing the growth of your plant can be surprisingly therapeutic and grounding in our fast-paced world.
  • Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)

    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)




    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)


    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Let’s be honest, my thumbs have always had a slightly morbid shade of green. I’m talking the kind of green that could make even the most resilient cactus shrivel in fear. I was the ultimate plant assassin, leaving a trail of crispy leaves and droopy stems in my wake. But then, something changed. Maybe it was a global pandemic, maybe it was an early mid-life crisis, or maybe, just maybe, it was the undeniable allure of a particularly charming monstera deliciosa at my local nursery. Whatever it was, I took the plunge, brought home that leafy green monster (pun intended), and braced myself for the inevitable.

    And then… it didn’t die! In fact, it thrived. And with every new leaf unfurling, so did a newfound sense of pride and, dare I say, love? Turns out, being a plant parent comes with a whole host of unexpected joys.

    Stress Relief: Finding Zen One Leaf at a Time

    Remember those adult coloring books that were all the rage? Yeah, plant parenthood is like that, but better. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about digging your hands in the soil, giving your leafy companions a gentle misting, and watching them soak up the sunshine. It’s a form of mindfulness that doesn’t require you to sit still or chant mantras (though, feel free to serenade your plants if that’s your thing).

  • Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)

    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)




    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why You Should Join the Club)


    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent: My Story

    Let’s be honest, my thumbs used to be less green and more… well, black. I was the grim reaper of the plant world, leaving a trail of wilted leaves and drooping stems in my wake. If plants had obituaries, mine would have said, “Died tragically under suspicious circumstances.”

    But then, something changed. Maybe it was the pandemic, maybe it was a quarter-life crisis, or maybe it was just a desperate plea from my apartment’s sad, empty corners. Whatever the reason, I decided to give plant parenthood another shot. And you know what? It wasn’t a total disaster! In fact, it’s been surprisingly… joyful.

    Plant Care

    Who knew that watering plants could be so therapeutic? I’m not talking about a frantic, guilt-ridden splash of water after weeks of neglect (we’ve all been there). I’m talking about a mindful moment, observing the droplets clinging to leaves, feeling the damp soil between your fingers. It’s strangely grounding, a quiet connection to nature in the midst of our chaotic lives.

    Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about watching a thirsty plant perk up after a good drink. It’s like they’re whispering a silent “thank you” with their newly perky leaves. And trust me, that feeling of plant-parent pride? It’s addictive.

    Benefits of Being a Plant Parent: More Than Just Aesthetics

    Beyond the personal satisfaction, being a plant parent comes with a surprising number of perks:

    • Stress Relief: Studies show that being around plants can actually reduce stress and boost your mood. Who needs therapy when you have a fiddle-leaf fig, am I right? (Okay, maybe still therapy, but plants help!)
    • Air Purification: Plants are nature’s air filters, removing toxins and releasing fresh oxygen. It’s like having a tiny, leafy air purifier in your living room!
    • Home Decor: Let’s be real, plants are basically living, breathing decorations. They add life, color, and texture to any space, instantly making your home feel more welcoming and stylish.

    And the best part? Unlike other hobbies, plant parenthood is surprisingly affordable. Sure, you can splurge on fancy pots and rare species, but even a humble succulent on a windowsill can bring joy (and look darn cute doing it).

  • The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why I Now Speak to My Fiddle-Leaf Fig)

    The Unexpected Joys of Being a Plant Parent (and Why I Now Speak to My Fiddle-Leaf Fig)





    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Let’s be honest, I wasn’t always a natural nurturer. In fact, my thumbs were practically charcoal black. I’d managed to kill a cactus, for crying out loud! So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a fiddle-leaf fig for my birthday, I accepted it with a grimace disguised as a grateful smile.

    “Fiona” she declared, thrusting the leafy lady into my arms. “She’ll thrive with you, I just know it!”

    Fiona and I eyed each other with suspicion. She, a vision of emerald elegance, and me, a notorious plant assassin. Little did I know, Fiona would soon become my leafy therapist, my silent confidante, and the catalyst for my unexpected journey into the wonderful world of plant parenthood.