Petals & Pedals: One Tough Mother

Earth has been at it for a long, long time.  She has these complex systems that work so quietly to create absolute beauty, and they keep functioning (for the most part) no matter how many kinks we throw at her system.   
And you don't think you can keep a plant alive to save your life?  Don't believe the hype! Nature just isn't programmed that way.  Just remember to look for the toughest kids in your neck of the woods.

I asked Atlanta, GA plant expert Kate Mattison, k8tron for those of you who flickr, to describe 5 plants you can't kill (and tips on keeping them alive for the person with the gangrene thumb). She kindly responded to my request, and included scientific names to avoid any confusion.

Take it away, Kate!

I'm going with some plants that will both fit with the season of planting and have major color. Nothing like echoing spring colors and excitement with your indoor/outdoor plants. :) 

Chamaedorea elegans (below left): AKA Parlor Palm, Parlour Palm. Light, fluffy....this plant is the ideal palm to have indoors. Once spring hits, above 50 degrees, move her outside! Excellent plant for the porch and for maximum coverage if trying to conceal anything unsightly or use for privacy in groups of three on a porch.
Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Lime' (above right, her picture): Lovin' the chartreuse and green. This plant only requires about a water a week and can withstand low light. Don't over water it, I swear. The colors are fun fun fun.

Euonymus alatus 'Compacta' (below left): Dwarf Burning Bush, Cork bush, Winged Euonymus:  This shrub like plant can grow in zones 4-8 and provides excellent fall color. It can thrive in partial shade to full sun and requires little  attention for it to flourish.

Fatsia japonica (above right, her picture): Great green leaves that are almost star-shaped. The leaves can get up to 12" wide! Can withstand winters that get down to about 10 degrees if protected with mulch or leaves. Very resistant to pests and diseases.

Sansevieria  canaliculata (below left): AKA Sword Plant. Very cool plant. Falls under the Cacti and Succulent category. Very thick skin, can stand all but freeze. This plant has tons of architectural interest and looks great with modern  decor.

Even though she listed five plants, I just had to ask about her air plant (above right). This is what Kate said:

Yes, my air plant is called Tillandsia bulbosa (find them on eBay) and it's super easy to care for too! Just mist about once a week and it's happy. I keep it in indirect light and it can either be attached to a piece or wood or another plant, or sit around freely on its own.

So there you go, easy peasy, off-the-beaten-path plants to make your world grow.  Thanks, Kate!  To visit her actual garden virtually, go check out her flickr gardening set, you be glad you did.

Renee Garner has a passion to make things grow, although her brownish thumb wants her to believe otherwise.  When mud pies aren't on the menu, you can find her doodling the days away at Wolfie and the Sneak.

Comments

[Meg]

In certian areas the Euonymus alatus aka Burning Bush can be invasive....please see http://www.invasive.org/browse/subject.cfm?sub=3023.
Plant native!

[Tamara]

I loved this post... and linked to it on a post about connecting with nature http://hookedonnature.typepad.com/inside_hooked_on_nature/2008/03/id-like-a-green.html

Happy St. Patty's Day. :)

[k8tron]

Oh I totally get you Meg, and thank you for pointing that out. I support planting native just failed to highlight that!