#flowers – The Flowerpot Pen

Therapeutic Horticulture

What is Therapeutic Horticulture? Who is Therapeutic Horticulture for? They’re the two main questions I’ve been asked when speaking to people about my professional focus over 2023. In a nutshell, Therapeutic Horticulture (or TH) is using horticultural practices to achieve therapeutic outcomes, and TH is for everyone. TH can be as simple as keeping houseplantsContinue reading “Therapeutic Horticulture”

Simple Joy

There’s a simple joy in going out to your garden, cutting some flowers, then sticking them in a favourite vase. You don’t even need to spend any time arranging them if you don’t feel like it, just bunch them up and let them do their thing. Their beauty is in their forms, colours, scents, andContinue reading “Simple Joy”

Wistaria

That got your attention didn’t it? Wisteria or Wistaria? Both are legitimate. I once got into a heated ‘discussion’ on a FB garden group with a woman who was adamant she knew best. She had NEVER heard this gorgeous plant called Wistaria before, so it never had been. Quite apart from the futility and stupidityContinue reading “Wistaria”

Blue

The colour blue is difficult to find in the flower world, there are more options for purple and lilac colours. Borage (Borago officinalis) is one plant with what I would call a true blue flower, Love in a Mist (Nigella damascena) is another. Thinking of the theory of how colour affects our moods, the colourContinue reading “Blue”

Weeds

What is a weed? I guess that’s a question that’s been asked since some plants were labeled ‘weeds’. The answer to that question differs between who you talk to. My usual answer to that question is: a weed is a plant growing where it shouldn’t be. Weeds in my locality include lots of pasture grassesContinue reading “Weeds”

We’re In Clover

This little plant is loaded with symbolism. White Clover (Trifolium repens) has been used as animal fodder probably since the domestication of farm animals. It is also connected to the idea of good luck and prosperity. I also think the flowers are beautiful. The saying ‘we’re in clover’ is believed to be linked to theContinue reading “We’re In Clover”