Green home vibe: Practical tips for a decorative garden

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Lilian Katiso, the proprietor of Maua and More in Kyanja, a Kampala suburb, says because a compound is the face of a home, developers can transform their compounds with an array of functional and decorative plants to uplift the image of their homes.

However, she says that before choosing any plant, it is important to study it. Some of the questions to ask are: Is it fragile, perennial, ornamental, or functional? It is important to make sure the outdoor plants you buy are resistant to harsh conditions such as dry spells, storms, or heavy rains.

“Also, know where to place each type of plant because some plants are unfriendly to others; do not allow the latter to grow below them,” Katiso said.

She also advises those with limited spaces to use vases or planters to maximise their compound space and enjoy nature’s beauty. In addition to their colours and beauty, plants have uses and benefits. For instance, flowers create a fresh environment by sucking carbon dioxide from the air, thus providing oxygen.

Blended flowers

• Watering: For an indoor plant to flourish, it has to be attended to regularly. Katiso says watering should be done twice a week with an even amount of clean water. A half-litre to one-litre of water is enough, depending on the size of the plant.
• Avoid flooding, which washes away nutrients, leaving the soil compact and flimsy and unable to sustain the plant.
• Prune: She also explained that too many leaves hinder proper growth space and sufficient light from getting to the whole plant. Stray leaves should be gently cut off so as to make the plant look shaped and allow the light to penetrate, reaching new growth.
• Soil management: As one gets rid of unnecessary weeds, they should also make sure the soil is not dumped or hard. Hardening limits aeration, thus hindering proper plant growth. One should dig through the soil with a fork every two weeks so as to keep it from hardening. “Some plants tend to overgrow, and their roots foil the pot,” she observed.
• Plant food: According to Katiso, the most beautiful indoor plants depend on plant food. Every plant has a specific type of plant food.
• Spraying: This is not a must, but recommended. “Do it only when there is an infection. If pests attack your plants, find out the type, look for the right pesticide, and spray them. For fungi, look for fungicides. Due to the typically high levels of humidity in homes, fungi mostly attack indoor plants.