We all need a little pick-me-up at this timeof year and dozens

of colourful, cheery and inex-pensive plants are available tobrighten anyone’s day.

B.C. growers have really donea remarkable job producing a wide varietyof smaller plants that will stand up wellin the poor winter growing conditions ofmost homes. Although most of these plantswill tolerate somewhat difficult situations,windowsills are perhaps one of the best loca-tions for them.

A couple of attractive brackets holdinga rectangular plastic or clay tray beside anorth or east window would be ideal. If thisisn’t possible, the coolest location in yourhome with one of the stylish new PowerSmart florescent fixtures overhead willmake an incredible difference in the qualityand lifespan of your plants.

It’s always nice to have a fresh bouquet ofpretty flowers or a colourful potted plant ina feature location in your home, but a fewsmaller pots of colour here and there canalso really add warmth to any room. Smallpotted spring flowers are my favourite at thistime of year. On top of my list are the minia-ture daffodils, ‘Tete-a-Tete’. Their tiny yellowblossoms never seem to quit. They stand up

beautifully, reminding us that spring’s onthe way! Fragrant hyacinths are also beauti-ful and long-lasting, and you know, a singleflower is as precious as a whole bouquet.If you purchase some crocus a little on thetight side, it’s fun to watch them explode intocolour. Miniature blue irises and grape hya-cinths or muscari are cute as a button andlast surprisingly well indoors. Try to keepall these bulbs as cool as you can and wet formaximum enjoyment.

Kolanchoes have been a real sleeper fortoo many years now. These brightly colouredsucculents last and last with the very mini-mum of care, and they will stand up well inalmost any location. Purchase them at the‘tight-bud’ stage, just before the blossomsbegin to open, and each month try one of themany different colours, from yellows andpinks, to deep reds and oranges. Beautifuldouble flowering varieties called, ‘calendi-vas’, are now available.

This is just the beginning of azalea sea-son, and they are, without a doubt, one ofmy favourites. Growers have now perfectedsmall plants that will produce huge blossomsthat last very well. Just a couple of essentialnotes on their care: First, never purchase aplant unless the buds are beginning to openevenly. Early in the season, sometimes thesmaller plants can be forced too quickly,allowing only a few buds to open while theothers abort. Second, they are one plant youneed to water, and I mean soak thoroughly

every day. Azaleas will take high or low tem-peratures and light, and do they ever lastwell.

Their flowers are really insignificant, butwho cares when the foliage is a knockout!When is the last time you brought home aPolka Dot plant? Hypoestes have come a longway in the past few years with a whole newcolour range now available. These fast grow-ing tropicals love a high light location andthe white, deep red, pink or burgundy leaves,splashed with green or bronze dots, are sim-ply incredible. Keep pinching them back for

a compact plant, but remember, they lookgorgeous spreading and trailing in hangingbaskets too. The cooler the temperature andthe higher the light conditions you can givethem, the brighter and more intense thecolours become. Ask for the ‘Confetti’ seriesfor the best colour selection.

Cyclamen have come a long way in termsof durability over the past few years, espe-cially the miniature varieties. If you preferpastel colours, you will love the colour rangeof the minis. From the softest pinks to thedeepest rose reds, they are perhaps one of themost elegant of all potted plants. Even thefull sized blossom series we have availabletoday in four inch pots are far superior to thecyclamen we remember from just a few yearsago. Water well, but let them become a touchdry before you water again. Be sure to keepwater off the crown of the corm. They loveto be misted occasionally too. Remember, thecooler you keep them, the richer their coloursand the longer they last.

I’m truly amazed how orchids have caughton as houseplants. Phalaenopsis, or Moth or-chids, lead the way with exotic pink, white,and mauve blossoms that last for weeks.They need so little care and stand up so wellthat they make a super gift. Check out theprices too – with so many growers now pro-ducing for our local market, the prices havereally come down to the point where for longlasting enjoyment, orchids are, by far, thebest value.

REVIEWHome ShowcREEVVIEWVVA little inside colour goes a long wayIN THE GARDEN Brian Minter

A30 Tri-City News Friday, January 7, 2011

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A32 Tri-City News Friday, January 7, 2011

Friday, January 7, 2011 Tri-City News A33