Growing up, I’ve always been interested in plants and nature; in fact, I got my first plant when I was seven years old and nurtured it until I left secondary school. Sadly, that plant did not survive, but I’d seen its journey from a tiny little plant to a massive tree, to then witness the plant wither up and die.
Since then, I lost interest but always admired the Instagramable/ Pinterest image of black women in nature, living with plants and adopting a peaceful, mindful lifestyle.
However, when the 1st lockdown hit – boredom took over, and my mind began to overthink, overindulge in negativity and anxiety and depression appeared. Suddenly, when browsing online and Instagram, my interest in plants grew into a hobby, and I now have an indoor forest in my home.
There are many benefits of surrounding yourself with plants; I have seen a difference in my mental health, self-awareness and patience. My self-confidence also grew as I take care of my plants, and they survive. When I nurture them, I feel proud of myself, as I think, ‘I can’t be that bad. These plants are growing and flourishing, right!’
So, here’s a couple of reasons why you should start your plant collection:
- Plants Reduce Stress
Science has backed claims that plant indeed reduce stress and help improve anxiety, depression and
- Help Reduce Sickness
Plants can help to prevent colds, supposedly reduce headaches and reduce blood pressure.
- Plants Help Clean the Air
We all know that certain plants are great for cleaning the area but converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. You may need a lot of plants grouped to benefit from this fully!
- Improves Focus and Performance
Put a plant in your home, and your focus and work performance increase; trust me, I know this is true. In addition, you tend to feel calmer yet alert and focused.
- Makes You Happy
During the pandemic, I needed a bit of joy in my life. As soon as I started my plant collection, I’m now more content and happier. It sounds weird but taking care of plants is an awarding process.
Habits and traits you gain from having an indoor garden:
- Self Confidence
As I stated before, caring for plants boosts your self-esteem and confidence – while stimulating independent thought and increasing engagement levels.
- Creativity
Indoor gardens make you a novice interior designer, in my humble opinion. Plants can liven up space with different shades of green, patterns or sizes, especially when you bunch them together to make a feature space.
- Responsibility
If you want to improve your responsibility trait or teach your children about responsibility, then get yourself or your child a plant. It can encourage responsibility and enhances a healthy attitude to taking accountability for accomplishments.
If you want to improve your responsibility trait or teach your children about responsibility, then get yourself or your child a plant. It can encourage responsibility and enhances a healthy attitude to taking accountability for accomplishments.
Here are a few black-owned plant shops if you’re interested in starting your plant shop:
Cacti and succulents: Prick (East London based)/ Jens Plants (East London Based)
Big, beautiful and Online: Mawusi (Online) / Earth and Vine/
Plant accessories: House of Kato/ Repot / Plant food
Honestly speaking, I think taking care of plants is great for wellness and mental health, as people usually feel more connected to nature. In addition, the process of growing plants at home is a peaceful journey that eventually works in enhancing your overall health.
Millennial Femme 