What is a plant retreat?
A plant retreat is simply a spot filled with plants and greenery of all kinds that promotes relaxation and getting in touch with nature. You can make a plant retreat anywhere at all, from your own living room to a tiny bathroom, bedroom, balcony, terrace or garden. It's an especially good idea to create one for your mum as a Mother's Day gift because plants make you calmer and happier - something every mum needs, no matter how old her children are! By taking the time to put together a green retreat in your mother's house, you're showing her that you care deeply about her health and wellness. Plus, it's a gift she'll be able to enjoy over and over again.
How to make a plant retreat
Firstly, pick the spot to create your zen oasis. Building it in your mum's house will mean that she's able to enjoy the benefits that come with having lots of plants in your home. Plants can have a big impact on your mental and physical health, lowering blood pressure, making your mood better and increasing productivity. They also purify the air around them due to photosynthesis.
We have plenty of inspiration no matter where you choose to build your plant retreat, such as these practical tips for plant design in every room. If you're having trouble finding enough inspiration to get started, check out our six easy steps to becoming a plant design master.
It's important to choose a spot before selecting which plants to place there, as the amount of sunlight and temperature of the space you will affect the plants you're able to keep there. If you want to turn your mum's balcony or terrace into a green paradise, you'll need very different plants than if you were building a retreat in a bathroom, for example!
Gather plants in pots of all kinds which suit your space. You could choose a real variety of different types of greenery, from cacti to hanging plants to plants that transport you to your top holiday destination, and create a vibrant, visually fascinating green retreat. Or you could choose a specific kind of plant such as grasses or ferns, and go for a mono-themed plant retreat. Bonus points if you pick your mum's favourite plants to build your retreat with - it's all about her, after all!
Group your chosen plants in an attractive way in the spot you've picked. Make sure to examine your plants from every angle to make sure you're displaying them at their best.
The finishing touches
It's the little things which will elevate your plant retreat. Think comfort and relaxation and add a chair or some cushions, a blanket, a nice candle and some of your mum's favourite objects such as photos of you as a baby to her green space. You could stock up on tasty snacks and drinks and pick up some books or magazines for your mother to enjoy reading as she relaxes in her new zen spot.
If you need some extra inspiration, take a look at our ideas on creating a plant picnic for your family in your own home. This plant retreat is in the same spirit of celebrating unconditional love with plants in great style.
MOTHER'S DAY INSPIRATION
Get more inspiration about celebrating Mother's Day with plants! Discover all of our exciting ideas. For a real treat for mum, take a look at our suggestions on the most beautiful plants to give her as a present. Show us the plants you gift your mum on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #thejoyofplants.
