While there’s no denying COVID-19 has changed Australians’ lives and homes forever, what hasn’t changed is their obsession with all things home gardening. The 2021 Plant Trend Report spills the dirt on what’s good in the world of plants this year – and how to rock them in your own home.

COVID-19 left many Aussies in a bit of a pickle when it came to health – at a time that we needed to care for our physical and mental wellbeing the most, accessing our usual places for exercise or wind down became harder as restrictions, limitations and closures took hold across the country.

So what did Aussies do instead? Our recent study found that many spent 2020 transforming their homes to become the ultimate sanctuary, with 61% using their home as a space for relaxation, mindfulness or fitness.

Image credit: Unsplash

 

THE 2021 PREDICTION:

Nature-based practices and remedies will offer relief for COVID-weary Aussies

Plants are the perfect addition to a holistically-healing and nourishing home – studies have shown that having them in your indoor and outdoor spaces boosts both physical health and mental wellbeing.

And in even better news, some plants don’t just make you healthier by simply being around them – actually consuming them can bring you even more health benefits!

Herbs are a particularly health-fortifying type of plant, which can be easily grown at home –  they’re hardy, fast-growers and have multiple uses and benefits. You don’t even need that much space – a sunny kitchen windowsill will do the trick nicely (head here for a step-by-step guide on setting up a windowsill garden). If you do have a backyard, herbs can be easily grown in pots, barrels, or of course – straight in your veggie patch.

Give your wellbeing a healthy kick with these six super herbs:

  • Sage (Salvia officinalis)
  • Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
  • Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
  • Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
  • Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
  • Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Image credit: Bonnie Kittle via Unsplash

Turning herbs into healing remedies

Ok, so you’ve planted your herbs and they’re thriving – what’s next? To help you squeeze every drop of goodness out of your herb patch, we asked Greener Spaces Better Places friend and herbalist Erin Lovell Verinder for her top tips and tricks – Erin recommends:

  • Herbal teas to de-stress and sleep well

Growing herbs like lemon balm or chamomile can be incredibly calming for the nervous system, especially when consumed fresh or as dried herbal teas. These plants act on the nervous system to untangle stress and anxiety, and are perfect to usher in a sound night’s sleep.

  • Adding fresh herbs to meals

Many medicinal plants are incredibly easy to grow and have infinite applications in the kitchen. Try greening different meals with delicious culinary herbs that also have medicinal qualities – oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme all have a very grounding and wholesome effect.

  • Make your own skin relief

Making your own herbal-infused oil from dried herbs such as rosemary or lavender (Lavandula) and a plant-based oil, such as coconut or olive oil, is an incredibly simple thing to do and can offer a serene feeling when applied on the skin.

Growing a lush herb garden at home that you can create homegrown remedies from is one easy way to ensure that you can take care of both your mental and physical health in 2021.

To find out which herbs will best suit your home or garden, head to your nearest nursery or garden centre and have a chat with the experts.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

Six easy-grow herbs to heal your body and mind

Six easy-grow herbs to heal your body and mind

Spending time around plants is good for your health and eating some can reap even more benefits.

3 min read

Harness the healing power of your garden

Harness the healing power of your garden

Several hospitals in Australia are adopting and designing ‘healing gardens’ for patients.

2 min read

Planting for pollinators (brings all the bugs to the yard)

Planting for pollinators (brings all the bugs to the yard)

You can bring bugs to your yard and spice up your dinner plate at the same time with these plants.

2 min read

A quick guide to balcony gardens

A quick guide to balcony gardens

Plants are a great way to add a touch of life, style and privacy to your balcony space.

2 min read

Easy to grow native edibles for any garden

Easy to grow native edibles for any garden

Our native edibles expert Narelle Happ from A Garden For Life, shares some of her favourites.

3 min read

Bring all the birds to the ‘yard

Bring all the birds to the ‘yard

Kangaroo Paw is an Australian Native plant that comes in an array of colours and attracts bird life.

3 min read

Gardening as therapy

Gardening as therapy

Gardening and therapeutic horticulture is a way of providing interaction with nature to help the mind.

4 min read

A beginner’s guide to building an outdoor bath

A beginner’s guide to building an outdoor bath

An outdoor bath is a dreamy way to spend more time in your garden.

2 min read

Why a plant-filled office is great for productivity

Why a plant-filled office is great for productivity

Increasing the greenery in your home office could be the perfect boost for your productivity.

3 min read

Safe indoor and outdoor plants for kids

Safe indoor and outdoor plants for kids

If you've got kids at home, enjoy one less thing to worry about and try these eight low-tox plants.

4 min read

The Herb to Match your Kitchen Style

The Herb to Match your Kitchen Style

Find the herb that best suits your style in the kitchen, from minimal and classic, to indecisive.

3 min read

A Little Green Garden that Grew a Community

A Little Green Garden that Grew a Community

Meet Marcello. A larger than life Latino living in the inner suburbs of Sydney flexing a green-thumb.

4 min read

BE INSPIRED.

The latest green space news, in your inbox monthly