Reasons to Start a Plant Family

I fall in love with living in Asheville a little bit each day, and one of the reasons is for the many shades of green I encounter on a daily basis: whether it’s hiking through mountains or strolling through flower shops like this one above (Flora- a flower/coffee shop in West Asheville).

I love green space. And it is true, what they say— being surrounded by plants does help improve your mood (whether they have to be real or fake is yet to be studied, lol). There are 7 easy reasons why everyone should have a plant family:

1. Mood-Booster: Seeing things that are green and alive and full of color in any room or personal space? An instant smile on your face.

2. Self-Care: Taking care of plants is a fun way of practicing care, compassion, and responsibility. It can be a lot of work if you are dealing with a needy plant- but most of the time it just takes awareness. It’s a great practice.

3. There is a physical reward system: Take care of your plant—receive a blessing of infinite blooms. How sweet is that?

4. Outside: It forces you to get outside, and explore nature- why wouldn’t you take the opportunity to do so? Botanical Gardens and Greenhouses are so much fun to explore and greenhouses in particular tend to be warm in the wintertime.

5. Cheap: You can pick up succulents at Trader Joe’s, or Walmart for like 3 bucks. It can be a really inexpensive new hobby (but it can rack up quickly)!

6. Patience: Taking care of a plant requires patience and gentleness- 2 things everyone can brush up on now and then.

7. Distraction: Turn off the phone and take care of the plants. Take a homework break. Clear your head and breathe in some green. Your university Quad are great places to relax and reflect!