5 Ways to Bring The Outside In This Winter
As the leaves start to shed their leaves and the flowers stop blooming for the winter, I always feel the need to bring some of the outside in to temper the bleakness of the coming winter. We've been doing it at Christmas for centuries of course, from the first yule logs, to Christmas trees and decking the halls with boughs of holly. There seems to be some innate human need to hang on to the natural world as we plunge into the cold and the dark. Do you feel it too?This needn't be just for Christmas though (nor quite as morose as that first paragraph has turned out). There are lots of things you can do to bring pops of nature into your home this winter that are a little more imaginative that a wreath, without resorting to pricey cut flowers.
Foraged finds
If you're a plant killer, or they're just not your thing, I suggest you go a-foraging. I'm sort of addicted to collecting things on walks, and as I get really attached to inanimate objects, my collectibles always make there way home. If you follow me on Instagram, you will have seen copious evidence to support this. My pockets are often full of pine cones and chestnuts or shells and pebbles, while my hands get cold carrying driftwood and particularly lovely leaves.All these finds are perfect ways to bring the outside in, and provide really lovely seasonal decorations. Pots I've collected from travels have pebbles inside, a bare corner has a little nest of pine cones, and a structural piece of driftwood creates interest on the mantelpiece. The best thing about foraged finds is the memories they evoke - of Dan half-climbing half-jumping to get the biggest pine cones, of carrying the three big pebbles up the cliff from the beach, of skimming stones across a calm river.
Succulents
Yes, yes, I know, every blogger's current obsession is succulents. You're bored of hearing about them, I get it. But, they really are ideal little houseplants that will perk your day up no end. They always look so happy and squishy, and they want nothing from you - I have a plant on my bookshelf that no matter how little I water it, it still never dries out.If you're not enamoured with the 'traditional' succulents, head to a garden centre. There are so many different types of hardwearing house plant that you'll struggle not to find one you love. There's more to succulents than cacti.
Potted plants
If succulents really aren't your thing, then go for something more floral. Almost any pot plant you can buy in a garden centre you can bring inside - I would recommend going for something quite hardy though, and one that won't mind central heating. My pot of heather has been a particular surprise to me. Even when I bought it I fully expected to kill it fairly swiftly with my lackadaisical approach to plant care. However, it has thrived on our mantelpiece despite only being watered sporadically and our penchant for very high thermostat settings.I love the texture and structure it's brought to the room, especially as heather is particularly evocative of moorland and windswept adventures; it feels so much more wild and emotive than supermarket flowers. A pot plant is far better value too - cheaper than a bouquet it lasts for months (at least).
Dried plants
Do you remember flower pressing when you were younger? The agony of having to wait until they were ready? This is a nice winter craft and a great way to get more value out of your cut flowers. Arrange them in a box frame or photo frame for a lovely vintage-style decoration.A great plant to dry (and one that is very in vogue) is eucalyptus. Dry it hanging upside down so the water can evaporate out of the cut ends, and you have your very own long-lasting winter greenery. Not only does eucalyptus have a lovely smell, but it adds a pop of silvery green and an element structure to a room - I'll be putting one in empty vases with my foraged finds this winter.
Prints and books
Perhaps the simplest way to get some nature inside however is with prints. I've written before about finding cheap and unique art, so I'd recommend getting some tips from there. I have a botanical print which I bought from a market, and I'm really pleased with it - it means I always have flowers in the house. If you're struggling to find a print, try using a greetings card, even as a temporary measure.Another option is books. I've recently bought some really beautiful old books full of wildflower and bird illustrations, and just having these on the shelf is going to be a lovely reminder of the outdoors. Charity shops are a gold mine for second hand gardening books - it's always their biggest section and you can find some gems. As much as it feels slightly sacrilegious to say it, you could cut your favourite pages from these books and frame them as prints - a whole book full of potential artworks is pretty good value for your £2.50.