Edmonton Spring 2023

STAYING ALIVE:
TIPS FOR BETTER PLANT CARE IN 2023
Houseplants can instantly transform a space and make your home
feel more stylish and vibrant. That is, if you can keep the plants alive
for longer than a few weeks. If you have fear and anxiety over your
plant-parent ability, you’re not alone, but you’re also not a lost cause.
Emma Terrell is no stranger to helping people tackle their foliage
fears and learn to embrace plants in their homes and gardens.
Emma, known online as The Urban Botanist, has built a career
helping individuals and businesses use the beauty of nature to
elevate their spaces. This spring, Emma is bringing her expertise to
the plant-curious in Edmonton as a featured presenter at the 2023
Edmonton Home + Garden Show, running March 23–26, where she
will share her must-know tips for better blooms and buds.
Ahead of this year’s show, we’ve asked Emma to give us a sneak
peek at her main stage presentation and break down the basics for
incorporating greenery into your home or elevating your outdoor
living space to oasis-like status.
Question: What is the one piece of advice you always give to
people wanting to get into plant care and gardening?
Emma: Your main focus should always be on proper plant care.
Select easy-to-care-for plants and read and follow the plant’s care
instructions. Your first step when bringing a new plant home is to
read the care instructions; this will tell you how much light, water and
food the plant needs. I always recommend quarantining your plant
away from other plants to avoid any unwanted pests from spreading
from your new plant to your existing collection. I like to give my
new plants a bath and a spray to remove any insects that could be
hiding in the soil or on the plant. Finally, get the necessary tools and
supplies for successful plant care.
E: Houseplants can follow similar trend cycles as interior design. I
think macrame is really in right now, and it pairs so beautifully with
plants. I also love to layer design elements and textures into your
plant containers to create visual interest. Add decorative pots,
hanging plants and outdoor containers to make the space feel
inviting. That being said, where you live will influence the plant styles
you should choose. Large, impressive cacti might look cool, but they
won’t thrive in certain grow zones, no matter how trendy they are
on social media. That’s why it’s so important to put care first when
styling your home with plants. It’s always better to have living plants
than dead “stylish” ones.
Q: What is your favourite way to bring life into a home using plants
and greenery?
E: If you want to bring a bit of life into a room, try getting a
houseplant in a decorative pot. This will add a splash of colour and
texture to the space. You can also hang plants from the ceiling or
place them on shelves to create an eye-catching display.
I love bringing herbs into my space as well. They not only add
greenery to my kitchen, but I can also use them when cooking.
Finally, don’t forget to add some plants outdoors. Container gardens
are a great way to add a bit of greenery to a balcony or patio.
Consider planting herbs, flowers or vegetables for a pop of colour
and a hint of freshness.
For more expert plant care tips from Emma, be sure to catch her,
along with more than 200 exhibitors, at the 2023 Edmonton Home +
Garden Show, running March 23–26 at the Edmonton Expo Centre.
Tickets are available online at edmontonhomeandgarden.com.
Q: What are your must-have plant parent tools and products?
E: No matter what type of plants you choose, make sure you have
the necessary tools and supplies for successful plant care. A
watering can, potting soil and fertilizer are essential. You may also
want to invest in a few other items, such as a soil thermometer, a
mister and a pair of pruning shears. It’s also always good to have a
bottle of insecticidal soap for when infestations happen. With these
tools, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful plant
parent.
Q: What are the best plant species for someone new to owning
plants?
E: If you’re a beginner, look for plants that are easy to care for.
Some good options include succulents, spider plants, pothos and
dracaenas. These plants are tolerant of low light and don’t require a
lot of watering. They can also handle occasional neglect, so they’re
a great choice for someone just starting out.
Q: What do you consider to be the most exciting trends for plant
design in 2023?