Dubai: While the UAE may not have an official gardening season – or for that matter even a spell of extremely cold winter – there are still some tips and tricks that can be put into practice as verdant green plants turn brown in the cooler months.
During winter, plants face several challenges irrespective of whether they are the year-round indoor plants or seasonal outdoor plants. Fluctuating temperatures – warmer and shorter days and dry, chilly evenings combined with limited lighting are not ideal conditions for growing plants.
Under these circumstances, understanding soil aridity and watering plants adequately are critical to ensuring they continue to thrive. Although the soil on the surface is prone to drying quickly, it is not an indicator of the amount of water a plant needs. You can only determine moisture levels by poking a finger into the soil. Plants with deeper and more mature roots have a greater chance to remain hardy and endure the winter. Likewise, low humidity during winter is also a cause for concern - humidity levels tend to drop to 20 per cent, whereas the ideal moisture level for plants to flourish is 50 per cent. Gardeners would do well to place their plants in bigger containers/pots/planters to make them tolerate the climate better. A wide variety of plant pots is available in different sizes and shapes that can help to decorate and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden. A colourful mosaic or terracotta pots in varying sizes introduce an element of drama and instantly add charm to any garden.
Hanging planters is a great way of decorating a fence or a gate. You can experiment with creepers and allow them to grow on walls and fences to create the lush green look. Adding garden ornaments like hanging lanterns will introduce significant yet subtle touches, giving your garden space a finished look for the season. The ‘close to nature’ feeling can be easily achieved through creating a relaxation space in the patio with a foldable furniture set. These are low on maintenance and can comfortably fit into a small space without overstretching your budget. So, whether it is laying new paving, putting up that long overdue fencing, digging a pond or building structures, installing new power points or lighting in sheds, or even adding seating spaces, winter is a great time to get started.
- The writer is style and trend manager at Home Centre
