The holiday break always seems too short, doesn’t it! We’re too busy to complain about it though. The year is winding up with a green bang at Good Earth Plant Company. Maybe it’s our mild winter weather inspiring people, or maybe it’s awareness of our surroundings after seeing all of the recent wildfires.
This Del Mar residence is getting a new green roof, our first one in 2017.
Whatever the reason, it’s been all hands on deck installing new projects testing our creativity: living walls, moss walls, colorful planters and succulents, holiday décor and even our first residential green roof all year, which we’ve been sharing with you on our Facebook page. (Hint: Follow us here!)
In between projects, I’m spending some time this last week of the year looking back on 2017, determining what worked and making sure we do more of it, along with identifying what didn’t work and doing less of THAT.
We’re always curious what blog posts were most popular, so we can figure our what you enjoy reading most. As we have a look, there’s an obvious theme. You need help growing healthy plants! More to the point, you’re bugged about your bugs and you need advice on getting rid of them.
There is a second theme though I’m excited to see: an interest in interior design trends using plants, both at home and in the workplace. There are so many innovative ways now to incorporate nature and plants into your working environment including moss walls, movable living wall dividers, and unique containers that are more like art pieces than simple pots.
This is our full list – if you missed any of them, now is the time to catch up on your reading. You’re welcome!
Top Ten Blog Posts of 2017
Dracaena plants come in many color varieties and resist insect infestations.
Don’t Bug Me: House Plants That Resist Pests
This was one of our first blog posts in 2017. The best advice on avoiding insect infestations in your plants is to choose plants which have natural resistance to pests such as tougher leaves or natural toxins.
You’re not seeing spots, you’re seeing fungus gnats on your plants.
Getting Rid of the Fungus Gnats Among Us (2015)
Another in our “Don’t Bug Me!” series. Ever since I was asked to write about this question two years ago, people all over the United States read this post for tips. I hope it’s been working, but as people get rid of their fungus gnats, they must pop up in someone else’s plants to keep this post so popular.
The list of benefits from plants and natural elements in the workplace keeps growing.
Prove It: Plants In The Workplace Show Major Benefits (2014)
Three years ago when I got serious about writing regularly, this was one of the first posts about the scientific research supporting the inclusion of plants and nature in the workplace to improve employee health and productivity. The proof continues to show the same results.
Water your tree at the drip line, not at the trunk.
Water Your Trees Like Mother Nature Would Water Them (2015)
The worst of Southern California’s recent drought is over, but we are below normal rainfall again this year and we will always need to conserve water in our arid climate. Making the most of your irrigation methods is one of the most important techniques for preserving your landscaping.
This office desk space is clean but not sterile with the clever desk planter. Photo: Nicholas Todd/Flickr
Ten Secrets to Successful Workplace Design in 2018
This is one of our most recent blog posts in 2017 and wow did it catch fire! Many of you are interested in what you can do to improve your workplace surroundings. Great! Let us know if we can help in 2018.
Moss walls like these Good Earth Plant Company installed in a La Jolla office building remain the hottest trend in interior plantscaping for 2018.
Your Questions About Moss Walls Answered
I have never seen anything in 40 years of business get hot as fast as moss walls. Moss walls can be installed where living plants aren’t practical. There is no slowdown in sight anytime soon.
A classic case of overwatering. NOT a plant under Good Earth Plant Company care here!
Six Common Mistakes You’re Making With Your House Plants
Overwatering, under watering, poor choices for your conditions… yes, you know you’re guilty of these things. We can help you avoid these issues in the first place.
You love all the wild varieties of orchids we share on our blog, including these Hooker’s Lips (hey, that is the name for Psychotria Elata)
Freaky Friday Orchids (2015)
Sometimes you just need to have fun with plants, and what’s more fun than the amazing array of orchid flower varieties?
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon prove designing with plants goes back to antiquity.
Trends Come and Go, But Indoor Plants Never Go Out Of Style
We have stylish readers with interest in staying on top of interior design trends. Plant containers and presentation techniques may change, but having a little bit of nature in your surroundings is always on point.
The common Pothos is an ideal plant for allergy sufferers. Photo: Julien Gong Min
Healthy Houseplants Your Stuffy Nose Will Love
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, researchers think nasal allergies affect about 50 million people in the United States. They affect as many as 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children. And allergies are increasing. If you make smart choices, plants can actually improve your indoor air.
What plant problem can we help you solve in 2018? What would you like to learn about nature and your improved wellbeing in 2018? Email me at jim@goodearthplants.com with your questions or suggestions, and I’ll use this space for the discussion.
PS: When I saw Number 11 on the list, I had to wonder about our readers. The 14th annual World Naked Gardening Day is Saturday, May 5, 2018. It’s also Cinco de Mayo. Viva! Mark your calendar and make those plans now.
Be careful with your gardening tools on World Naked Gardening Day – it’s on May 5, 2018!
