Houseplants: Why bringing your garden indoors is the perfect autumn and winter goal

'Plants don't just brighten a room – they brighten your mind'
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As autumn nights draw in and temperatures drop, millions of green-fingered Britons are finding themselves longing for their gardens.
And while there are still plenty of outdoor jobs you can complete this time of year, long days spent on the lawn feel like a distant memory.
Consequently, many are now turning to houseplants for their nature fix.
Indoor gardening allows plant lovers to keep their green fingers active when frost threatens their prized possessions.
However, the shift towards houseplants isn't just about missing summer blooms.
With typical UK lawns measuring just 14 square metres, it's no wonder people are looking indoors to satisfy their gardening passions.
And for those who do not have access to a green space, indoor gardening is an easy way to dip your toe into the joys of sowing and growing.
It seems that young people are particularly keen on this trend, with 83 per cent of millennials describing it as "cool".
Perhaps surprisingly, more than half say they prefer a garden centre visit to a night out.
'Plants don't just brighten a room – they brighten your mind'
| GETTYFor those ready to transform their homes into green havens, there are plenty of simple ways to get started.
Kitchen windowsills make perfect spots for growing fresh herbs. Recommending his three top choices, the gardening guru revealed that basil, mint, and thyme "thrive indoors and add fresh flavour to winter meals".
Meanwhile, if you're after plants that do more than look pretty, consider snake plants, peace lilies, or pothos.
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Snake plants, peace lilies, and pothos are very low-maintenance
| GETTYThese hardy varieties need minimal care and are known for their air-purifying qualities.
Short on floor space? Wall-mounted planters and hanging pots are "perfect" for small spaces and can add eye-catching greenery at different heights.
For a fun project, a propagation station is another excellent option. "Watching cuttings grow roots in water is surprisingly therapeutic and a great way to expand your plant collection," said Mr Newnes.
And gardening enthusiasts needn't worry if their homes lack natural light; grow lights can help plants thrive even in the darkest corners.
Beyond the practical benefits and visual interest of indoor gardening, houseplants offer surprising benefits for wellbeing, boosting happiness, concentration, and productivity.
Studies show that being around plants can increase workplace productivity by 15 per cent, while daily gardening has been linked to a 36 per cent lower chance of developing dementia in people over 60.
"Plants don't just brighten a room – they brighten your mind," said Luke Newnes, a gardening expert with Hillarys' Interior Squad.
"Caring for indoor plants gives people a sense of purpose, routine, and connection to the natural world, even when it's grey outside," he added.
"During winter, many people experience seasonal dips in mood," noted Luke.
"Having greenery around you can act as a natural antidepressant. It's grounding, calming, and gives you something to nurture."
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