By Kathleen Hennessey
Photo credits: Doreen Wynja, c. Monrovia.com
At any time of the year, our gardens can provide a calming space for relaxation and rejuvenation. Research shows gardening can do so much more than help us wind down. It can actually improve feelings of well-being. A recent survey conducted by Monrovia found that nearly 50% of homeowners think gardening is good for their mental health and well-being. Additionally, 39% of the homeowners strongly agreed with the statement, “planting and working outside makes me feel energized and rejuvenated.”
“Gardening has increasingly become an activity that allows gardeners the opportunity to remove themselves from the ‘noise’ of life,” said Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer and trend spotter at Monrovia. “Incorporating lush tropical plants into the garden can create the feel of being on vacation right in your own yard.”
Incorporating bold colors, intriguing foliage and fragrant flowers are great ways to create a tropical oasis right outside your door. Ready to create your own lush relaxation space? Here are a few of our favorite plants to add to your garden right now.
Sunvilla™ Mandevilla Series Monrovia’s Sunvilla™ Mandevilla collection provides free-flowing, tropical color in the garden, while remaining well-behaved. Their mounding habit gives Sunvilla a lusher appeal than other mandevillas. These bold climbers were chosen because their blooms are slower to fade, adding long-lasting enjoyment to an arbor, trellis or hanging basket. Choose from Red, White, Pink (pictured) and Giant Red with extra-large blooms. Sunvilla are considered perennials in Zones 9-11 and annual in cooler climates. They can also be overwintered indoors. Their twining stems can reach 15 to 20 feet.
Pharaohs Mask™ Elephant Ear features large, green leaves with dark purple veins that make a dramatic statement in the garden. Bold and beautiful, this tropical plant makes any garden feel like a relaxing vacation spot. With its preference for warm and humid environments, this plant would be great around a pond or water in a garden. Pharaohs Mask is recommended for Zones 8-11.
Thai Constellation Monstera This unique monstera has become a must-have for any houseplant enthusiast. Thai Constellation is a rare variety with beautiful splashes of white on large, deep green leaves. It can reach 6 to 8 feet tall when grown indoors. It can be grown outdoors in Zones 10-11.
Burgundy Queen® Bougainvillea This Bougainvillea brings a double dose of beauty to the garden with stunning flowers and gorgeous foliage. The new growth leaves of Burgundy Queen® are a showy, deep wine-red. The flower-like bracts are an even more dramatic burgundy hue. Discovered by Monrovia Craftsmen Tracy Harrison at the Georgia nursery, Burgundy Queen is a vigorous climber, growing up to 30 feet long. It is the perfect climber for trellises, fences, and large patio pots. Evergreen in warmer climates, Burgundy Queen is also a great container or hanging basket annual in cooler regions. Hardy in Zones 10-11.
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