5 Low Maintenance Houseplants

Green thumbs get out of here! This blog is for all those who, despite their best efforts, have a hard time keeping houseplants alive. It’s never that you intend to kill them, it’s just that for some reason your houseplants always seem to die. Don’t be embarrassed and don’t change a thing - unless you don’t give your plants water, air or sunlight, ‘cause baby, every plant needs those to live. Here are five types of plants that will thrive in (almost) any environment. Pick up a few today and add a little green to your space!

Pothos

Not only do pothos plants not need nutrient rich soil to survive, they don’t even need a lot of bright light – in fact, they don’t do well in direct sunlight. One of the reasons folks love pothos plants so much is that they can survive in low light (perfect for the office) and can be grown in either water or soil.

It’s important to note that this is a poisonous plant. Eating it can cause pets and children to feel very ill.

Spider Plant

Ok, this plant may sound horrifying, but it’s not – trust us! Its name reflects the adorable little pods that sprout out from the mother plant (they look like little spiders dangling from the web). But more importantly, it’s seriously easy to care for. Whenever upkeep advice encourages you to let a plant dry out in between waterings, you know it’s low maintenance. This little guy can take whatever you throw at him, just remember to water him occasionally and he’ll be fine.

Jade

Jade plants are thought to be symbols of good luck, and lucky you, they’re easy to care for too! Jade plants don’t require a lot of water, but they do need some. Don’t water them on a schedule, instead just touch their soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water your plant.

Snake Plant

Like the spider plant, this beauty also has an unfortunate name. But just as you wouldn’t judge a book by its cover, don’t judge a houseplant by its name. Snake plants received their name due to the striking resemblance their leaves have to snake skin. They also grow vertically, which means they’re great for small spaces! You can water them sporadically, and interestingly, they need less water in the winter than any other season.

Fake Plants

People tend to overlook using fake plants in their decor. Yes, some fake plants can look really fake and add an unwanted 1980s feel to your space. But, fake plants can also look really pretty too – especially when displayed in the right way. Succulents are the hottest thing in gardening right now, and fake succulents can look fairly convincing. Try displaying them in a terrarium with a little top soil and some fake moss. They’ll add some green to your space and will never die, because they can’t.

We hope these low maintenance plants help you confidently add some green to your space. Want more gardening tips, tricks, ideas & advice? We’ve got you covered! Follow @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram, and like Home and Garden Events on Facebook.

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Succulent Style: DIY Planters & More!

Are you looking for a fun way to brighten up your office or home? Consider succulents. These on trend plants continue to grow in popularity and could make a lovely addition to your space. The term succulent can refer to many different species of plant, one of which is cacti. So not only are these plants super cute, most of them are also easy to care for. 

Read on to discover the many ways you can bring succulents into your space. We’ve found cool and creative DIYs you can try to really set these plants up in style. Check ‘em out below and get ready to get crafting.

Pretty in Pink – Layer some bright pink rocks on top of your succulent’s soil and see what happens! We’re loving the way the pink mixes with the soft green, it’s such a great color combination. Not a fan of pink? Try using a different color rock like purple or blue.

Image via Lauren Grant

Playful Pots – Don’t want to rock the boat? Try jazzing up your succulent’s pot instead. How cute is this gold leaf DIY? It’s so easy to do and the end result looks amazing!

Image via Miss Renaissance

Lovely Letters – We adore this fun project. Monogrammed planters are such a clever idea! And once you’ve got your frame together, actually planting the succulents is pretty easy. They’re a great way to add a personal touch to your space!

Image via House & Fig

Subtle Sand – Making your own sand really allows you to get creative when it comes to the colors and textures that will surround your succulents. You can explore vibrant hues or more subtle tones, and even mix colors together!

Image via Glitter and Bubbles

Hanging Out – Lacking surface space? Try stringing your succulents up. These cute ombre pots and the plants inside them will look great in your window!

Image via For The Makers

Stool It – Ok, so this stool can technically be used for anything, but we really like the idea of setting your succulents on top of it. The fun neon accents work well with the lush greens of the plants. It doesn’t take up too much room, and can add a nice pop of color to your space.

Image via The Casual Craftlete

Not everyone has the room or time for a garden, so we hope these succulent ideas help bring a little more green your way regardless of your outdoor space. Make sure to share your succulent snaps with @HomeShows on Instagram and Twitter – we want to see what you create!

Speaking of green, right now you can save some on tickets to the Marketplace Events Home Show of your choice. Connect with us on Facebook to get 2-for-1 tickets. What are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this great deal!

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Enjoy A Taste Of Spring With The Twin Cities Best Backyards

At the end of a long, cold, dark Minnesota winter, show-goers will delight in visiting the Minneapolis Home + Garden Show's nine Feature Gardens! A perennial favorite, the 2015 Feature Gardens' theme is Twin Cities Best Backyards and will showcase nine landscapers' take on the area's best outdoor spaces.

This year's categories include:

• Boulder Creations by Stonewall: Imagine dozens of huge boulders creating a cozy, two-level patio area and fire pit, and that's what you'll find here. And when we say boulders, we're talking one-to-three tons each!
• Northwest Orient by Holm & Olsom Landscape Design & Construction: The team went all out to transport show-goers to Japan with this one. There will be an outdoor kitchen, bamboo kakei spout fountain, petrified wood water feature, and gravel garden. But wait, there's more! Japanese maple trees, pom-pom junipers, mugo pines, and hydrangeas.
• Come On Over by Bever Landscape Design Group: Technology meets the outdoors here, with music, lighting, and an AV system all together. The color-saturated garden beds will please the eye and the ears are treated to music playing, and let's not forget to mention the TV and outdoor kitchen!
• Rustic Luxe Kitchen Garden by Mickman Brothers: Fire, wood, metal, water, and earth all come together here to blend into a harmonious feng shui element. This contemporary, chef-inspired urban backyard mixes with wall-mounted waterfalls and a double-sided fireplace to really take you away.
• Shangri-La by NRD Landscape Design + Build: An ultimate retreat for you and your family, this space has an edible garden, custom screening, and the element of fire for extreme relaxation.
• Outdoor Ambiance by Landstyle Design + Construction: Minnesotans will take delight in this series of outdoor environments that match our ever-changing climate. There's an outdoor kitchen, a unique bar, and multiple water and fire features.
• Reflection by Gray Leaf Design: Elegance meets modern in this garden that is flexible enough to provide both relaxation and entertainment. We're talking a floating deck over a reflecting infinity pool, and custom-built furniture flanking the outdoor kitchen.
• Sustainable + Contemporary by Biota Landscape Design + Build: Contemporary design married sustainability for this garden, boasting a traditional pergola with a series of unique water elements as a beautiful example of how to capture rainwater.
• Fabulous Formality With A Twist by Oflora Garden: International flair is alive and well here, with a labyrinth leading you through hedges of compact dwarf conifers to a patio surrounded with red and yellow tulips, and stunning contemporary outdoor sculptures.

As you can see, there's no shortage of stunning beauty and inspiration at this year's Feature Gardens. Don't forget your camera so you can begin planning your own oasis! Remember, buy your Minneapolis Home + Garden Show tickets early to avoid box office lines and get the best deals - right now you can get 2-for-1 on Facebook.

FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 1, 2015.
MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER 

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