Now that the garden is somewhat quieter, my thoughts have turned to the state of my house plants.  I have quite an array--from a large lemon tree that I have had for more than two decades to a tiny little auricula-type primrose that I bought last spring.  I have a Christmas cactus and a large jade tree as well as a big pot of Parma violets.  What I don't have is a greenhouse, sunny conservatory or even an abundance of accessible south-facing windows.   This makes it a challenge to give some plants optimal environments.

This year I have committed myself to paying more attention to the houseplants.  After all, what is a collection of indoor plants, but a garden?  As in any other garden, plants should be positioned in the locations best suited to their needs and tended regularly.  My new indoor plant initiative will include keeping better track of temperatures in my plant areas, providing plenty of humidity (since many plants suffer because of dry winter air) and paying attention to specific water needs.  None of these things are particularly hard to do and tending the indoor garden requires considerably less work than tending the one outside.  A slight change in my focus should result in better health for my houseplants. 

And maybe some day I'll get that greenhouse...