Housewarming Gifts - The Plant

Posted on March 20, 2009 
Filed Under Buying Your New Home, Valerie Zinger

It used to be that you would bring a plant in a green plastic container to some one’s new home.  What plant?  Well, it was likely something still alive at the grocery store while you were on the way to the visit.  Now, assuming that you have have more than 5 minutes to pop into a place and get a plant, here are some things to consider:

Is it summer? Why not bring a little shrub in a pot?  Don’t get a hedge shrub or the new owner will wonder when the rest of the plants will be delivered.  I would go for an ornamental plant that can be planted near the front or back door (or even in the corner of the backyard).

Is it winter? Unless you are giving a potted Christmas tree that can be replanted in the yard in the spring, forget outdoor plants.  Three houseplants that I like are:  a Christmas cactus (it will give the owner the surprise of wonderful flowers right around December); a Cast Iron plant; or a spider plant (if there is room to hang it somewhere in the house).   The University of Alberta has a site for hardy indoor plants. A little web research and you will find a suitable gift with care instructions to provide at the same time.

What container?  Not everyone can keep a plant alive for a long time.  You might want to find a container that will last longer than the plant and will be used by the home owners again and again.  Think about old cooking or casserole pots, waste paper baskets, ice buckets, trays with pebbles, and so on.  The container is often more appreciated than the plant so spend some time thinking of something fun and interesting.

Plant a Welcome

 Photo credit:  Spider Plant @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/madaise/905387220/

Valerie Zinger ~ Ottawa, Canada ~ 613-723-5300 ~ vzinger@royallepage.ca

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