Do you experience the so-called February blahs? This is a common phenomenon, perhaps due in part to the excitement of the holiday season being over and the shorter, darker days. One simple and natural way to lift your spirits is to infuse your home with the natural aromatherapy some houseplants can provide, such as:

• Meyer lemon or calamondin orange trees for fresh, citrusy scents
• Eucalyptus, which offers a therapeutic aroma and beautiful silvery-blue foliage
• Hoya, which can smell like chocolate, citrus, or vanilla depending on the variety, and features small, star-shaped flowers with trailing, glossy dark green leaves
• Madagascar jasmine, which produces small, sweet-smelling, star-shaped flowers with notes of vanilla
• Mint, which delivers an invigorating aroma
• Rosemary, featuring hints of pine and mint, sometimes likened to the scent of eucalyptus
• Plumeria, a tropical tree that offers spicy, fruity, and vanilla notes, with different coloured flowers depending on the variety
• Cattleya orchids, which emit a sweet scent with a hint of citrus, depending on the variety
• Lavender, known for its calming, powdery fragrance
• Gardenia, which boasts large white, rose-like flowers, deep green leaves, and a strong floral scent sometimes accented with coconut and peach notes
• Sweet alyssum, which produces clusters of small white flowers with a honey-like scent

So whatever scents you fancy, there’s a houseplant to suit your home. Incorporating fragrant plants not only enhances your home’s ambiance but also transforms your living space into a sanctuary of calm and relaxation. They also make great gifts and home staging features! So, if you are thinking of getting or giving a house plant, or adding some to your collection, check online for the many options available. There are many wonderful local nurseries and plant shops throughout Ottawa that can help you.  Contact us if you would like a few recommendations.