How To Green Up Your Home Office With Drought Tolerant Landscape Design
As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving work-from-home landscape, it's important to make sure our home office is not only functional but also environmentally friendly. One great way to achieve this is through drought tolerant landscape design, which can not only beautify your workspace but also help conserve water resources. Here are some tips for green up your home office with drought tolerant landscape design.
Why Plants At Home?
There are many benefits to keeping plants in a home office, including improved mental health and productivity. Here are some reasons why:
Reduced stress: Studies have shown that being in the presence of plants can reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm. In one study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, participants who were tasked with a stressful computer task reported lower levels of stress when plants were present in the room (Bringslimark, Hartig, & Patil, 2009).
Increased productivity: Plants have also been shown to improve productivity and focus. In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, participants who completed a task in a room with plants were more productive than those who completed the same task in a room without plants (Lohr, Pearson-Mims, & Goodwin, 1996).
Improved air quality: Plants are natural air purifiers, which can improve air quality in a home office. This can lead to improved cognitive function and a reduction in symptoms associated with Sick Building Syndrome, such as headaches and respiratory issues (Wolverton, Johnson, & Bounds, 1989).
Enhanced creativity: Studies have also shown that plants can enhance creativity and idea generation. In one study, participants who completed a creativity task in a room with plants generated more original and creative ideas than those who completed the same task in a room without plants (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008).
Embrace Succulents
Now that we've covered the mental health and productivity benefits of having plants in your home office, let's talk about what types of plants you can add to your workspace without running the risk of committing plant murder. Let's face it, we're not all born with a green thumb, and keeping plants alive can be a challenge.
But fear not, my fellow black-thumbed friends! Succulents are here to save the day. These desert darlings are the perfect choice for those of us who may forget to water our plants for weeks at a time (oops). Not only are succulents hardy, but they come in a variety of colors and textures, so you can add some personality to your workspace. Plus, they don't take up a lot of space, which is great if you're working with a smaller desk.
But don't let their tough exterior fool you - succulents still need some love and attention. They thrive in bright, indirect light, so make sure to place them near a window or under a lamp. And although they don't require a lot of water, they still need some hydration every now and then.
So don't forget to give them a drink when the soil is dry to the touch. If you're looking to add some variety to your succulent collection, try aloe vera or snake plants. Aloe vera not only looks great but also has some medicinal properties that can soothe minor burns and cuts. And snake plants are not only low maintenance but also known for their air-purifying qualities.
Incorporate Native Plants
If you're looking to green up your space with some plants that won't require a lot of attention, then let's talk about native plants. These bad boys are like the superheroes of the plant world, adapted to the climate and soil conditions of your area. And let's face it, who doesn't love a local hero? Not only are native plants eco-friendly, but they also require less water and maintenance than their non-native counterparts. So if you're a busy professional (or just a lazy one), native plants are the way to go. You'll save time, money, and the planet all at once. It's like hitting the jackpot of sustainability.
When it comes to choosing the right native plants for your home office, look for grasses, shrubs, and trees that will complement your décor. Think of them as the sidekicks to your superhero office setup. They'll provide the perfect backdrop for your work environment, giving you a sense of calm and connection to nature. If you're not sure which native plants will thrive in your area, do some research or consult with a local expert. Don't be afraid to ask for help - even superheroes need a little guidance sometimes.
And if you're feeling adventurous, try mixing and matching different types of native plants to create a unique and personalized landscape. Just remember to give them some space and let them do their thing. Native plants know what they're doing, and they don't need any micromanaging from us mere mortals.
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Create A Rock Garden
Rock gardens are a beautiful and low-maintenance way to add interest to your home office landscape. By using rocks of different sizes and colors, you can create a visually appealing focal point that doesn't require any watering. It's like having a pet rock that never dies, except way cooler and way less creepy.
And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even intersperse your rock garden with some succulents or other drought-tolerant plants. It's like adding a little spice to your rock garden, like a jalapeno popper but without the calories.
But let's not forget the real star of the show here - the rocks. Rocks come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, just like people. And just like people, they have their own unique personalities. Some rocks are smooth and round, like a well-polished politician. Others are jagged and sharp, like a stubborn coworker who just won't let it go.
So when choosing the rocks for your home office rock garden, think about what kind of personalities you want to surround yourself with. Do you want a bunch of smooth talkers, or some rough and tough rebels? It's your rock garden, so you get to decide.
Use Mulch
Mulch is a great way to conserve water in your home office landscape. By applying a layer of mulch around your plants, you can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce water loss through evaporation. You can also use rock drainage landscaping or rain chain drainage to control water flow and direction. Plus, mulch can help suppress weeds, which means less time spent on maintenance and more time spent on work.
Consider A Rain Barrel
If you live in an area that receives occasional rainfall, consider installing a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater for use in your home office landscape (aka rain water harvesting). This can be a great way to supplement your watering needs without tapping into the municipal water supply.
Go Forth!
By incorporating these tips into your home office landscape design, you can create a beautiful and environmentally friendly workspace that reflects your personal style and helps conserve water resources. With these tips, you can transform your home office landscape into a lush oasis that'll make all your coworkers jealous. Plus, you'll be doing your part to save the planet by conserving water resources - you'll practically be a superhero.
So don't be afraid to unleash your inner landscape designer and let your personal style shine. Maybe you're a succulent lover with a penchant for pastels, or maybe you're more of a native plant enthusiast with a wild side. Whatever your vibe, there's a drought-tolerant option out there that'll make your home office bloom.
And let's not forget the environmental benefits. By embracing the power of drought-tolerant landscaping, you'll be like a knight in shining armor, fighting against water waste and excessive maintenance. You'll be saving water one plant at a time, and that's something to be proud of.
So go forth, my eco-warriors, and let your home office thrive! With a little creativity and some green thumb action, you can create a workspace that's both beautiful and environmentally friendly. And who knows, maybe one day you'll even get a medal for it.
Related:
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
