"What if the outside of the club looked like the inside? With couches and music and all that. But then, on the inside, it looks like the street. You know, cars and signs. So basically, the outside is the inside, and the inside is the outside."
- Doug Butabi, Night at the Roxbury, 1998
Indoor to Outdoor
We all know here in the Pacific Northwest that summer really and truly starts in July. As we patiently wait for the warm weather to grace us in the month of June, it is now the perfect time and opportunity to plan your indoor-to-outdoor transition.
(If you are a new plant mom or plant dad, it's a beautiful time to learn all about your new plants in an outdoor setting).
You may wonder, "What the heck is an inside-to-outside transition?" We have the answers; whether you're looking to create a tranquil space for rest and relaxation or a vibrant space for entertaining, there are plenty of options. Read on for plants, tips, tricks, and inspiration to turn your outdoor space into the ultimate vacation spot!
Not all of us have a celebrity picturesque, featured home; however, we want to make our outdoor space cozy, inviting, and inspiring to our guests or even just ourselves.
Architectural Digest states that starting the process is simple; you don't have to spend much money, work with what you have and build out from there.
"You don't have to start entirely from scratch when designing your backyard landscape. Think about elements you already have. Got a shady nook? Brainstorm how you can make it the most useful backyard space for you. A hammock and a small walkway can transform an empty spot into a retreat for a cool afternoon slumber".
-Architectural Digest
The Why
You're not alone if you're wondering why putting your indoor plants outdoors is a good idea. Here are a few reasons why taking your plants outside is an excellent idea for the summer;
If you want to see your plants thrive, taking them outdoors for the summer will expose them to more natural light and fresh air, which can help them grow stronger and healthier. Plus, it'll give them a change of scenery and a chance to enjoy the great outdoors just like we humans do.
Something to keep in mind, however, is that it's essential to be mindful of the potential challenges, such as high temperatures and cold weather (Look for our plant list below on which plants won't get sunburnt). If you live in a state where the temperature drops after the summer months, you'll need to take extra precautions to protect your plants (aka take them indoors). With all that in mind and some research and preparation, you can successfully transition your indoor plants to the great outdoors.
The How
You only need a few simple tweaks to transform your outdoor space into a vibrant, lush atmosphere that will transport you to a beautiful island getaway. Add colorful plants and flowers to your patio or backyard, like hibiscus or bird of paradise. These vibrant blooms will add a pop of color and create a tropical vibe that's hard to resist.
Next, consider adding outdoor lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance. You can use string lights, lanterns, tiki torches, or even a flamingo to create a relaxing atmosphere perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding after a long day.
Finally, incorporate some tropical-inspired decor, like woven rattan furniture, bright patterned cushions, and decorative accents like seashells or driftwood. With a bit of creativity, you can turn your outdoor space into a tropical oasis you'll never want to leave!
(Look for our Patio Planters + Future How-To Blogs Coming Soon!)
The What (Plants)
Hardy Plants that are Summer Ready:
Don't worry and fret if you have no idea what plants can survive outside during the summer, and no, you don't need to buy fake plants to make this work either; we've got the list.
MAIN/SHOW STOPPERS
-Cat Palm
-Fan Palm
-Robillini Palm
-White Bird
FOR THAT EXTRA POP OF COLOR
-Crotons
-Ferns
-Hibiscus
-Snake Plants
(Look out for our Summer Survivalists Blog, coming soon!)
Just Say No To Faux
Creating a tropical feel at home is nothing to stress about and should be an adventure. Patio plants ad a beautiful look and feel to your outdoor scene and gets you one step to your vacation oasis in your own backyard.
The beautiful thing about patio planters is that nature handles the heaviest lifting. Heat, light, and water are all present outside. While you may have to tweak plant locations and monitor the watering, this is typically a lot less work than managing a houseplant.
The sooner you start this new habit, the sooner you will learn what you like and what performs well for you. Have fun, be creative, get out there, and plant!
Sources
McLaughlin, Katherine."" Backyard Ideas That Will Keep You Outside All Summer Long"" Architectural Digest, Architectural Digest, 26 May 2022, https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/backyard-landscaping-ideas.
""The Outside Is the inside, and the inside Is the Outside"" Yarn, https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/c0cc4544-470e-4c61-aba2-e441399706d2.
Where are the instructions for how to care for this plant. It nothing has told me what kind of light or water it needs