Selecting a plant should always begin with an honest assessment of your living space rather than decorative impulse. We look at light, space, watering routine, and household companions to find plants a normal home can keep.
LightSpaceTimeCompany
Where will it stand?
Natural light dictates plant survival. A south-facing sill receives intense full sun suited to our Kitchen herb trio or potted Olive trees. An east or west window provides bright indirect daylight where Peace lilies settle comfortably. Shaded courtyards, north-facing balconies, or damp bathroom shelves suit our Hardy fern trio, which prefers to stay away from harsh direct rays. Always observe how natural sunlight moves across your space before making a choice.
Full sun
6+ hoursHerbs, olive, lavender
Bright, indirect
East or west windowPeace lily
Shade
Under 3 hoursHardy ferns
How wide can it grow?
Check both the initial container size and the mature spread of each specimen. A twenty-five centimetre Winter heather bowl remains neat and compact on a doorstep or small terrace table. In contrast, Panicle hydrangea ‘Limelight’ grows to 1.5 metres high and wide, requiring open ground or a substantial container. Every bench label on Alder Lane states mature dimensions clearly so your plants never outgrow their designated space.
Doorstep or table
25 cm bowlHeather
Border or large pot
1.5 m × 1.5 mHydrangea
Patio
1.2 mOlive, 10 L
How often will you water?
Watering routines must match your actual schedule. If you tend to water once a week, perennials like Lavender ‘Hidcote’ and shrubs like Hydrangea flourish under that cadence. If you travel frequently, our ten-litre Olive trees only require watering every ten days once established. If you enjoy daily attentiveness, ferns require compost kept consistently moist, making them rewarding companions for gardeners who check soil moisture regularly.
Every 10 days
Olive tree
Weekly
LavenderHydrangeaPeace lily
Keep moist
Hardy ferns
Who else lives there?
Always consider children and pets before selecting house plants. While ferns, culinary herbs, and lavender are entirely non-toxic, our Peace lily is not pet-safe and must be kept away from chewing animals. If you have questions about specific toxicity or light levels, bring a photo of your room or garden to our plant clinic on Saturdays between 10:00 and 13:00 to discuss options with our nursery team.
Pet-safe
FernsHerbsLavender
Not pet-safe
Peace lily
Ask us
Bring a photoSaturdays 10:00 – 13:00
Bring a photo
Plant clinic every Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00. Bring a photo of the room, balcony or border, and Amara Okoye will talk through what will settle there.
Saturdays 10:00 – 13:00Free
