How to bring garden ideas inside this winter

Warm summer days in the garden need not be a fond memory. Here are some practical ways to bring the outdoors inside that will sharpen your green thumb, stir up your creativity and transform your home.

Indoor hammock

A hammock has the ability to transform any space into a relaxing retreat. Depending on your space, look for one on a stand, a hammock chair, or suspend one from the ceiling. Not only stylish, a hammock is also a flexible furniture solution.

For apartment dwellers who live with limited floor space, a hammock suspended from the ceiling makes the perfect alternative to a sofa.

Like a couch, a hammock can become a room’s focal point. Look for versions in crochet, macrame or canvas in a neutral colour that can be styled in different ways.

“Create a base in the form of a large squishy cushion or throw,” says designer Rebecca Johnson. “Then add a second layer, of say, two small cushions in different fabrics or a lighter throw in a contrasting colour. The key is mixing differing sizes and a good mix of patterns.

“For cohesion, ensure there are at least two or three consistent colours in your prints, otherwise it can look super-messy.”

Green wall

Move aside pot plants, nothing brings a room to life like a living green wall. It also adds an unexpected element of greenery and makes a memorable design statement.

But unlike a potted plant, a green wall requires planning, maintenance and logistics. “It should be fixed against a solid waterproof wall with plumbing and drainage points, as well as artificial lighting like Halide or LED technology,” says Johan Hodgson from Ambius Indoor Plants.

Look for species like Scindapsus Aureus, Peperomia, Syngonium, and Kangaroo Paw Fern, and put in place a considered care program.

“It’s important to remember that a built-in green wall is like a puppy – you can’t just install it and hope it will care for itself,” he says. “You need to feed it with fertiliser, remove the spent leaves, treat for pests, and replace spent plants from time to time.”

Indoor picnic table

There’s a reason the outdoor table is so versatile. Offering plenty of spontaneous seating for a gathering of any size, they are also easy to style up for more glamorous get-togethers.

Keep au natural with a raw or stained finish, or for a more elegant twist transform it with a slick of white, grey or black paint.

Pull up rustic benches, workers’ stools, log stumps, deckchairs, or a selection of mismatched vintage seating. Add to your garden-vibe by stringing up festoon lighting, lanterns and seasonal branches from the flower market.

Herb garden

Imagine having your herbs, sprouts and microgreens in the kitchen at arm’s length – you can. Herbs like coriander, chives, mint and thyme are ideal for growing indoors.

Begin with good quality plants in the form of seedlings, and either leave them in their own containers, or place in decorative planters or large pots that provide plenty of room for growth.

Ensure there is a saucer underneath for capturing water so your plants can drain properly. Feed using a good quality potting mix, and for an extra boost of vitality give them a dose of liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks.

Be sure to place them outdoors every now and then, and harvest leaves regularly. Simply trimming them will help encourage thicker growth.

While herbs like water, be careful not to overwater them, which can be a cause of mildew and root rot.

Plants naturally gravitate towards sunlight, so place yours on the windowsill or nearby where they can catch plenty of rays, rotating them regularly for even growth.