6 Autumn Flowers You'll Fall For

Photo by Fabien Lebre on Unsplash

We did it! We survived the summer heat, and autumn has arrived. What better way to welcome the season than with a collection of flowers made just for fall? Here at Holistic Spaces, we're big fans of bringing flowers inside, no matter what the season, and these flower choices can keep bright color going in your spaces long after summer's sun fades. 

Aster

These blooms are actually perennial, so when spring and summer flowers begin to droop, they'll just be getting started. Aster flowers resemble both daises (thus the alternate name Michaelmas daisies) and stars (or starworts) and are available in a variety of colors from white to red to purple to blue and many colors in between. In the language of flowers, aster blooms symbolize patience, which we can all use during this stressful season!

If you're aiming to grow these indoors, pay close attention to the type you purchase, as some can grow up to eight feet! Otherwise, just make sure to give your aster full sun, regular moisture and quick-draining soil. 

Goldenrod

Actually a part of the Aster family, these little flowers have gotten a bad rap as allergens. As it turns out, ragweed is actually the hay fever culprit, which means these pretty yellow flowers are welcome in your holistic space, especially since they symbolize careful encouragement. In fact, if you're growing indoors, the Little Lemon goldenrod is a great choice! Be sure to give these beauties a decent amount of sun and plant in well-drained soil. Or just select a few stems for a pretty bouquet!

Helenium

Helenium may just be the perfect flower to bring all the brilliant colors of autumn into your home, since it blooms in bright yellow, orange and deep red. It symbolizes tears in the language of flowers, but remember that life is about balance, so it's ok to have a few sad things in your space too. Just be careful when growing this beauty indoors, as the plant itself can be irritating to the skin. Take care for the first few days to wear protective gloves, then give this plant time and regular water and watch it bloom. 

Chrysanthemums

These popular blooms are a token symbol of the arrival of fall and can add a welcome splash of color to cooler months. They're also the favorite flower of Chogyam Trungpa and symbolize truth and love in the language of flowers, as well as yang energy and good luck in Chinese culture. Chrysanthemums are amazing as bouquet flowers, as they can last for up to three weeks in a vase, but you can also grow them for a few weeks indoors with good, bright light during the day and frequent watering. Just take care not to place them near a security light at night, as this can throw off their cycle!

Cyclamen

These perennials bloom during fall in vibrant colors with heart-shaped leaves and signify timid hope. Generally, cyclamen buds enjoy cooler temperatures, but if your apartment's heat is an issue, look for a tropical variety that can handle higher temps. Nourish this plant with a well-drained pot and regular watering, in a tray, only when the soil is dry to the touch, and enjoy their beauty through the fall and winter!

Dahlias

These stunning blooms are best in August and September and blossom in an incredible variety of colors, making them perfect for adding life to your indoor spaces. They also symbolize dignity in the language of flowers! Give these flowers plenty of sunlight and drainage, water them when dry and take care to water them at the base. If you're growing indoors, opt for a dwarf variety or just add a few cuttings to an autumn vase!

Fall flowers run the gauntlet, so these are just a few of your options for bringing some nature indoors during the cooler season. Let us know if you've got a favorite autumn flower we left out!

by Anjie Cho 


If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

12 of the Best Feng Shui Plants for Positive Energy

Potted green plants on wooden chest with books and plant artwork

Photo by Prudence Earl on Unsplash

Anjie Cho was featured on Homes and Gardens

With feng shui plants you can welcome positive energy into your home, as well as enjoying the beauty of these living accessories. 

We have all gone a bit mad for house plants in the past few years, especially with our homes becoming spaces to work as well as live and relax. There are many benefits to adding indoor plants to rooms in your home, not least that they can soften and enhance the look of a space. But have you also considered that through careful choice and placement of feng shui plants for specific spaces in the house, you can improve the flow of positive energy in your life?

'In feng shui we seek to improve the flow of Chi which is our vital life force energy. Living green plants represent the wood element, which is said to cultivate human hardiness, flexibility, healing and growth. So not only can you bring these qualities into your life and home by adding plants, but by bringing in the element of nature into your interior space you will have more harmony between your inner environment and outer environment,' explains Anjie Cho, New York based interior architect, feng shui advisor and author of Holistic Spaces, 108 ways to create a Mindful and Peaceful Home.

.…read full article


If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

this is the alt text

Understanding Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Photo and design by Anjie Cho Architect PLLC

First things first, indoor air quality (IAQ) is precisely what it sounds like: the measure of the quality of air inside a building or other structure meant for occupation. It is widely known that our planet suffers from a significant amount of pollution, but this pollution isn't limited to the air we breathe outside our homes. In fact, studies show that the air we breathe inside our homes and other buildings, where we spend most of our time, can be anywhere from two to five times as toxic as outdoor air due to a variety of chemicals included in paint, cleaning agents, etc. 

From a feng shui perspective, indoor air quality affects the energy flow in your home. You want the most positive and supportive qi around you to support your health and livelihood.

Since, as I mentioned, humans spend the majority of our time inside, it is extremely important that we improve the condition of our IAQ. Poor IAQ can lead to many negative side effects including nose bleeds, asthma, upper respiratory irritation and much more. In addition to physical ailments, polluted IAQ can be very costly, whether in company terms, where it can cost in the form of employee compensation and negative publicity, or on a more personal level, which can lead to increased medical bills and purchasing of excessive products to eliminate symptoms. 

Fortunately, as with most environmentally unfriendly issues, there are ways to reduce the level of harmful substances in your indoor air and increase the quality of the air your family breathes. 

One of the easiest ways to increase your IAQ is by monitoring the chemicals that are used, and subsequently released into the air, in your home. Rather than using commercial, toxic cleaning supplies, try switching to non-toxic, DIY cleaning agents, as they provide a much cleaner, safer air quality for your home's inhabitants. Oh, and they're easier on the wallet. 

Another easy way to control the quality of your home's air is by ensuring that atmospheric conditions are optimal for human living, not life of micro-organisms. Keep humidity in the home between 30% and 50% by taking steps like venting your dryer outside your home, using a humidifier or air conditioner in the home and taking care not to overwater houseplants

Taking time to ensure your home is properly cleaned and free of dust particles and other tiny organisms will also help with controlling the amount of allergens in your family's indoor air. Mop often with just water or non-toxic soap to ensure that dust doesn't settle on hard floors, and vacuum on softer floors. Clear your indoor space by opening windows and letting in fresh air, and instead of harmful chemical air fresheners, try the naturally refreshing scent of lemon or other citrus peels (like orange, feng shui's favorite!). 

IAQ is becoming increasingly important as we face growing danger due to pollutants in our atmosphere. Bettering and maintaining a high quality for your family's home is as easy as changing a few patterns and trying new things. You have nothing to lose, except for allergens and ailments!

by Anjie Cho


If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com