Let your décor grow on you
2008-06-18
In summer, nature is revealed in all its beauty. Just because we live in the city or in a restricted space is no reason for us to be deprived. Here are a few hints on how to create your own oasis.
Let your health flourish too
Plants are much more than decorative ornaments. It’s been proven
1 that they have many beneficial effects on physical and mental health. In addition to the pleasurable way they stimulate the senses, plants also remove pollution and humidify ambient air. They also serve as a buffer against sound and reverberations, and have a calming effect that lowers stress and increases the capacity to concentrate and be productive. When you’re cultivating plants, you’re also cultivating patience, creativity, optimism and self-esteem.
Let good advice take root
There are plants for every type of space and area. After having chosen the locations that are ripe for «greening», make sure to note the geographical orientation, the strength and duration of sunlight, the level of humidity and the exposure to wind. All this information is important in making the right choice of vegetation. To maximize your chances of success and satisfaction, go to a gardening centre where a specialist can advise you about easy-to-maintain plants that are best suited to your circumstances, as well as what accessories you might need.
Let your creativity come into bloom
To get off to a good start, ask for plant cuttings from friends and family. All you need to provide is a pot, and what’s more, you’ll have a resource person to talk to should you run into any trouble. Complete your arrangements according to your taste and budget. Pots, flower boxes,hanging planters. Flowers, green plants, vegetables and fine herbs. Inside, outside, on the balcony or the balustrade…The possibilities are endless. Adding colour means adding life!
The horticultural service of the SHDM
The SHDM wants to offer tenants high-quality, agreeable living spaces. That’s why, every year, our horticultural teams create landscape arrangements for a large number of our buildings. However, our «green team» can’t take care of daily maintenance. These common spaces are there for your well-being and are an extension of your dwelling: your participation in weeding, watering and general maintenance is greatly appreciated. It’s also a good reason to get outdoors and enjoy all its benefits. But be warned: the great outdoors can be addictive!
Don’t vegetate – cultivate
So you’ve got a green thumb and an idea or two about landscape arrangements for your building? And you’ve got the time and energy to help with its upkeep? Get in touch with one of our horticulturists at 514-380-SHDM (7436). You can also put in a request for a small plot of land in one of the City of Montreal’s many communal gardens. Certain boroughs even offer small gardens accessible to people with limited mobility. For more information, visit the City of Montreal’s portal and look under the Vie de quartier section of your borough.
A few precautions
Make sure you don’t hinder traffic on fire escape routes and adjoining balconies. And attach all your fixtures solidly: if they fall, civil responsibility falls on you. And take care when watering your plants: you don’t want to give neighbours an unwanted shower.
For more on this subject, please refer to paragraph 7of Building Rules in the Additional Clauses and SHDM Building Rules of your lease.
1. Brethour C, Watson G, et al. Revue de la littérature sur les bienfaits des produits de l’horticulture ornementale sur la santé et l’environnement. Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada. www.fihoq.qc.ca/bienfaits_horticulture_fihoq_07.pdf [Consulté le 10 juin 2008].
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