Question
Hello,

I've been thinking about taking some of the more rustic things that hang out down the end of our country garden and trying to import them into our flat (oh, by the way I'm in France, Europe). Ivy, of course, just loves the idea and I have several on the go quite happily. I've also got a shoot of bramble (blackberry) in a pot in the kitchen and although it's been there a week and is moving I'm not sure how long it's going to tolerate it. I've tried a sloe bush but it died.

Could you suggest some other unsung heroes of the wayside that might stand the strain of city life?
Really I would like, if possible to have a wild, untamed undergrowth patch in my flat. Is that just too crazy an idea?

Thanks for any pointers.

Marc

Answer
Hi Marc,

That is an interesting concept, but not practical. Plants that survive indoors (called houseplants here in the US) almost invariably are tropical in origin. That is because plants native to northern climates must have cold winter temperatures in order to survive. With the exception of your Herdera ivy, I doubt that any plants that are native to your area will survive indoors.

You should also understand that plants that grow outside in the sun require more light than is available indoors, even in a sunny window.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]