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Just because your front door does not lead into a lush lawn or English garden, doesn’t mean that you can’t invite the outdoors in! No patio? No problem! Living in an apartment does not mean you have to live without plants. And don’t worry about a green thumb – there are many beautiful, easy-to-grow plants that can liven up your space. Urban gardening should be a pleasure, not a chore – here are five ideas for gardening indoors.

Flexibility

Choose plants that grow well in a variety of locations, so you’re not trapped into keeping a plant, and therefore your entire décor, in one place. Fill bright windowsills with flowering plants that require lots of sun. Nearby, where it is still bright but out of direct light, add plants with bright or variegated foliage, such as the polka dot plant, where it will develop its best color.  Don’t think those dark corners and dim spaces are out, since so many plants with dark green foliage thrive in these places! Consider a peace lily for both its dark greens and splashes of white petals.

Grouping

Potted plants always carry more charisma and personality when sitting in groups. Using various sizes and colors hint at your personality – maybe you like monochromatic, bright colors, or tall vessels only – so make selecting pots a fun and personal choice. Placing plants in small clusters also raises the humidity in the surrounding air, resulting in healthier plants.

Trees

Small trees are often forgotten when considering indoor plants, but many small trees add character and depth to indoor settings. While flowering trees need long hours of bright sunlight, there are many varieties that can exist in those darker recesses of your apartment. If the tree’s foliage or branches are sturdy enough, they also give you a great spot to add string lighting.

Look up

Invest a few dollars in some ceiling hooks, and you’ve got options to add foliage above eye level. Hanging baskets are a great addition to any indoor setting as they will not take up coveted surface space, and they can trail with both greens and flowers.

Health

Not only does adding plants to your living environment help create mood and personality, but they really do help purify the air you breathe! Scientific studies have shown that plants help filter toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde and benzene – all common toxins in living spaces. Some of the most common house plants you’ll see, lilies, pothos and English ivy, are also some of the easiest to care for!  Just be sure to stay informed about potentially toxic plants, and place those out of reach of children and pets!

Everyone’s favorite green-embellished holiday is approaching quickly, and the Batch Yard is just minutes from some of the biggest Saint Paddy’s Day celebrations in the world. Boston, also known as the Capital of Irish America, offers unmatched festivities for anyone looking to celebrate all weekend up to the 17^th of March.

Full Irish Breakfast at the Burren

247 Elm Street, Somerville MA

Corned beef and cabbage, nonstop live music, and a warm, old world feel, the Burren is the perfect place to get Saint Paddy’s Day started in full Irish fashion. More details about special Saint Patrick’s Day options should be released soon. In the mean time, visit www.burren.com to check out the menu and other information on events, drinks, and music.  On the 17^th, be sure to enjoy a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, of course!

Dropkick Murphy’s at House of Blues

15 Lansdowne Street, Boston MA

Shamrock ‘n’ roll! Boston’s own American Celtic Punk band is performing live from March 12^th to the 15^th at the House of Blues. And yes, there are still tickets available on Stub Hub!

The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

South Boston’s 113^th Saint Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off this year on Sunday, March 15^th at 1pm. The Parade will start at the MBTA stop on West Broadway and will end at Andrew Square. For more information and a look at the parade route, go to www.southbostonparade.org.

Irish Heritage Trail Walking Tour

From March 13^th to the 17^th, for a more educational experience, the Boston Irish Tourism Association is offering guided tours of the Boston Irish Heritage Trail. Beginning at Boston Common, the tour will make stops at the Statue of John F. Kennedy, the Old Boston City Hall, and more! To see the full list of stops and to register online, visit www.irishmassachusetts.com/tours.php.