Exotica :: Papyrus

Mardi 10 Fevrier

« The flowers of spring are winter's dreams related at the breakfast table of the angels ». Sand and Foam by: Gibran Khalil Gibran

It is with open arms that we welcome the spring, where in a matter of weeks, nature is transformed into a farandole of colors and vitality. The April garden has a scent that resembles that of a fresh bouquet. A multitude of trees, shrubs, bulbs, flowers, grasses and more are ready to emit their scents and fragrances.

Two groups that are indeed spectacular this season are trees, for no other obvious reason than their size, and bulbs, for the beauty of their shapes and colors. Choosing a tree however, will be entirely dependent on the amount of space you have. As for the scented bulbs, the richness of their palette will surely astound you.

The time has come to care for your gardens, terraces and balconies. The specialists at Exotica are available to guide you while choosing your plants and flowers as well as give you the proper advice to successfully complete your planting projects. Act now and let your spirits bloom as vividly as the spring flower.

	Springtime is here and so are the promotions! Exotica invites you to discover 2 indoor plants that require little care.
Dracaena Fragrance 1.25 – 1.50m. (39 600 L.L au lieu de 49 500 L.L) Sometimes called a corn plant due to its resemblance to the corn stalk, the Dracaena Fragrans has thick stems that produce long striped leaves, either green or variegated. The leaves arch first towards the top then towards the bottom. It is adaptable to any amount of sunlight and should be watered every 1 to 2 weeks with 2 to 3 glasses of water. Make sure that the soil is completely dry for at least 2 days before watering it again.
Dracaena Marginata 1.50 – 1.75m. (66 000 L.L au lieu de 88 000 L.L) The Dracaena Marginata, also known as the Madagascar dragon tree, is a slow-growing shrub with a very long life and is often confused with the palm. The thin leaves are linear and are a deep glossy green color with red edges. This houseplant likes enough water. It is important that the soil remain humid but without stagnant water in order to not to cause root decay. Most interestingly of all, is that this top notch ‘plant air cleaner’ is able to remove pollutants like formaldehyde from the air!

Spring is probably the busiest season in the garden. Plants are slowly waking up after the long dormant winter and much has piled up and needs to be picked up.

Spring cleaning is in order! Now all you need to decide is where to begin! There is a lot to do and prepare before you can start planting again. Here are a few suggestions that will put you well on your way to once again having the colorful and scented garden that defines springtime.

There are plenty of opportunities to offer flowers. This week, let's celebrate professional assistants without whom the office wouldn't function!

Secretaries, executive assistants; their dedication deserves flowers and more. The rose, queen of the floral kingdom, cultivated since the dawn of time, is certainly the most popular, but numerous little princesses roam around the realm: tulips, buttercups, freesias, arums, wallflowers, anemones, snapdragons...

Trees; protectors of the fauna and flora and infinite sources of health and wellbeing are even more useful than we can imagine.

Taking it upon ourselves to help the environment and planting a tree is the ultimate recourse to ecological destruction. The massive plantation of trees allows us to fight against the many natural threats that are linked to climatic changes, of which the loss of biodiversity and the erosion of soil. Exotica presents you with 3 imposing ornamental conifers.

The bonsai is no ordinary plant.

Before rushing to adopt one of these marvelous little trees, you must remember that they require constant and tender care. The soil should be light and drain well but at the same time retain a minimum of water.

The composts that are available at Exotica are a mix of three essential elements: one element that retains water, one that is inorganic and a third that is organic. Used properly, they will insure optimal health and beauty for your bonsai.

Few are those who do not yet know the classical and aromatic lavender and rosemary plants. But what do we really know about their medicinal, relaxing and stimulating virtues?

Cultivate the lavender and take advantage of its multiple benefits. It is used internally to treat anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, dizziness' and externally to disinfect light wounds. You can also use it to aromatize the surrounding air as well as drawers and closets after it has been dried and crumbled. Oddly enough, and due to its culinary properties, you can also use it to enhance the taste of certain dishes such as fish, sauces, lamb, potatoes, vinaigrettes?

Discover the fascinating world of the bonsai tree.

This exquisite miniaturized tree is a pure expression of oriental philosophy. Although it originated in China some 200 years BC, its near perfection is accredited to the Japanese. Its name literally means "tray planting". Originally the bonsai was an exterior plant that was only brought indoors for special occasions. It was not until the 80's that the big boom for indoor Bonsai's took place, and since then have proved to be the all time plant favorite.

Exotica suggests that you adorn your windows, balconies and terraces with a farandole of colors to celebrate the spring season.

Geraniums, more commonly known as cranesbills, are versatile plants that are perfect for any spot that calls for a splash of vibrant colors. They have a delicate and agreeable scent and are excellent at keeping mosquitoes away. Their roots are very thin and can therefore be planted in smaller pots.

The rose, queen of the floral kingdom

How can we possibly resist the incredible charm of the peony?

It is nearly impossible to remain indifferent towards its overall allure, especially when it carries the name of the unforgettable Sarah Bernhardt, also known as "the divine Sarah".

Exotica presents you with the Paeonia Lactiflora commonly known as the Chinese peony. This odorous flower possesses large embossed petals that are bright pink in color but that fade around the borders into a light silver, pinkish-white shade. Allow yourself to become mesmerized by these superb garden plants with their rustling petals, subtle fragrance and long life span; many of which were commonly used in the early 20th century, and still today, to make perfume.

A crowd of roses

Sea of roses

Magical Roses

Who has not yet heard of the countless healing virtues that the eucalyptus tree has to offer?

Native to Australia, the leaves of this majestic species have a strong and penetrating balsamic and camphor-like odor. They are harvested in the summer, dried, and then distilled so as to extract the essential oil that embraces incredible medicinal attributes.

The eucalyptus has been used for thousands of years. Tasmanian aborigines used it to drain swamps, chase away mosquitoes and reduce fever. As time passed, its usage became more frequent in traditional medicine.

Eucalyptus leaves are well known for their positive effects towards the respiratory system. They also act as a powerful expectorant, antiseptic and antibacterial. If that's not enough, the eucalyptus is highly recommended in phytotherapy (alternative medicine) for treating bronchitis, rheumatism, sinus infections and coughs. There are many different ways to use or intake eucalyptus; decoction, infusion, fumigation, essential oil and even gel caps.

Are you looking to create a French-style garden' Whatever garden you want, whether Zen, English, Oriental, Mediterranean, or simply one that is perched, it is best to call upon a professional. Exotica's competent and creative landscape architects are available year round and are at your disposal. They can undertake any project from conception to realization and maintenance.

What is a landscape architect?

Landscape architecture is an environmental profession and discipline and is the most diversified of the design professions.

Plants: Manual watering or automatic sprinkler systems?

Rain is insufficient, or even inexistent, during the season when plants blossom and need the most water. The necessary quantity of water needed for irrigation care is between 3 to 5 liters per square meter and all new plantations call for immediate watering. Exotica suggests several watering equipments that will come in handy for your garden.

Mazen Safi, agricultural engineer that specializes in plant care, is here to provide you with advice on how to upkeep your rosebushes.

If you intend on staying pleased with your rosebushes, you should protect them from ravagers and diseases. As soon as they reach 10 to 20 cm, it is highly advised that you treat them every 10 to 15 days in order to prevent fungal diseases.