As the cooler months settle in and we spend more time at home, a burst of greenery can brighten up your space and lift your mood.

But if you think you need a big backyard to nurture your green thumb, think again.

Just ask Kate, a resident at Ryman’s Raelene Boyle Village, who’s transformed her apartment into a lush retreat filled with thriving plants and year-round colour.

“House plants bring me so much joy and comfort. I’m always excited when a new bud grows and turns into a beautiful plant or flower,” she says.

One step into her beautiful home and you’re thrown into a colourful oasis of ferns and lilies – the air immediately feels purer.

When it comes to keeping plants healthy and lush, it’s pretty simple really — lots of water and sunlight.

“Because I’m in an apartment and can’t always get rain, I always spray a mist over all the plants — they take moisture through their leaves,” Kate says.

We asked Kate what her five favourite plants were to have inside and outside, no matter the season or the size of your space.

English Box (Outdoor)

English Box is often clipped into all shapes of topiaries. “I love these because they’re evergreen and will tolerate colder temperatures throughout the year really well,” Kate says.

They are suitable for pots and grow well in full sun or part shade with regular watering to keep the soil moist.

“These are very reliable little trees that are perfect blended into any sized space.”

Gardenia (Outdoor)

Gardenia blooms are a soft, creamy white colour with a lovely soft scent.They prefer full sun or part shade with regular watering. “If leaves show yellowing, it is usually caused by a magnesium deficiency — a dose of Epsom Salts will do the trick!”, Kate says.

White Butterfly (Outdoor)

White Butterfly has arrowhead-shaped leaves that create the illusion of butterfly wings. It has creamy white foliage enhanced by hues of green.

“This one looks great outdoors, cascading from a hanging basket,” Kate says.

They thrive in medium dappled sunlight and thorough watering.

Tropic Marianne (Indoor)

Tropic Marianne is an air-purifying plant with large leaves, which are dark around the edges and luminous lime to white in the centre.

“They prefer low indirect light indoors but can also be outdoors in part to full shade in a warm area,” she says.

“Allow soil to partially dry out between watering,” she adds.

Laceleaf (Indoor)

“One of my favourites is the Laceleaf, a tropical plant,” Kate says.It has large glossy deep green heart-shaped leaves with vibrant, waxy red or pink coloured flowers.

“The flowers are stunning when in bloom — unfortunately I’ve only got two at the moment!”

They like good indirect light and prefer watering only when dry to touch.

Kate’s beautiful indoor garden doesn’t go unnoticed - neighbours and friends around the village often stop by with compliments on her lush, green oasis.

If you’re looking for a simple way to brighten your space this winter, creating a thriving indoor garden like Kate’s is a rewarding way to bring a little extra life into your home.