Happy Plant Haven

Sometime in late 2024, as the cold months settled in, the world outside began to slow down. The days became shorter and the nights became longer. The trees shed their leaves, perennials retreat beneath the soil, and even the most resilient houseplants (and those with ‘easy care’ under their description) pause their growth. It’s nature’s way of conserving energy—of waiting for the right time to flourish again.

I haven’t always felt admiration for this phase of plant life. I’ve seen myself almost accept that I just have a black thumb. I’ve grown to appreciate this quiet resilience, but this year, I felt it more than ever. I was not used to the shorter and colder days… which made everything feel almost too still. It seemed as if the plants in my care mirrored my own energy, resting in a season where movement felt harder, growth felt slowed, and motivation relented.

But in all this, I learned something crucial: dormancy does not mean stagnation. Even in their quietest moments, my plants and garden are preparing. Their roots stretch beneath the surface, to store energy for the season ahead. Buds form from bulbs, hidden but full of promise. They may not be blooming yet, but they are far from lifeless.

Perhaps we’re alike in that regard.

This past winter has been a new experience for me—not just as a gardener, or “plant mom” per se, but as someone learning to cherish the natural rhythms of rest and renewal. Instead of resisting the slower pace, I’ve been studying, planning, preparing,  but most importantly, resting. I’ve taken the time to learn more about the plants I care for, the soil that nourishes them, and the ways I can help them (and myself) thrive when the sun returns.

Spring will come—it always does. And when it does, I’ll be here and I’ll be ready. Not just to grow plants, but to grow alongside them.

Even in dormancy, we are preparing for something beautiful. So here’s to this journey of patience, learning, and quiet strength.

What do you do during your dormant phase? Let me know!

For more content, be sure to follow my Instagram: @HappyPlantHaven