Winter has a way of sneaking into the bones, doesn’t it?

There’s something about grey skies, wet socks, and the sun setting just after tea that makes me crave warmth in every corner of our home. And over the years, I’ve found that filling our winter spaces with living plants and comforting scents has been more than just aesthetic — it’s become a survival tool for the season.

This might sound silly to someone who’s never thought twice about indoor air, but once you’ve spent winter in a closed-up house (windows sealed, heaters cranked), you start to realise something important: your air is stale, your mood is low, and everything just feels… dry. Not just your skin — but your energy, your mind, and sometimes, your spirit.

That’s when I started leaning more into what I call our “winter wellness rhythm.” And it starts with two of the simplest things: plants and diffusers.

The Plants Are Not Just Decoration

In summer, our garden is where everything happens — food, fun, healing. But in winter, when the outdoor beds slow down, I bring the green inside. And the impact is instant.

Plants like snake plant, pothos, ferns, rosemary, and peace lilies become quiet, loyal companions on our windowsills, bookshelves, and even the bathroom counter. These little guys do so much behind the scenes:

• They clean the air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen (especially helpful when we’ve got the fireplace going).

• They add humidity — a huge deal when the heater is sucking every drop of moisture out of the room.

• They make things feel alive. A pot of green on a cold morning is a reminder that growth is still happening — even slowly, even in winter.

More than that, my plants have become little check-in points during the day. A quick water, a snip of dead leaves, a gentle rearrange. Small acts that anchor me in the moment.

And Then There’s the Diffuser…

Let me tell you — I was a candle girl for years. But something about essential oils in a diffuser just hits different in winter.
When the mornings are thick with chill and everyone’s noses are starting to sniffle, I fill the diffuser with a blend of eucalyptus, rosemary, and a drop of peppermint. Within minutes, the whole room feels lighter. Breathing feels easier. It’s like a little forest has moved into our hallway.

Some days I’ll go for lavender and orange in the evening to wind us all down. Or tea tree and lemon to give the house a clean, fresh vibe without ever lifting a mop. It’s amazing how scent can shift a mood — or reset a chaotic day.

And bonus? The diffuser adds a bit of gentle moisture back into the air. No more cracked lips or dry throats from the heater running all night.

The Simple Things Ground Us

We do a lot here at VanZylStead — we grow our own food, raise chickens, run a household that prioritises slow, seasonal living. But it’s not always big changes that have the biggest impact. Sometimes, it’s a pothos on the windowsill and a diffuser humming beside your tea that remind you to slow down, breathe deeply, and be present.

I love how my kids now stop to smell the oils or ask if they can “mist the plants.” These small rituals are teaching them that care and connection can happen in quiet, simple ways. And they remind me that just because the garden outside is resting, doesn’t mean the nurturing stops.

So, if your house is feeling a little flat this winter — bring in a plant. Or three. Put a diffuser on and fill it with something that lifts you. It won’t solve everything, but it’ll soften the season in the most beautiful way.

And really, in the heart of winter, that’s more than enough.

Stay warm Friens

Tash & Family

 

If you’re ready to bring some green magic into your home this winter, go find your perfect indoor plant at www.wildemporium.co.za — they’ve got the leafy friends your space (and soul) will thank you for!