You know me, I love getting my hands dirty and exploring new ways to connect with nature. This past weekend, I decided to take my air plants, Tillandsias, on an unusual outing: a trip to the lake beach! I know, it sounds a bit quirky, but I was curious to see how they’d react to a different environment.
Air plants are pretty amazing because they don’t need soil. They absorb nutrients and moisture from the air through specialized structures on their leaves called trichomes. This makes them quite adaptable, but I’d never really tested that adaptability outside my home.
So, on Saturday, August 4th, 2025, I packed a small basket with a few of my favorite air plants and headed to the lakeshore. I found a nice spot on the sand, a little away from the direct sun but where they could still catch some bright, diffused light. I also made sure they were shielded from any strong winds.
The first thing I noticed was how much they seemed to perk up. The natural humidity from the lake air felt different from the air in my house. It was a gentle, moist breeze that seemed to invigorate them. I misted them lightly with fresh water – always important for air plants – and they just seemed to soak it all in.
I left them there for a couple of hours. While I enjoyed the sun and the sound of the waves, I kept an eye on them. They weren’t getting scorched, and the moisture in the air was clearly beneficial. It felt like a spa day for my plants!
When it was time to go, they looked fantastic. The leaves seemed a bit greener, and they stood up a little straighter. It was a small experiment, but it definitely showed me how different environments can impact plant health. They truly seemed to enjoy the natural moisture and the fresh air.
This little adventure got me thinking about how we can creatively interact with our plants and appreciate them in new ways. It doesn’t always have to be about the garden beds or the potting soil. Sometimes, it’s about taking them out into the world and seeing how they respond. It’s a reminder that plants are living things that benefit from diverse conditions, just like us.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own plants! Maybe it’s a different spot in your home, or perhaps a brief outing to a park or a balcony. You might be surprised at what they — and you — discover. Let’s get our hands dirty, or in this case, sandy!