House Jungle: Turn Your Home Into a Plant-Filled Paradise

What happens when an illustrator writes a houseplant book? You get House Jungle: Turn Your Home Into a Plant-Filled Paradise by Annie Dornan-Smith—a visually appealing, easy-to-follow guide for creating a lush indoor garden.

A Book for Plant Lovers

House Jungle is a charming, concise book that gets straight to the heart of filling your home with thriving houseplants. With playful graphics and clear, minimal text, the book offers a delightful lesson in transforming your indoor space into a plant paradise.

Inspiration Behind House Jungle

Dornan-Smith, who began the book as a university project, is both a devoted plant enthusiast and illustrator. “I’m a bit of a crazy-plant-lady,” she shares, “and I wanted to create something more accessible and playful than some of the old, boring care guides that haven’t changed since the ’70s.”

For Gardeners of All Levels

Designed for both beginner and experienced gardeners, House Jungle covers the many benefits of houseplants, such as their air-purifying qualities, and guides readers on essential tools for indoor plant care. It also emphasizes choosing houseplants suited to specific home environments.

Importance of Light and Orientation

The book covers the unique microclimates created by your home’s orientation. For example, windows facing west provide a different environment than those facing south. This information is especially valuable for understanding your plants’ lighting needs and helps readers select plants that will thrive in their specific spaces.

Plant Galleries and Tips for Success

House Jungle includes illustrated galleries featuring a variety of plants, including ones that are resilient and forgiving of occasional neglect. This section makes it easy to choose houseplants suited to your lifestyle and environment. Dornan-Smith encourages readers, stating, “People think houseplants are difficult to care for, but all it really takes is a little knowledge of what the plant needs.”

A Rewarding Journey

For Dornan-Smith, the joy of indoor gardening lies in seeing something you care for thrive. “Seeing a new leaf or flower never stops being exciting and rewarding,” she says. With a little dedication and knowledge, House Jungle helps readers bring life and beauty into their homes.