If you’re keen to add more plants to your home or garden but worry about keeping them alive, you’re definitely not alone. Many people love the idea of gardening but feel put off by past failures or a lack of confidence. The good news? Gardening doesn’t have to be complicated, and success often starts with choosing the right plants. Some plants are naturally more forgiving than others. They cope well with missed waterings, changing temperatures, and the occasional bit of neglect — making them perfect for beginners or anyone wanting low-maintenance greenery. Here are some reliable favourites that are easy to care for and happy to grow with minimal fuss. Snake Plant (Sansevieria) The snake plant is often considered one of the toughest houseplants you can buy. With its upright, architectural leaves, it works well in almost any room, from bright living spaces to darker corners. It prefers bright, indirect light but will happily tolerate low light too. Water sparingly, allowing the compost to dry out between waterings. Why it’s great for beginners: This plant thrives on being left alone. Overwatering is the only real risk, so it’s ideal if you’re prone to forgetting. Spider Plant Spider plants are cheerful, fast-growing houseplants that look great on shelves, windowsills, or in hanging pots. Their arching green-and-white leaves add instant interest, and mature plants produce ‘babies’ that dangle from long stems. These baby plants can be snipped off and potted up, making spider plants a lovely option for sharing with friends and family. Why it’s great for beginners: Spider plants are very expressive — pale leaves usually mean they’re thirsty — and they recover quickly once watered. Peace Lily If you’re looking for something a little more elegant, peace lilies are a great choice. Their glossy green leaves and white flowers brighten indoor spaces and suit bedrooms, living rooms, and offices. Peace lilies prefer consistent moisture but will clearly droop when they need water, making it easy to know when to act. Why it’s great for beginners: They clearly tell you what they need and bounce back quickly once watered. Hardy Geraniums (Cranesbill) For outdoor spaces, hardy geraniums are one of the most reliable plants you can grow. These long-lived perennials come back year after year, producing flowers from late spring through summer. They’re suitable for borders, containers, and even tricky areas where other plants struggle. Why they’re great for beginners: Hardy geraniums cope with a wide range of soils and conditions and require very little maintenance once established. Lavender Lavender is a classic garden favourite, loved for its scent, soft foliage, and ability to attract bees and butterflies. It thrives in sunny, free-draining spots and is ideal for borders, pots, and pathways. Lavender prefers poor soil and minimal watering, making it perfect for gardeners who don’t want to fuss. Why it’s great for beginners: As long as it has sunshine and good drainage, lavender is remarkably resilient. A few simple tips for success Always check the light levels where your plant will live before buying Avoid overwatering — it’s the most common cause of plant problems Start small and build confidence as you go Final thoughts Gardening is a learning process, and even experienced gardeners lose the odd plant. Choosing forgiving plants helps build confidence and makes gardening far more enjoyable. With the right plants in the right place, you’ll be surprised how easy it can be to grow something you love. Visit us in store for advice, inspiration and everything you need to get growing!