Welcome to Wednesday’s Words! There are many reasons that we have Indoor plants in our home and office. We have learned that there are lots of health benefits. Science shows that having plants inside helps to clean the air. They pull toxins out of the air and give off Oxygen. Studies have shown that having two good sized plants in a 100 square feet area helps to purify the air and add some humidity.
Plants also have the benefits of reducing stress, boosting our mood and making us happier. A great way to beat the winter blues is to bring some green plants or flowering plants into our home or office. The green colors of nature actually help to lower anxiety and calm us. Plants can be used for aromatherapy such as the calming effects of lavender or for medicinal purposes like the gel inside the leaves of an aloe plant to heal burns. I know I keep my Aloe in the kitchen window along with my Herbs that can be used year round for cooking, as well as for curing specific health issues such as peppermint for digestion.
Pet Friendly Plants
As we bring these plants into our homes we want to make sure we are making safe choices for our furry friends. Ferns, Spider plants, Bromeliads, Tillandsia Air plants and African Violets are great options as these plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Some cats like having their own little pot of wheat grass to chew on as it helps with their digestion and then they may be less likely to seek out your other household plants. Check with your local florist to see what pet friendly plants that they have in stock.
History of Indoor Houseplants
One of the earliest records of houseplants goes back to the fabled “Hanging Gardens of Babylon.” An indoor garden constructed by King Nebuchadnezzar for his Queen. We can trace the history of potted plants all the way back to the Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations as many wealthy citizens displayed potted plants in their courtyards.
In ancient China miniature potted trees became an artistic style by the way the plants were maintained in wooden containers. The Japanese style of Bonsai, which means “planted in a container'', appeared around 1200AD even though it was influenced by the Ancient Chinese art style.
During the Renaissance the trend was for owning an “Orangery” or greenhouse. This greenhouse usually homed citrus trees so that the fruit could be harvested in the winter. A wonderful Orangery to visit that is local can be found at Tower Hill Botanical Gardens in Bolton, Ma.
Interior Design Trends
Including houseplants as part of interior design is a current trend that has increased in the last 5 year. The plants can be used as decorative additions or they can become a central focus piece. Plant stylists work with interior designers and they collaborate to bring the perfect greenery into any room. They assess all the factors such as light, temperature and humidity to find the perfect plant for the client’s space. Working with your local florist such as the Floral Gallery can help you to choose a house plant, dish garden or even air plant that works for your house or office. Don’t forget to visit with Pepper, the shop cat when you come to visit!
Tags: Indoor plants, pet friendly plants, local Botanical Garden
