Beginning of Spring
In honor of the beginning of spring and Mother Nature's reawakening, I'd like to focus on one of life's small pleasures that can actually bring us a lot of satisfaction: houseplants. As an avid gardener, I love plants both inside and outside. There’s something pleasing and comforting about them maybe because they are living organisms!
In addition to the obvious aesthetics plants bring to a decor, it turns out that they have numerous other benefits. The Chinese have long believed that houseplants generate positive energy within a space and modern scientific studies support the value of having plants in homes, offices and environments, such as hospitals and schools.
It seems there are many gains to having plants. Firstly, they take in the air around them and actual remove some of the airborne toxins and replenish the environment with oxygen. Peace lilies, bamboo, palms, and spider plants are thought to be especially effective at clearing the air of unpleasant toxic chemicals. In addition, studies have shown that plants also have a positive physiological effect on us, by providing relief from anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and adding to an overall sense of wellbeing.
Plants in school and work environments have been credited for boosting productivity, shortening reaction time, increasing spatial perceptions, and building concentration. Students who study with plants nearby are more likely to be in regular attendance, while people who work in offices surrounded by plants seem to enjoy their jobs more than employees who work in more sterile environments.
Personally, I think the nicest thing about plants is the simple fact of having these living, green organisms growing in my home and office. I hope you are also enjoying the calming and pleasant benefits of plants in the areas you frequent. But if you haven't been exercising your green thumb, maybe it's time to get your hands a little dirty! And while you're at it, take a look at what's going on with Mother Nature as spring kicks in!