Want real fresh air? - Jun 06, 2011
Today when people want to freshen up the air in their houses they spray air fresheners. These are no more than manufactured perfumes and they are making the air in your house more toxic rather than fresh.
There is a machine that was made by nature to remove the toxins from the air and these whisper quiet machines are called plants.
Indoor plants are making a come back in the interior decorating magazines because everything from the 80's is back in fashion. But this time indoor plants are being used not just for their beauty. Scientists have discovered that indoor plants remove the toxins that are given off by the paints and plastics that are in your house.
We are being poisoned by the everyday products that we all take for granted.
Indoor plants intercept pollutants such as Carbon dioxide, Nitrous oxide and Methane. Indoor plants give off oxygen making you more alert and productive. Indoor plants generally make people feel happier and less stressed.
Have you ever met a horticulturist that wasn't happy?
The good news is most indoor plants are easy to grow. They require very little water and even less food so they are cheaper to own than a dog or a cat. If they get sick you don't have to take them to the vet and sell your house to pay the bill.
Indoor plants are cheap to buy and self watering pots are available that make looking after them even easier.
Put your indoor plants in bright light but not direct sun or the leaves will get burnt. Water them when the leaves begin to droop.
Fertilise them when you can see new growth appearing in the warmer months.
Look after them because they are looking after you!
Tim Pickles is a CNP horticulturist and director of Tim's Garden Centre 2 Queen St Campbelltown 46267022