Start a Garden

Thinking of starting a garden in your yard?

Here are six great reasons!

1. Stress-Relief and Improved Self-Esteem
2. Heart Health and Reduce the Risk of Stroke
3. Improve Hand Strength and Dexterity
4. Improve Brain Health and Reduce Alzheimer's
5. Immune Regulation
6. Reduce Depression and Improve Mental Health

Read more at the Eartheasy Blog.

Why should you garden?

• Gardening improves the look of your yard.
• Growing your own plants reduces the amount of pesticides in your fruits and veggies.
• Kids eat more fruits and veggies if they help grow them.
• Gardens foster a sense of community.

Learn more at Extension.

Mother Earth News has tons of information on sustainable gardening.  Check it out!

Using Plants to Improve the Air in Your House

During the winter months, the air in your house doesn't circulate or filter as well as the warmer months when you can leave your windows open.

Try adding a few of these plants to energize, beautify, and remove toxins from your home:

• Azaleas
• English Ivy
• Peace Lily
• Bamboo Palm
• Chinese Evergreen
• Aloe Vera
• Pelargonium
• Spider Plan
• Rubber Plant
• Snake Plant

Check out Collective Evolution for more information on how to improve the air quality in your house.

Mind Body Green has an excellent graphic on the benefits of decorating with low maintenance plants.

Is humidity a problem in your house?  Check out this list of humidity absorbing plants.

Winter blues got your down at work?  Check out these office plants that can boost your productivity.