Herald - Issue 389

4th June 2020 • The HERALD • Page 29 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v Contact Nick 07825 662955 or 023 8017 3186 (office) • Local Domestic and Commercial Tree Surgeons • Hedging work • Tree reductions • Thinning • Tree dismantles • Arboricultural reports and Surveys • Fencing Free no obligation quotation, and free advice E: enquiries@langleyarb.com W: www.langleyarb.com | DOWN THE GARDEN PATH | For All Your Gardening Needs General Garden Maintenance Overgrown Gardens Cleared Existing Garden Makeovers Areas Re-designed and Re-planted Hard Features Created Garden Coaching Lawn Care and Turfing Fencing Erected and Repaired Contact Paul on 07794 122065 Working From Home: The Benefits of Houseplants Haskins has centres in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone and Snowhill in West Sussex. For more information visit www.haskins.co.uk With a signi cant increase in the number of people working from home, in response to the current Government-enforced lockdown, Haskins Garden Centres wanted to share the extraordinary health bene ts of houseplants and how they can improve your workspace at home. It is unknown how long we will be working from our makeshi home o ces, therefore, it is worth investing time to add a little greenery to your setting. Not only will this make your desk a colourful, more peaceful and engaging place, it is also the perfect way to bring nature into your home and the multitude of health and wellbeing bene ts associated with houseplants. e 3 main bene ts of houseplants are as follows: 1. Boost concentration levels and productivity . Researchers from the University of Exeter in 2014 found that plants can increase productivity by 15 per cent. e scientists suggested that a green o ce increases employees’ work engagement by making them more physically, cognitively and emotionally involved in their work. 2. Alleviate stress and anxiety . Many of us are under a lot of pressure at work, and given the current uncertainty, this is likely to be ampli ed. Research has shown plants in the home can reduce tension by almost 40 per cent, because they remind us of the outdoors, nature, and a slower pace of life, which is instantly calming. An additional study conducted by Washington State University in 1996 made workers complete timed computer tasks in rooms with and without plants. When the plants were present, the participants were more productive, less stressed and had lower blood pressure. 3. Improve air quality . According to a NASA study from 1989, plants can help clean the air. Scientists identi ed 107 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the Skylab space station which were contributing to poor health. Houseplants also help to make the air in the home less toxic by purifying the air and eliminating any toxins. Homes can be full of airborne pollutants, with carpets, paint and even people harbouring toxins. Houseplants are versatile and can be used in most rooms within your home. Our low maintenance houseplant recommendations for your desk are: Devil’s Ivy . Fantastic trailing plant that performs well in a hanging pot or on a high shelf. Prefers in-direct light conditions and liberal watering in spring and summer. Cacti. Really easy to care for, these architectural plants love light and occasional watering. Dracaena (Dragon Tree). rives in a warm room in light shade near an east or west facing window. Spathiphyllum (Peace Lilly). A great air puri er, this distinctive popular plant thrives if kept damp and away from direct sunlight. Can also tolerate lower light levels. Zamioculas (ZZ Plant). Whether it’s a bright lounge or shady hallway, this plant is a great focal point and will thrive on neglect. Just remember to water it occasionally.