Houseplants in your home and office may be the best housecleaners money can buy. According to a study by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, the following houseplants help get rid of common household toxins. As the article I read, goes on to say, toxins like benzene ( found in detergents, rubber, inks and paints), formaldehyde (used in particle board and grocery bags), and trichloroethylene (used in varnishes, adhesives and paints) are prevelent in our homes. Dosen't that make you wonder what more pollution can our bodies endure. I am ready to open the windows and air out my house.

Scientists have been telling us for years that pollution can be found almost anywhere, inside and outside. The following 15 houseplants can help purify and filter indoor air,  according to NASA scientist Bill Wolverton:

1. Areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
2. Lady palm (Rhapis spp.)
3. Bamboo palm or reed palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
4. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
5. 'Janet Craig' dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig')
6. English ivy (Hedera helix)
7. Dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelenii), xylene
8. 'Alii' ficus (Ficus macleilandii 'Alii')
9. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis')
10. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
11. Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana')
12. Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
13. Kimberley Queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
14. Florist's mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
15. Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

I am sure that almost all of you have at least one of these plants in your home. Most of the plants listed can be placed outdoors in the summer on either a porch, patio or used as a backdrop for annuals. Just make sure they have a hole in the bottom for drainage and try to keep them on raised bricks or plant stand, so they are not directly on the ground.

The Garden Lady, Carol Gras