Spring is the time to think about your garden. This year, why not introduce a few plants that can help around the house? The specimens below aren't just pretty green faces. Each one can help keep your home safer or healthier.
ALOE Aloe vera
A sun-loving
evergreen with spiky yellow-orange flowers
Uses:
The ‘jelly’ in the aloe leaves can soothe burns, itches and dry skin.
BAMBOO
Bambuseae
A fast-growing
grass with a hollow woody stem
Uses:
This versatile wonder can be used as a privacy fence. Harvested, the wood can be used for
construction or ornamental crafts.
Pro Tip: The young shoots of the bamboo plant are key
to many Chinese dishes.
LAVENDER
Lavandula
angustifolia
An herbaceous bush
with fragrant purple wands
Uses:
Attract helpful insects, repels rabbits, can be used in cooking. The smell of lavender is lovely, and is used
both as a cosmetic scent and a treatment to reduce stress.
Fun Fact:
Queen Victoria drank lavender tea to
ease her headaches.
LEMONGRASS
Cymbopogan nardus
A graceful
ornamental grass with a pleasant smell
Uses:
Mosquito-repelling citronella oils come from this plant. It also lends a citrusy flavor when used as a
spice.
Pro Tip:
Rub the leaves on your clothing to keep bugs at bay.
SPEARMINT
Mentha spicata
A plucky, fragrant
green herb with spiky leaves
Uses:
Repels mice, and leaves can settle some stomachaches. An oil cultivated from the plant give off a
pleasant smell.
Pro Tip: Add bourbon, sugar and water for the
traditional mint julep.
SPIDER PLANT
Chlorophytum
comosum
A favorite and
hardy houseplant, with cascading runners
Uses:
Can help filter out carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and other gases.
Fun Fact:
NASA researched spider plants to help filter air on the Space Station.
SUNFLOWER
Helianthus annuus
A garden favorite
with a tall stem and large bright yellow blooms
Uses:
The flower makes for beautiful home décor, and the seed can be roasted and
eaten.
Pro Tip:
Plant sunflowers to help draw away insects from more delicate plants nearby.
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