Why houseplants?

Several plants displayed together can create a lively, warm presence in a room. Or just one or two large floor plants will really add some drama. And you can find good, healthy large plants reasonably priced, in the $15-$20 range at your Fred Meyer Garden Center.

Plus, here's an important bonus during the winter when it's hard to let a lot of fresh air into your home… a group of houseplants will help produce fresh oxygen and recycle the air in a room.

"What are some easy houseplants to grow?"
It's a question people ask us all the time, so here are four of our favorites.

• Golden Pothos is one of the best. It has a really thick, waxy leaf that retains moisture well. So it can stand up to lots of traffic around it and requires minimal attention. You'll also like the variegation (leaves having a variety of colors). And by the way, the more light you give a plant with variegated foliage, the more variegated the plant will remain.
• Ivies are also good. They're real easy to train, like in a topiary or a hoop, or maybe even up and around a window.
• Now, some people have a tough time with palms because most require good light. The Neanthe Bella Palm (or Parlor Palm) is probably the best palm for low-light conditions.
• And one of the best large floor plants is the Dracaena Marginata. It has a lot of character and is really easy to grow.

So there you have it… four easy houseplants anyone can grow. Here's to great gardening, indoors and out!