This April, Down to Earth Living in Pomona (1040 Route 45) is offering a series of free, hands-on workshops designed to help you get your garden and outdoor spaces ready for the season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, there’s something for everyone—covering topics like pruning, landscape design, veggie gardening, and even a special visit from the Hudson Valley Humane Society. All workshops begin at 1 PM, and no registration is needed—just come by, learn something new, and get inspired! Additional workshops for May will be announced soon, so stay tuned for more spring gardening opportunities.

Workshop Schedule:

• Saturday, April 5 – Pruning with Mike
  Wondering how or when to prune your plants? Mike will demonstrate the best pruning techniques for trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, showing you how to keep them healthy and looking great.

• Sunday, April 6 – Landscape Planning with Stuart
  If you’re planning a new garden or reworking your outdoor space, join Stuart as he discusses how to choose the right garden size, select plants that fit your sun/shade conditions, and blend colors, shapes, and textures for a beautiful yard. He’ll also share tips on using materials to bring your vision to life.

• Saturday, April 26 – Hudson Valley Humane Society Visit
  This isn’t a workshop, but a chance to meet adoptable pets from the Humane Society. Come support a good cause, learn more about pet adoption and care, and maybe even find a new furry friend. This event is great for families and animal lovers.

• Sunday, April 27 – Starting a Veggie Garden with Mary
  Mary will guide you through the basics of starting your own veggie garden, covering everything from picking the best spot and preparing your soil to choosing what to plant and maintaining your garden throughout the season.

About Down to Earth Living: Down to Earth Living is a garden center on 12.5 acres in Rockland County, offering a variety of perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new arrivals every week. Their 10,000-square-foot showroom features a unique selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional outdoor furniture. The center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona. For more information, visit www.dteliving.com or call 845-354-8500.

Indoor plants have become a popular addition to both homes and workplaces, offering much more than just aesthetic value. They provide numerous benefits, ranging from improving air quality to enhancing mental health. Here’s an overview of the positive effects indoor plants can have, backed by scientific research:

1. Better Air Quality: Indoor plants are well-known for their ability to purify the air. Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which refreshes indoor spaces. Research from NASA’s Clean Air Study highlights how plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants can remove harmful pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, which are commonly found in household items like furniture and cleaning products.

2. Improved Mental Health and Productivity: Indoor plants positively influence mental well-being. A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology showed that interacting with plants, like watering or trimming them, can lower stress and promote relaxation. Even in indoor environments, this connection with nature helps create a calming atmosphere that boosts overall well-being. In work settings, plants are linked to a 15% increase in employee productivity, as found in a study published in Environmental Psychology. The presence of greenery helps with focus and job satisfaction, making workplaces more stimulating and motivating.

3. Aesthetic Value: Indoor plants can transform a room, making it more lively and inviting. They soften architectural features, fill empty spaces, and add a natural element to modern interior designs. A survey by the National Gardening Association revealed that many people choose to incorporate indoor plants into their homes or offices mainly for their aesthetic appeal.

4. Health Benefits: Indoor plants can also support physical health by helping maintain optimal humidity levels, reducing issues caused by dry air, such as dry skin, sore throats, and coughs. Additionally, plants can absorb sound and reduce noise, making them especially beneficial in busy homes or open office spaces.

5. Low Maintenance and Easy Accessibility: Many indoor plants are low-maintenance, making them ideal for people with little gardening experience. Plants like pothos, zz plants, and succulents are easy to care for and thrive in various lighting conditions, allowing anyone to enjoy the benefits of indoor plants without needing expert knowledge.

Incorporating indoor plants into your space is a simple yet effective way to enhance both the environment and your well-being. Not only do they purify the air and promote mental and physical health, but they also make your space more aesthetically pleasing. As research continues to confirm their many advantages, it’s clear that indoor plants are a worthwhile addition to any home or office.

Down to Earth, now celebrating its 53rd year, offers a wide range of indoor plants and is expanding its offerings for 2025. Their indoor plant showroom will open on March 13th for the spring season. Located in Pomona, Rockland County, the Down to Earth Living Garden Center spans 12.5 acres and offers a variety of perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new arrivals every week. Their 10,000-square-foot showroom also features a diverse selection of furniture made from teak, aluminum, and all-weather materials. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be found at 1040 Route 45, Pomona. For more information, visit www.dteliving.com or call 845-354-8500.

Sources:

• Wolverton, B. C., NASA Clean Air Study.
• Journal of Physiological Anthropology, Effects of Indoor Plants on Stress Levels.
• Environmental Psychology, Office Plants and Productivity.
• Royal Horticultural Society, Benefits of Indoor Plants.
• National Gardening Association, Indoor Plant Trends Survey.