Historical Perspectives
Archeological evidence indicates that a form of indoor gardening was practiced for Oriental royalty about 3000 years ago. True pot gardening probably began in Greece during the fifth century BC, for religious purposes. Container and roof gardening spread from Greece throughout the Mediterranean, and were found in Roman culture 2000 years ago.

The discoveries of America, India and Java, during the European Renaissance, brought back exotic plants for the pleasure of the royalty who sponsored their exploration.

For some time in Western culture, enjoyment of indoor gardens was possible only for the privileged aristocracy. Then the Industrial Revolution created a middle class with both the technology and the financial ability to enjoy similar benefits. Advancing technology now makes the benefits of indoor gardening easier to obtain. Complex indoor gardens are actually possible in ways once only dreamt of by royalty.

Facts

Air Filter
NASA studies have found that a number of indoor plants are able to filter out various common airborne chemicals.

Stressed Out?
Studies by Surrey University, England, found that stress levels were decreased in work areas containing plants.

Plants are Comfort
Studies by Oxford Brookes University, England, found that indoor plants placed in a hospital atrium significantly increased use of the atrium and adjoining snack bar; anxiety decreased; perception of the building improved; with no negative affects.