Ed Hume's Green Thumb Garden Series, Vol. 1: Plants That Purify the Air

There's plenty of evidence now that our houses can make us sick (and I'm not talking about mortgage payments, broken down water heaters, or rising property taxes). Chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene are commonly found around modern homes, and with better insulation, these chemicals just don't dissipate as well as they used to when the front door was just a flapping buffalo skin. Enter Mr. Garden Man, Ed Hume. Viewers will learn which plants absorb which chemicals, and even about a couple environmentally correct jewels that bag all three noxious compounds (bamboo palm and peace lily). In addition to pointing out the best plants, Hume demonstrates watering, feeding, lighting, and repotting techniques, and offers advice on insect control. Many of these plants have the added benefit of being low maintenance: my peace lily, for example, looks just as fresh and vibrant now as it did when I picked it up at Eagle Hardware two hours ago. Plants That Purify the Air is a relatively low-budget production, technically speaking (and the grammar police should issue a citation for the segment about vacations entitled "while your away"), but Hume is a polished presenter who knows his subject cold and does a good job. Recommended. Other titles in the series are: Garden Recipes and Remedies, The Secrets of Proper Rose Care, and How to Attract Mason Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds. (R. Pitman)