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Aspidistra elatior Well-known for its toughness and durability , the aspidistra was given its common name of castiron plant by the Victorians . they valued its ability to tolerate gas , a recent introduction to homes that killed many other indoor plants grown at the time. With the current fashion for some of the older styles of interior furnishing and decoration , the aspidistra is enjoying a moderate comeback in popularity . it makes an ideal subject for less well-lit positions , although the key to presenting and displaying the plant well lies in finding the right type of container or pot . for a little more color the variegated form , A.e variegate, can be grown , but this plant requires more light to promote the variegation. Common name : cast-iron plant Plant type:foliage plant with some what loose untidy habit Season of interest: all year around Size :30-60cm (12-24in) Flower: uninteresting, purple, at base of plant in late summer Leaf: broad

The aucuba is a good example of an indoor/outdoor plant . it can be grown for two to three years inside before it becomes too large and unmanageable as a houseplant , and then planted outside in the garden . if the plant is to be taken outside during the autumn and winter months , it may first need to be hardened off. If possible. it is better to move it outside in the spring or summer  when there is little or no danger of frosts. As an indoor plant the Aucuba is a fairly tough subject which can tolerate fairly cool and draughty positions such as beside front or back doors or in porches. the attractive , variegated foliage makes it suitable for display either on its own or as part of a mixed grouping . Common name: Japanese Laurel , Gold-dust plant or Tree Plant type: foliage plant with loose , bushy , erect habit Season of interest: All year round Flower: small, uninteresting , purple-red, produced in summer, occasionally followed by red berries Leaf: glossy green, ova

An extremely tough and resilient plant with a pleasing, symmetrical habit of growth. Great care should be taken with the agave as the barbed edges of the leaves and needle-sharp tips can be very dangerous. Ensure that it is placed well away from where people could brush against the leaves , and wear gardening gloves (and even goggles) when tending to the plant . for potting and other activities it is advisable to wrap the agave with news paper for safety . The common name for century plant refers to the age at which it was once though to flower. Although this is not true, the plant does not put forth its greenish yellow flowers for a long time, after flowering, the agave will die, but not before it has produced several offsets, which can be removed and propagated. Common name: century plant Plant type: Succulent with erect rosette Season of interest: all year around Size: 30-100 cm (12-39in) (can grow larger) Flower: Greenish-yellow on flower spike, rarely produce

Many  gardeners make their own potting soil to ensure a proper mixture of ingredients and to save money. Those new to gardening often make the mistake of using garden soil in plant containers. Although some elements of outdoor soil can benefit potted plants, potting soil must contain ingredients that promote nutrient absorption and water retention. Homemade potting soil is easy to mix and promotes health in most plant types Instructions: 1 Buy horticultural vermiculite at a garden or home improvement store. Vermiculite is a common ingredient in potting soil because it significantly improves aeration. The mineral also promotes moisture retention which results in better absorption of nutrients and healthier plant growth. Horticultural vermiculite is non-toxic, sterile and odorless. 2 Purchase shredded peat moss. Peat moss is harvested from bogs full of decomposed sphagnum moss. Adding shredded peat to all-purpose potting soil promotes a healthy combination of water and