“We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace.”~ William Ewart Gladstone

Well more of a life quote! I came across this quote researching the Peace lily.

 So I decided to read up on William Ewart Gladstone.  He lived from 1809 to 1889 and was an interesting and influential person during the Victorian era. He is ranked as one of the greatest British Prime ministers and was affectionately called “The People’s William” by his supporters. He is also famous for his oratory, his religiosity and his liberalism. If you would like to learn more about this man you can find a good summery on Wikipedia. I had heard his quote before but knew nothing of the man. I enjoy chasing threads on the internet. I always learn something new that connects bits of history together.

I also learned that NASA did a Clean Air Study in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA). In the study they found certain house plants may provide a natural way of removing toxins from our air or at least help neutralize their effect. The Peace lily is on the list. For additional plants that act as indoor air filters check out Top 10 Houseplants that may Purify Your Indoor Air.

The Peace lily is one of my favorite house plants and I look forward to seeing its beautiful blooms each spring. Mine is about 15 years old and I have done little but water it and give it liquid seaweed now and again. I enjoy its simple elegant flowers and the deep green leaves. It prefers low light and moderate temperatures. I give mine rain water when I remember and filtered water the rest of the time, perhaps once a week when the A/C dries out everything but less in the colder months of winter.

From the Spathiphyllum family, Peace Lilies aren’t true lilies (Liliaceae) and are not toxic unlike true lilies. They grow from rhizomes and are native to the forests of South America. They are closely related to Anthuriums.

 

Peace and Happy Gardening!