Make your own indoor garden How to fill your home with low maintenance greenery

This concise A to Z--like guide is geared toward those whose relationships with plants are 1) non-existent, 2) based on "black thumb" myths, and/or 3) founded in cognitive dissonance. Though little upfront mention of these issues is made in Durber's first book, each recommendation includes a subconscious theme, whether addressing the most common problems outright (i.e., too much/too little water, wrong light level, too many caretakers) or promoting the goodness of green living things (for example, a reference to a 1989 NASA study about the best plants to remove chemicals from the environment). Durber's emphasis is on easy care, with a dozen or so species highly touted, such as the snake, pothos, Monstera, and spider plants. Next come the how-tos for plant propagating, making terrariums, displaying and taking care of air plants, even designating the appropriate greenery for different rooms in the house (for the most part, forget the bathroom, unless the plant's exposed to sunlight at least a few hours daily). True plant connections could start here.

Many people have become fascinated with houseplants over the past year, and Sarah Durber, owner of a British plant shop, has easy pointers for would-be plant owners, or those who need troubleshooting for the plants they already have. Writing for the complete novice who wants attractive, low-maintenance house plants, Durber starts with practical advice about specific plants for beginners, then gives more detailed instructions, with special focus on succulents and cacti. She also has tips for displaying plants attractively, including instructions for building plant displays, like open and closed terrariums and moss balls. The book concludes with information about plants and well-being, including plants that help clean the air. Her low-stress approach makes even the more advanced propagation section accessible for beginners. VERDICT A useful resource for anyone who wants a photo-ready plant display, particularly if they need help with getting started or plant maintenance.--Margaret Heller, Loyola Univ. Chicago Libs.