Research shows that plants present in an environment reduce human aggressive tendencies and have calming effects. The result is added efficiency and effectiveness. Rates of absenteeism and illness fall when plants enhance the work place. Sharing common interests in plants helps community cohesion and diminishes sectional rivalries. The costs of well planned and planted environments are minimal compared with the benefits derived. Plants have an enormously beneficial impact on human psychological welfare and mental health.

This conference will highlight outcomes from current research demonstrating the benefi ts derived from human association with plants. Internationally recognised authorities in this subject will present their findings and indicate how the beneficial effects of plants may be increased, encouraged and maximised. Using plants in human environments requires effective interior and exterior landscape planning and management. attendees This is a ‘must attend’ meeting for business and industry executives interested in using plants to improve staff performance, for planners and politicians involved with enhancing national effectiveness, for horticultural, biological and medical scientists and teachers engaged in maximising human health and welfare benefits and for media representatives wishing to spread information and knowledge of the achievements and opportunities available.