As part of its Green Up Your Home campaign, award-winning Perrywood Garden Centre is hoping to boost concentration, improve air quality and reduce stress levels by visiting local schools in the area and providing them with free houseplants.

The health benefits of houseplants, from Peace Lilies to succulents, are widely known, and Essex garden centre Perrywood is hoping its new campaign will give the classroom environment in local schools a boost.

Throughout October, Perrywood is visiting 10 local primary schools, where children will be able to choose a plant for their classroom. Pupils will also have the opportunity to meet Perrywood’s expert houseplant team and learn about how to look after their houseplants.

Promoting the benefits of houseplants is also a big focus at the centre in Tiptree, Colchester. Perrywood has said it is committed to helping ensure people purchase the right plant for their home. Team leader of houseplants and bedding departments at Perrywood, Zoe Willis has recently returned from The International Garden Centre Association Study Tour in Canada, where she was able to top up her expansive knowledge of houseplants and is now sharing with staff and customers.

She commented: “Our main focus of the classroom tour is to give pupils the chance to learn about houseplants and give them the opportunity to benefit from what they bring to an indoor space. We’ve had a fantastic response from the children, teachers and parents and it’s wonderful to see the youngsters get excited about their new houseplants.”

Throughout October, Zoe Willis will also be running a houseplant hashtag challenge on Instagram. Details of how to participate can be found on Instagram (@perrywoodhouseplants @zoeshouseofhouseplants) and the winner will receive a prize bundle including a selection of stunning houseplants and accessories.

Read more about the nation's increasing love of houseplants and the mindfulness trend in our Glee review in the October 13 issue of DIY Week.