Haskins Garden Centre has partnered with Waggy Tails Rescue to donate animal-friendly houseplants to the charity.

Jane Storey and Sue Webster from Waggy Tails Rescue visited Haskins in Ferndown on Monday January 28 to meet with Marc Etheridge, assistant general manager of the Ferndown garden centre, and to collect a variety of houseplants.

Haskins’ donation will benefit staff members and the four-legged residents at the rescue centre in Canford Magna. Waggy Tails chose from the following animal-friendly houseplants:

• Areca Palm
• Boston Fern
• Phlebodium Fern
• Spider Plant
• Maranta / Calathea
• Tradescantia
• Bromeliads

Marc Etheridge, assistant general manager at Haskins in Ferndown, commented: “When you have animals, keeping them safe is a top priority. We have pulled together our recommendations for a plant-filled home that’s safe for cats and dogs and hope that this collaboration with Waggy Tails Rescue will help spread awareness of the benefits of animal-friendly houseplants.”

Houseplants help to make the air in the home less toxic by purifying the air and eliminating any volatile organic compounds. Studies also show that humans are generally happier when surrounded by a plant. Homes can be full of airborne pollutants, with carpets, paint and even people harbouring toxins - especially in the winter months, when windows are closed to the cold air outside and central heating is ramped up indoors.

Sue Webster, office manager at Waggy Tails Rescue, added: “We are so grateful to Haskins for donating plants to the Sanctuary. We will be placing them in the dog social areas, such as the training room, day room and outside the cabins where we have suitable shelving.”

Waggy Tails Rescue is a registered charity that rehomes dogs within East Dorset and West Hampshire, as well as looking for sponsorship and foster homes. Haskins Garden Centre is located in Ferndown, Dorset. Visit www.haskins.co.uk for more information.