Plants and Greenery Archives - Corporate Plants & Seasonal Decor

March 17, 2024March 18, 2024

Landscaping Vs. Plantscaping

While both concern plants, the differences between landscaping and plantscaping are profound and very different areas of expertise.

“Our exterior looks great, but our interior plants are dead, again. What gives?”

We hear it time and time again – companies hiring landscapers to maintain their interior plants. From a non-horticulturist’s perspective, it may seem unnecessary to engage two separate vendors in caring for their greenery. Plants are plants – they need water, sunlight, some trimming, and fertilization, right?

This is shockingly not true, as landscaping and plantscaping are two different areas of expertise. The differences in landscaping (which usually requires a shovel to dig directly into the ground) and plantscaping (any interior, and exterior in freestanding containers) are subtle, yet crucial. From installation to maintenance, several key factors will determine the lushness and longevity of your interior garth.

Differences in Landscapes and Plantscapes

Planters, Design Style & Plant Selection

Selecting the right plant and container for the right space can be tricky. In some cases, the goal is to have plants accentuate the existing design, and in other cases, the plants ARE the design. In addition to taking the desired foliage theme into consideration (ex. tropical, desert, Mediterranean, Japanese Zen, woodland, among many others), plantscape designers weigh a variety of interior conditions. While factors like sunlight and airflow are both important to consider in landscaping and plantscaping, there are a few more considerations to take into account when planting indoors. Details such as frequency of use of the space, amount of humidity, location and direction of central air vents, and the risk of undesired elements (such as diet coke or cigarette butts…) are extremely important and often overlooked by landscapers.

Planting & Installation

While exterior plants are direct-planted either into the ground, or directly into their freestanding containers, interior plants are kept in their grow pots, protected with plant saucers, and secured in their container to prevent them from falling over during maintenance (or being bumped into). This process is a critical step to ensuring plants have the proper drainage and can breathe correctly, thus setting them up for long-term success. The positioning in their containers is also carefully determined, so plantscape technicians can access and check on all parts of the plants at all times. It also allows for quick, easy and mess-free fixes or replacements.

Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance

Watering. Assuming drainage is set up correctly, exterior plants should not easilty be overwatered (since we can’t control the rain!), yet the best way to kill an interior plant is by overwatering. Interior foliage requires careful control over the amount of water, process in which it is applied (ex. Directly into soil, misting the leaves or into the plant saucer) and often even the type of water (ex. too much fluoride in the H2O can turn plant tips brown).

Pest Control. Plantscape technicians are trained to look for plant pests, which, to an untrained eye, can be hard to spot. The method of addressing unwelcome critters varies significantly between interior and exterior plants and using the right methods and products is key. Spraying pesticides that leave a lingering smell can be highly unappealing for us humans, while systemic and chemical pesticides must be used with caution, as humans, birds and other animals can spread the toxicity throughout the environment.

Cleaning. Thanks to the wind and rain, we don’t see many exterior plants requiring frequent rub-downs, but interior plants sure do! Like everything indoors, plants are exposed to dust mites, hair and skin cells, thus requiring frequent cleaning. Lack of proper cleansing can affect their ability to pull oxygen and sunlight through their leaves and down to their roots.

Soil, Fertilization, Grow Pot Sizes and Trimming. Just because it looks and smells like soil, doesn’t mean it’s the right type for the job. Certain plants need a unique soil blend (sometimes they prefer setting their roots into lava rock!), and require various fertilization schedules. Furthermore, depending on the plant and the aesthetic goals, interior plants may need to be re-potted into larger (or sometimes, smaller), grow pots to control their development, and each plant has their own preferences for how they are trimmed. For instance, some prefer to be cut by the nodes, and others at the base, while others would rather be handled by sharp sheers.

When to call an Interior Plantscape Company

While it may be overkill to greet a plantscape technician every week to maintain a single snake plant, thresholds do exist. Here are a few tell-tale signs on when to call the interior professionals:

If you have five or more indoor plants.

Though some dependencies (ex. the types and sizes of plants) may weigh into this equation, paying one vendor to maintain the interior plants and another to handle the exterior landscape will not only keep replacement costs down (or non-existent), but ensure the ongoing vibrancy of your interior foliage.

If looks matter.

If your venue is known for its aesthetics, better not risk it. Interior plantscape technicians are trained to care not only for the vibrancy and health of the plant, but ensure the containers and surrounding area is clean and free of debris.

If you want to clear your mental space of the plant headache.

It’s not rocket science, but it is plantscape science. Unless you have someone with the time, skill and desire to learn the ins and outs of planting, watering, trimming, fertilizing, proper pest control for all the plants in your space, and/or you want to take dead plants off your list of burdens, it may be time to make the call.

March 15, 2024March 18, 2024

Incorporating Greenery into Events

Greenery has become a tremendously popular way to warm or convert a venue into a unique and memorable experience. Whether it be a subtle centerpiece or an all-out transformation of a space, foliage has the capability to create a unique and captivating experience.

When to Use Greenery in your Event

When sustainability is a value or focus.
Over the years, greenery and foliage have become synonymous with environmental advocacy, serving as a visual clue for sustainability. With today’s accelerated decline of our planet’s health, environmental factors are constantly on the radar, even if not directly addressed.

When you want attendees to feel relaxed and welcome.
Plants are proven to have a calming effect making guests feel welcomed, inspired to spend more time and money and let their creative juices flow. Exposure to nature, even in the form of indoor plants, has been associated with improved mood and reduced stress.

When you need a visually appealing divider or barrier.
Yes, you could use fencing or stanchions, but when visual aesthetics are on the line, plants can serve as a gorgeous separator in keeping guests out of an area, or creating a desired flow. From a green wall to a grouping of variously sized plants and containers, a divider with foliage can even serve as a breathtaking photo moment.

When hiding or covering un-appealing elements.
How do you hide the cords leading up to the speakers, or the ugly metal standing holding up your projector screen? Why, plants, of course! Lush palms can cover a wide area, and artificial plants have the added benefit of conforming to any position to cover all eye sores.

When you’re on a budget.
Greenery can be significantly less expensive than alternatives, such as flowers or custom fabrications. Furthermore, mixing live and artificial foliage into matching or coordinating containers have an even further profound positive impact on your wallet, while making it nearly impossible for guests to decipher which plants are rooted in soil.

Types of Greenery Decor

Entry Arches

We all want that “wow” factor. Whether it be a 2-D arch or an elaborate entry tunnel, an appealing entry is an excellent way to kickstart any event with a unique experience and photo opportunity.

Centerpieces

Green centerpiece options are limitless. From succulent gardens, to table foliage in interesting containers, to trailing plants (on the table or trailing down from a tall container), a centerpiece can be dressed up or down with unique containers, uncommon plants and an assortment of top dressing options.

Photo Opportunities

The best way to share an experience with friends, family and social media is via a photo, and every event needs at least one area appointed for visual sharing. Foliage can either accentuate the desired look, or become the focal point of the Instagrammable moment.

Stage/Forum Backdrops

It’s more pleasant to listen to a speaker when they are surrounded by natural beauty, and that charm can be achieved with greenery and foliage. From a single plant on each side to a grouping in assorted container heights, nothing promotes joy and focus as a soothing environment.

Throughout the Event Space

What about those boring, undecorated corners or blank walls? The opportunity to add greenery accents throughout your venue is limitless! The ease with which a blank corner can be converted into an unforgettable snapshot is breathtaking.

Those Space dividers!

Why use stanchions when the same result can be achieved with a few plants? Not only have your guest flow goals been achieved, but we’ve now enhanced the visual appeal of a space – and even created a photo moment!

January 5, 2024January 5, 2024

Our Firm Stance on Decorations

We firmly believe decorations, in and of themselves, don’t matter. When people are on their deathbeds, they won’t reminisce on the purple arrangement at their go-to brunch spot or the majestic holiday tree at their favorite hotel.

What they will remember is how they FELT.

A beautifully decorated space makes people feel special. It helps foster interpersonal connections, helps people relax, distinguishes one year from another, and makes guests want to spend more money and return, time and time again.

We aren’t in the decorating business. We are in the business of building memories.

July 10, 2023July 11, 2023

Moss and Green Walls. And Why You need One.

There is no better way to provide a welcoming environment to any venue, office, hotel, or home, than with greenery, and moss walls are becoming the newest trend, with right reason! Enchantment has compiled a list of benefits for green walls – here’s what you need to know.

Enhanced aesthetics. Greenery of all kinds, potted plants (live and artificial), moss walls and plant walls,, bring a touch of nature indoors, to provide a visual, pleasing and calming effect. Dull, unattractive areas can be brought to life and gorgeous carefully architected spaces can be further enhanced with the right greenery.

Stress Reduction and Well-Being. Greenery has been proven to have a positive impact on human well-being. On a wellness level, moss and green walls create a connection to nature, reduce stress levels, enhance mood. On a commercial level, they increase revenue, occupancy and retention and can positively impact employee productivity by up to 15%.

Noise Reduction. Moss and green walls have the ability to absorb and reduce noise levels. The Noise Reduction Coefficients ratings (from 0 to 1, with 0 signifying a product absorbs no sound and 1 as absorbing all sound), rates reindeer moss walls at 0.9, making them one of the best noise absorbers around.

Improved air quality. In certain indoor spaces, moss and green walls act as natural air filters, removing pollutants and toxins from the air and releasing clean oxygen.

Space Optimization. Vertical gardens allow for the efficient use of space, especially in lobbies or heavily occupied spaces. They bring the greenery and natural feel without taking away any floorspace.

Low Maintenance Requirements. Unlike living plants, that require continuous maintenance, once established, moss walls virtually no upkeep when untouched.

Design Statements. Moss walls can be used as a branding opportunities or simply to add a touch of elegance. The moss can be put together in a way where it builds an image, adds colors, or simply add an element of green design. Moss walls can be built in variously sized, shaped and colored frames, or directly onto a building’s wall.