Christmas Tree Trends for 2020

Are you ever too old to get excited about the Christmas season?  There is something so enchanting about Christmas decorations. The sparkle and glitter that transforms every day spaces into something quite magical.

Personally, I still have to quell the bubble of excitement and anticipation as I go about my commute, and trips to the shops heading into the Christmas season.  Seeing the streets, shop-windows and houses decked out in bright lights lifts the spirits and brings a smile to your face, and of course a Christmas Tree has to be the main attraction, the centre piece for all Christmas related events!

Christmas is a big event for the Planteria team as it’s our job to dress trees for business – from head office atriums and reception areas, to the grandest hotels and the cheeriest of pub chains, and everything in between.  We like to keep our finger on the pulse of what is happening in the world of Christmas Decorating.  Christmas Tree trends, like anything design related, change from year to year.  With this in mind, I caught up with our Christmas Tree Guru, Lucy Sweeney to get the inside information on what’s hot for Christmas Trees for 2020.  Let’s hope it’s not hand-sanitiser filled baubles, or face-mask themed decorations!

Lucy says..

It’s interesting that Christmas tree trends often reflect fashion design with regard to colours and themes, so anything that you have seen as a strong trend on the catwalk or in interior design will be echoed in Christmas trees.  This year that means rose gold is still very popular.  Another twist on this will be rose gold mixed with gun metal grey echoing the grey interior theme which is has pervaded every bit of home furnishing for the last few years.

New for 2020, expect to see mixed metals making a statement. Think of pairing opulent metallics together.  Try out different tones of gold, from old gold to yellow-gold, pale champagne, tungsten grey and silver all mixed together to get this effect.

 

There will however, always be a place for ‘traditional’ trees with a colour palette of red, gold and green. Some 20 years ago when professional tree dressing became an established part of the corporate and hospitality season, all the top London hotels had very traditional trees with the red gold and green palette and lots of tartan ribbon tied on the trees as bows.

More recently, there has also been a movement for some luxury brands to create a unique twist on this and to go for something as different as possible.

For some brands this has included working with guest designers, and even modernist art installation Christmas Tree ‘pieces’ like the silver inflatable Jack Irving Tree at W London or the primary coloured Yinka Ilori ‘Tree’ at the Sanderson.

 

The 00’s saw a move away from tinsel and the lametta, the shiny garlands and strands of metallic plastic.  These items have started to make a resurgence from the wholesalers but are yet to make a return to the corporate sector, thank heavens!  But perhaps you will see more of them in the domestic setting?

Perhaps the biggest change over the years has been with tree lights as they moved from multicoloured, to white, and there are so many options available now. Though classic lights are by far the most sophisticated.

Planteria are ready to help you sprinkle some magic on your workspace this Christmas with 11 different decoration theme options, plus a bespoke decoration offering, as well as choices of Live Nordmann Firs, Replica Trees or Artificial Cone trees.  Whatever look you are going for – we can help deliver a Christmas to remember. See how Christmas tree trends have changed for 2021!

Just pop over to our Christmas page to find out more: https://www.planteriagroup.com/christmas/

 


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Prepare for The New Normal With Illona Hands-Free Sanitiser

As the country’s workforce starts to make its way back to factories, shops and offices throughout the UK, we do so with one overriding question on our minds – what will the ‘new normal’ look like?

Just about every organisation across the country has been affected by the recent Covid-19 outbreak, and whilst it’s true that life around the office won’t return to normal overnight, there’s a lot we can do to make our working environment feel safer and more comfortable for those returning from furlough or from home-working back to the workplace.

Planning Our Workspaces for The New-Normal

So, let’s take a quick look at some of the things we should be thinking about when re-introducing our workforce back into the office.

Cleanliness is Key

Government guidelines advise that workplaces should be cleaned more frequently, paying attention to high-contact objects like door handles and keyboards.  Employers should provide handwashing facilities or hand sanitisers at entry and exit points.

We’ve all become acutely aware of is the number things we touch every day, usually without even realising it. Just think about how many items you might touch during a normal day in the office before you even get to your desk.  Maybe your commute starts on public transport? Then, there are the doors, maybe there’s a turnstile, an elevator button, or did you take the stairs and grab the rail? Did you nip into the coffee shop to pick up some breakfast? Did you pay cash, or tap the buttons on the debit card keypad?

If we then consider that a 2015 study carried out by The National Library of Medicine showed that on average, we touch our faces around 23 times per hour, it’s easy to see why the simple act of regularly sanitising our hands can make such a big difference.

“On average, each of the 26 observed students touched their face 23 times per hour. Of all face touches, 44% (1,024/2,346) involved contact with a mucous membrane, whereas 56% (1,322/2,346) of contacts involved nonmucosal areas.”

Yes, it sounds fairly unpleasant when it’s put in those terms, but it’s the reason why one of the most important messages throughout this pandemic has been for the public to frequently and thoroughly wash their hands.

So, to help reduce the risk of infection in our customer’s offices and workspaces (as well as our own), we’ve developed the Ilona Touch-free Hand Sanitiser Dispenser.

Ilona Touch Free

Employees Should Be Re-Introduced Gradually

This is something that replicates our overall approach to bringing the lockdown to an end; re-opening gradually. The same goes for our office spaces. It’s a good idea to start with a limited number of people, for example those who are unable to work from home.

If you have multiple teams working in the same area, you might want to consider arranging alternate days for them to be in the office. Split team working is also a good idea; this simply means that a percentage of the team works from the office while their counterparts work from home, then they switch.

Think About Your Home-Working Policy

One thing that recent months has taught many of us is that thanks to technology, we have the ability to be just as effective at home as we are in the office. If your team members are able to work from home, then putting a fixed rota in place will help to reduce any potential infection risks, whilst allowing your team to enjoy team work and social interaction again in doses.

Plan Your Workspace with Social Distancing in Mind

One thing’s for certain, we’ll need to change the way we interact with our colleagues at work. This means that people shouldn’t be seated too close together, if you have a hot-desking policy, a fixed desk policy would be more sensible, at least for the short term.

You’ll need to think about how people move around the office too. Using signs and barriers will help people pass each other without getting too close. If you have a lift, it’s a good idea to limit that to 1 or 2 people at a time, or just to those who need it.  If you are re-configuring offices, be creative by adding plants which can be used to mark our separate areas, or incorporated into barriers and cabinet tops, to create a sense of well-being and calm as well as looking beautiful.

Improve the Wellbeing of Your Teams with Plants and PPE packs

Making sure employees feel comfortable about returning to the workplace goes beyond simply making sure their environment is safe. With lockdown taking its toll on many of us, getting back into the outside world can feel pretty daunting. The prospect of using public transport and heading back to the office will be a cause of anxiety for many – that’s where office plants can bring real benefits to your team’s wellbeing.

Office Flowers

It’s currently mandatory that those of us who rely on public transport for our daily commute are required to wear some kind of face-covering while we travel.

Consider having a supply of PPE in the office for teams to use as they need. Planteria offer a ‘Sani-pac’ which contains everything you may need to help keep you safe including 3-ply masks, hand sanitiser for your personal work area, anti bacterial spray and wipes for your desks and keyboards, as well as disposable gloves, and tissues.

Make your office a welcoming, calm and relaxing place to return to, by adding some office plants. Plants are known to produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the air, actually making the air in your workplace cleaner, and are shown to reduce anxiety and fatigue.

So, while it might not sound like much, investing in a few office plants can make all the difference to your team.

Get in touch with us, we are ready to help you create the best return for your team.


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6 Plants That Induce Office Relaxation

Creating a Relaxing Office Oasis

Recent reports have shed light on the growing concern of relax problems affecting a significant portion of the population. While the exact statistics may vary, it’s undeniable that relax-related issues can have far-reaching implications, impacting various aspects of life. The discussion on relaxing, mental health, and physical well-being is now more prominent than ever. We are here to provide relaxing plants that can be incorporated into the office.

office plant relaxation

Relaxing Plants For The Workplace

There are many things that you can do to improve your sleep. You could avoid taking caffeinated products and drinks before bedtime, engage in relaxing activities before bed, and set regular times to encourage good habits, but you could also consider adding some plant life to your bedroom.

Improving your sleep quality can involve several lifestyle adjustments, such as reducing caffeine intake, practicing relaxation techniques, and adhering to a consistent sleep schedule. However, one often overlooked remedy is the introduction of indoor plants to your office, and as experts in indoor plants and corporate flowers, we’re here to help you create a more tranquil workspace.

 

Lavender: The Scent of Serenity

Lavender is renowned for its soothing fragrance, scientifically proven to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. If bedtime anxiety is a common challenge, fresh lavender by your desk might be the answer. Its calming scent and vibrant colour can set the mood for a peaceful night.

Lavender plants thrive with warmth and sunlight, making them an excellent addition to your office’s windowsill. Biophilic design is important to us and the placement of pants in the office is key and needs to work for both plant and office.

(Sansevieria) Snake Plant: Breathing Easier

Air quality can significantly impact your sleep quality. Excessive moisture can elevate humidity levels and contribute to mould and dust mites, causing discomfort. Snake plants excel at oxygenating your office space, improving air quality by removing harmful chemicals like xylene, trichloroethylene, toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde.

Peace Lily: A Humidity Hero

Overly dry air can be as disruptive as excessive humidity. Peace lilies come to the rescue by increasing humidity levels by up to 5%, reducing issues like dry skin, static electricity, and vulnerability to colds. (ApartmentTherapy).

A peace lily will not require much watering or light, so you can keep it right next to your bed without worrying that it has enough resources.

Aloe Vera: A Relaxing Plant Oxygen Supplier

Aloe vera, famous for its soothing properties, produces oxygen during the night, enhancing the office environment. It’s low-maintenance and can be placed next to your desk, soaking in the daylight alongside your lavender.

Happy aloe plant

Areca Palm: The Office Air Purifier

Known for its exceptional air-purifying capabilities, the areca palm removes toxins from the air and acts as a natural humidifier, maintaining optimal air quality while you work.

This plant requires a lot of bright but indirect light. If the light is too harsh, the leaves will turn yellow. Keep your areca palm healthy by keeping the soil moist during the spring and summer, allowing it to dry out between watering in autumn and winter.

English Ivy: A Shield Against Dampness

For offices struggling with dampness, English ivy is a formidable ally. Its sprawling leaves efficiently collect airborne mould, protecting your respiratory health.

Are Relaxing Plants Harmful in the Office?

Contrary to concerns, most indoor plants are not harmful to keep in your office. In fact, they produce oxygen and help maintain healthy air quality. These relaxing plants, far from being harmful, are conducive to a calming and productive work environment.

Discover the benefits of incorporating plants into your workplace. When it comes to stress relief and relaxation in the office, a touch of nature can make all the difference. Transform your workspace into an oasis of serenity with our expertly curated indoor office plant selection.


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Outside Spaces and How to Make the Most of Them

Outside spaces at the workplace can often be forgotten about, but we’re looking to change that.  An outside space can be a place for relaxation, re-energising, and creativity.  We strive to encourage more businesses to incorporate popular biophilic trends by blurring the lines between indoors and out – and we love to discuss the benefits of doing so.

Here, you can learn about some of the best ways to use your outdoors spaces, as well as how to bring a piece of the outdoors into your establishment with indoor office plants.

Flexible Meeting Spaces

If you’re working in close proximity to a park or garden, using this space to hold meetings could prove to be great for morale – especially during warm weather.  Of course, we wouldn’t recommend hosting any meetings that will include information that is confidential to your clients, but taking a break from the office to discuss internal changes, processes or brainstorming will maintain efficiency with time, and may even help your workers to stay productive later into the working day.

 

Informal Lunch Area

Many offices have difficulty keeping their indoor air quality at healthy levels, so encouraging staff to take a break in the outdoors can improve  health and concentration. Particle pollution is known to poorly affect physical and mental health, and indoor spaces are typically ten times worse for this pollution than outdoors. Taking a break from particle pollution can do wonders for the help and headspace of your staff, so if it’s a nice day – why not suggest a picnic? Ideally, if you do have some viable outdoor space at your office, providing table and chairs to create an alfresco area which can be used for eating, taking a coffee break or having an informal meeting is an excellent idea.

Breakout!

Help to boost health and wellbeing, by turning your outdoor space into a useable attractive area for a quick spell outside for formalised lunchtimes. When under duress a break outside can help staff to reset and return with a fresh can-do attitude, whether they’ve just struggled with an intense call with a client or business partner, or a busy morning with back-to-back activity. Plants and nature have plenty of restorative qualities. Your business could easily be enjoying these benefits with minimal cost.  The added benefit of topping up vitamin D levels in the sunshine and taking in the view of green plants will also help to improve immune systems to work optimally and keep your workforce healthier and happier.

Bringing the Outdoors IN

In many cases, a green attractive outdoor space may not be within a lunchtime walking distance of the office.  And you may not be lucky enough to have accessible outdoor space of your own.  In this case, you may be looking to bring aspects of the outdoors into your workspace so that staff and guests can still reap some of the benefits of natural elements and plants.

Looking around your office, you may find some areas that can easily be converted into a green space. Think about you dining area, or communal areas such as locker tops, or break out rooms.  Here are some popular methods that modern businesses use to bring biophilic benefits into their place of work:

Entrances

Often overlooked but integral to the first impressions of your business, the entrance can be a fabulous place to start adding some greenery.  Not only important for your guests, a green entrance will suggest positivity to your workers as they enter and leave your establishment.

There are a number of methods for increasing your kerb-appeal, including window boxes and external green walls, but you might also choose to add an internal moss wall to your lobby area, large and unique planting options by the door, and table posies in waiting areas.

If you’re interested about installing a moss wall or green living wall for your business, we recommend reading our blogs on this topic:

Can I have a Living Wall?

It’s Alive! Buildings with Living Walls

Moss Walls: Q & A

 

Roof

Green roofing is a brilliant idea – looking out for your office window, a green roof nearby brings brilliant rural landscapes a little closer to city-orientated businesses. Our brains respond very positively to colour, and views to nature so the sight of a verdant green roof could prove to be quite inspiring, boosting productivity and creativity.

There may be a group near you that you can help to get involved with green initiatives. A BID (Business Improvement District) will typically group neighbouring businesses in an effort to improve their local working area together, and sometimes, this might include making their views greener by collaboratively installing green roofs.

Balcony and Terraces

Balconies and terraces can be a great place for workers to enjoy a brief respite in the fresh air, but you can bring nature even closer by installing some beautiful window boxes or planters to add to the relaxing vibe and make them visually beautiful.

Could your business be making more of outside spaces, or is it more feasible for you to create some green spaces inside your own office area?  We love all things biophilic and can help you with any green design queries that you might have, so speak to one of our friendly team about your ideas soon.


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Can I have a Living Wall?  And What ‘Green Wall’ alternatives are there?

Without a doubt, living walls look stunning and provide large swathes of real planting from floor to ceiling, creating a real impact…

A living wall can have numerous benefits in business environments; they can help to make staff more productive in the workplace and are equally important in improving the perception of your brand. In this article, you can find out the main points to consider when thinking about a living wall for your space, and why it could be important for your staff or guests.

Green Wall for CTA

Can I have a living wall?

Almost definitely yes! Or at least, the effect that a living wall can give. We create bespoke walls for your requirements, though there will be some spaces more suited to live living walls than others.

A living wall works best in a well-lit space with plenty of room and fresh air circulating. For example, entrance atriums and large reception areas with hard or concrete floors. It is ideal to install them when a building is being constructed so that the irrigation system can be put in and the living wall placed on top. This can also off-set some of the cost, as the wall won’t need plastering and painting.

If you have a carpeted area or a space with lower light levels, such as a restaurant or traditional carpeted office reception, you could consider an artificial living wall instead. These look beautiful and give a very similar effect, creating the same kind of wow factor. For office spaces, moss walls also make an excellent option for giving a high impact finish, they are easy to retrofit and require minimal ongoing maintenance.

Another option to include real, live planting without the commitment and expense of a full living wall, is to opt for live dividers or panels. These are self-contained green modular products and give a great effect. These can be replanted on a regular basis to give a different look and so can be treated like art installations. You can also use them to give seasonal variation to your location…

tall green wall in a clean white entry space

Where is the best location for different types of green walls?

The best type of wall for you will depend on your location and the requirements of the plants you select. For example, some plants need more light than others so if you are planning to place your living wall in a bright and airy reception, you will have lots of options for the type of plants you can use.  For dark areas, you may need a growing light. You can also opt for moss walls or artificial living walls as these are perfect options for many spaces. Moss walls look exquisite when executed by professional plant technicians like Planteria. With lots of colour options and three different types of moss to choose from; bun moss, flat moss or reindeer moss, there are lots of variations to make your wall unique. You can also include your logo or a message and have something bespoke and specific to your company.

Here’s some more reading material on living walls to get you inspired for your new project:

It’s Alive! Buildings with Living Walls

Moss Walls: Q & A

 

What is A living picture and what types of living walls are there?

A living picture is a self-contained piece of art with a frame and a central section of planting. Living pictures look beautiful and can be hung singularly or in groups.  Also available in this type of product are living panels and dividers. These are easy to maintain and a cheaper option than a full-scale living wall. There are lots of options for different types of planting and it can be regularly changed to give different effects throughout the year. If you move offices, you can even take these with you which you can’t do with a traditional built-in living wall.

When would I opt for Moss wall?

We supply sixteen different colours of preserved moss which can be used to beautifully create bespoke walls and even replicate your logo. Most moss is not recommended for use in exterior positions, but for interiors it is easy to manage and control. It is lightweight and fairly straightforward to install, making it ideal for most office environment.

Why would I choose an artificial living wall?

An artificial living wall brings many of the design benefits of a real living wall, with far less maintenance or ongoing costs associated with a real living wall. Obviously, an artificial plant does not grow, and you won’t reap the benefits of the air cleansing and CO2 absorption that you get with real planting. You also need to consider that artificial planting, made from plastics, is not as environmentally friendly as the real deal. However, just like interior furnishings, they last a long time and can be moved with you if you are moving offices, so this should be weighed up in your considerations.

moss wall plants living wall broccoli and cauliflower

Which are best and why?

There is no right answer to this question as whether you opt for a traditional built in living wall with its own Irrigation system, an artificial living wall, a living picture,  panel, divider, or moss wall, will largely depend on your vision for your premises and the constraints of your environment and budget.

When planning in your green wall, you need to ask your plant provider questions like:

  • Is this right for my space?
  • How much will it cost to install?
  • What will the monthly cost of ongoing maintenance be?
  • What possible issues might occur that I need to keep in mind for the future?

Big living wall in reception area biophillia biophilia

If you would like to discuss your location and options to help you decide which is best for you, please get in touch with Planteria group today for a free consultation and quotation service.


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How Flowers Can Lift Your Mood

There has been lots of research carried out to show the impact flowers can have on your mood, attitude and general happiness. Flowers definitely make people happy upon receival, but they are also a brilliant way to lift the mood and atmosphere within a room. But how?
Mood1

Symbolising Growth & Life

Blooming flowers are one of the most natural forms of life, and as they grow, the reproduction cycle is happening.  Flowers represent life; looking at them and being surrounded by them is said to give a feeling of new life, new beginnings and rejuvenation. Many flowers have specific symbolisms in life; cherry blossom shows the transience of life, whereas a light pink rose represents the joy of life and a peach blossom symbolises long life and generosity.

The Gift of Memory           

Not only are flowers a beautiful sight to be surrounded by, but they can also evoke happy memories, therefore lifting us out of bad moods. The colour of a pink lily may remind you of a family member, or a string of gladioli may bring back distant memories of friendship. Certain flowers can convey passion, sympathy and celebration within colours or scents.

Mood2

Reduce Anxiety and Stress

Smelling flowers have been proven to relieve anxiety and reduce stress levels, alleviating mild depression. This is just one of the reasons why aromatherapy is based on floral fragrances, and those relaxing candles in your home are floral scented. Stress is a big problem for many people, and natural remedies such as flowers can certainly help. Flowers such as lavender have shown improvements in short-term memory cases, anxiety relief and have proven great for relaxation.

Healing Qualities

Much like paintings, flowers are a form of natural art and can evoke all kinds of emotions. The combination of certain smells and colours have mental, emotional and sometimes physical healing qualities. Lavender and rose can help with insomnia, depression and anxiety. Sweeter aromas from flowers have shown to improve social behaviours, such as the willingness to help others.

Some flowers such as begonias have been said to have physical healing aspects; when infused in hot water they can eliminate headaches and decrease body toxins. Many plants and flowers are made into a tea to get the best out of the healing qualities.

Mood3

Colour Schemes

Assorted colours can represent certain aspects of life; red represents love, passion and life whereas a yellow bouquet can represent friendship, energy and luminosity. According to researchers at Columbia University, mood tone has a direct correlation with primary and secondary colours. Having the right colour flower arrangement at work or home can make you feel much brighter and happier. Choose orange/yellow shades for happiness, such as tulips, or dahlias. By combining both orange and yellow can create a calming mood, and adding greens can reflect feelings of peace.

The Gift of Giving

Receiving a bouquet of flowers has been proven to be a scientific mood booster. Researchers have noticed that, when giving the gift of flowers or plants, people physically and emotionally show their ‘true smile’, or a ‘Duchenne smile’. The true act of a Duchenne smile produces increased activity in the left temporal of the brain, which is directly linked to positive emotions. So, if you notice someone having a difficult day or a friend who needs a boost, why not give them the gift of flowers.

We can provide you with a stunning – as well as hayfever-friendly and fresh – floral arrangement for your office or business environment, making you and your staff a bunch of happy (and relaxed!) workers. If you would like to know any more about our services and products, please get in touch with a member of our cheerful team!


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Britain’s Most Popular Flowers Including Office & Hospitality Applications

Flowers are a thing of natural beauty. Many of us have personal preferences for which are our favourite. Some flowers are popular because of their unique fragrance, beauty, or sometimes both. With millions of different types, colours, and families of flowers, each with their own unique nature and personality, it makes them special.

Having flowers or plants in the office can transform the workspace into a more inviting and refreshing environment. Consider incorporating the most popular flowers in Britain into your office décor to enhance the overall atmosphere and create a positive impression on clients and employees alike.

With such a variation, what are the most popular flowers in Britain? (more…)


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Office Flower Spotlight On: The Sunflower

With the arrival of summer, we thought it would be a great opportunity to talk about the sunflower. Not only are they fantastic summer flowers, they also hold a special meaning. According to Native American tradition, sunflowers symbolise happiness, adoration, loyalty, longevity, and good luck.

The Sunflower Origins & History

Sunflowers are an ancient crop originating from North America in 1,000 BC. These flowers are recognised for their delightful petals, also known as ‘rays’, portraying the image of the sun itself.

Sunflower seeds were an important food crop to Native Americans, as they would grind the seeds into meals – for making bread or eaten as porridge. They would squeeze the seeds for the oil, which they would then use on their hair and skin, or use the hulls of the seed to create dye for clothing and war paint. (more…)


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The Effect of Smell in the Workplace

The five senses can strongly impact how you perceive the environment around you, and smell can evoke feelings and memories that change your mood quite easily. Certain scents are proven to increase productivity and boost your mood. You might not be aware of how greatly scents can influence you and your employees; having a few flowers and plants with proven health benefits in the office is always a great way of brightening the day.

(more…)


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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Pot

Flowers and plants are a great way to spruce up any environment, from your office desk to the outside of your restaurant, and add a bit of life to your establishment. However, you can’t just pick any pot and shove a plant into it. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right pot for your business, so it is important to understand them to make sure that you make the right decision.

(more…)


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