Tags: Bees, Nature, Nature & Environment, Office, Planteria Group, Sustainability

The Most Sustainable Planting Scheme

At Planteria, sustainability isn’t just words on paper – it’s built into everything we do.

From the way we transport our technicians to the materials we use in our planting schemes, we’re committed to reducing environmental impact at every stage.

Here’s how we’re leading the industry with the most sustainable planting scheme available today.

The Most Sustainable Planting Scheme

whats included

Click on the titles below to jump directly to that section:

Walking Technicians
UK Grown Plants
Peat-free Substrate
Eco-friendly Planters
Supporting the Community
Ecovardis Gold
Zero Waste to Landfill
Planting for the Planet
Habitats for Nature

Walking Plant Technicians

100% Public Transport

While electric and hybrid vehicles are a step forward, we believe there’s an even smarter way to cut emissions and ease congestion.

That’s why we introduced our ‘walking technicians’—a team that travels entirely on foot or by public transport. No vans. No traffic. Just a more efficient and sustainable way to work.

They’re backed by one central shuttle, which delivers any replacement plants or equipment needed for the day. The result? We save more than 25,000 miles of van travel every year. That’s fewer emissions, less fuel, and cleaner air for everyone.

It’s a simple idea, but one that’s making a real difference.

UK Grown Plants

Less Road MIles

The majority of indoor plants sold across Europe are grown in the Netherlands. It’s a long-standing supply chain – but one we’re working to shift.

By growing plants here in the UK, we cut down on transport miles, reduce emissions, and create local jobs. It means fresher plants, faster delivery, and better support for the British economy.

We believe the future of indoor planting should be greener in every sense of the word – and more rooted in local soil.

Ecoponic Substrate

Saving our vulnerable peat-lands

Regular compost used for growing plants can contain up to 90% peat.

This peat is dug up from peatlands. These natural wetlands are absolute vital for not only plants and wildlife, but also storing carbon. It takes 1,000 years for one metre of peat to form! But over 80% of the UK peatlands are already damaged.

Our vulnerable peatlands are being excavated at the expense of our fragile environment.

Peatlands cover only around 3% of the world’s land area, but they store 30% of soil carbon.

A loss of only 5% of UK peatland carbon would be equal to the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.

At Planteria we knew we had to do our bit to protect our vulnerable peatlands and the wildlife that call them home. We can now offer a zero-peat alternative to soil.

We call it Ecoponic.

what is ecoponic?

Officially classified as a Vulcaponic Substrate – it’s a recipe of pumice, zeolite and the perfect mixture of fertiliser for optimum plant growth.

Now almost 100% of the plant displays that go through our warehouse are planted in Ecoponic.

Peat Free

Peat is commonly found in compost due to its water retention and nutritional qualities. The natural wetlands where Peat is found is critical to the survival of plants and wildlife. Not only that, but peat bogs store huge amounts of carbon which must be kept in the ground to avoid contributing to climate change.

Ecoponic is 100% soil free. This helps to protect our vulnerable peatlands – protecting wildlife and reducing carbon emissions.

Reduced Water use

Ecoponic is very efficient at storing water. It can absorb up to 44% of it’s weight in water. During the watering, the grains absorbed it and no water remains in the pot. The roots slowly absorb the moisture from the substrate. This not only benefits the plant, it also reduces the amount of water used.

Less chance of flies or pests

Flies and pests can be an incredibly annoying problem in an office environment. As Ecoponic contains no organic material, there is almost no chance of soil-borne pests.

Infinite Lifecycle

It is permanently structurally stable (it will not break down or compact) this keeps the soil more airy and allows the roots to absorb enough oxygen.

Ecoponic can be reused and recycled infinitely.

Recycled & Sustainable Planting Containers

We offer a wide range of planting containers designed with sustainability in mind—each one made using recycled or low-impact materials to reduce waste and lower your carbon footprint.

Pots made 100% from recycled waste

Pots made from recycled materials including marine debris, artificial grass, textiles and more

Pots produced using 100% wind energy

Living wall system largely made from recycled clothing

Planters made from upcycled pallets

Plants donated to the local community

We regularly donate surplus plants and flowers to local groups, schools, and those who need them most. Over the years, we’ve supported several schools by helping them green their classrooms and create outdoor nature areas for pupils to enjoy.

Our plants and pots are also popular in the community. Locals often give old containers a new life, reusing and repurposing them so the plants can keep growing in new homes. It’s a simple way to share the benefits of greenery while reducing waste.

Ecovardis Gold

We are committed to running our business responsibly and have been working through the EcoVadis accreditation process to measure our progress. EcoVadis is a recognised system that assesses companies on sustainability, covering areas like environmental impact, labour practices, ethics, and supply chain standards.

We recently submitted our accreditation and we’re aiming to achieve a Gold rating. This reflects the work we’ve already done and our focus on continual improvement.

plant grow pots 100% recycled

Zero waste to landfill

We are a zero waste to landfill company, and we take that seriously at every stage of our work.

In the Netherlands alone, over 3 billion plastic plant grow pots are used each year. Most planting companies send these pots to general waste, claiming they are too difficult to recycle due to mixed materials or contamination.

At Planteria, we do things differently. Every single grow pot that comes through our nursery is sorted and recycled properly. We work with specialist recycling partners to make sure these plastics stay out of landfill and are given a new purpose.

It takes more effort, but it’s the right thing to do. And it’s one more way we reduce waste across our supply chain.

pollinator friendly planting

Planting for the planet

Planting to support biodiversity is more than just good for the environment — it’s a great way to bring people together. It offers a hands-on opportunity for staff to get involved, whether by helping choose the plants, taking part in planting days, or simply enjoying the wildlife that follows.

We’ve seen it spark real interest and conversation across teams. It brings life to terraces and outdoor areas, turning them into spaces people want to spend time in. The result is not just a boost for nature, but a lift in staff engagement and well-being too

habitats for nature

making the office a destination (for nature)

Make your site a destination for pollinators with our bespoke pollinator habitats. Handcrafted, bespoke made here in the UK with sustainably grown wood from managed forests. Custom made in the shape of your logo, name or nearly any shape you chose!

We can also craft the perfect design for you, incorporating sustainable and nature supporting products such as bee baths, bird boxes, worm buffets, bird feeders and more.

This is the perfect pairing for our bee friendly planting schemes.

Discover ways to enhance your office environment with our expert insights on biophilic design, wellbeing, sustainability and the world of plants.

Planteria Group

Green ROI For FM Companies

Workplace Wellness

Benefits Of Greenery For Wellbeing

Biophilic design

Sustainable Green Building: How Planteria Helps You Achieve Environmental Certifications

Tags: Biophilic design, Facilities Management, Nature & Environment, Office, Planteria Group, White Paper

The Science and Strategies Behind Engage & Bloom

Harnessing nature for workplace wellness and engagement

This resource explores the science and strategies behind Planteria Group’s Engage & Bloom workplace experience programme. It will show how the programme provides employees, organisations and facilities managers with several key benefits from both a commercial and wellbeing standpoint.

Key theories and frameworks are identified, demonstrating the scientific and strategic theory that underpins the Engage & Bloom programme.

An Introduction to Engage & Bloom

Engage & Bloom is a science-backed employee experience
programme that is centred on the principles of biophilia and its scientifically
proven benefits in terms of productivity and wellbeing. Such benefits are
achieved through harnessing the power of nature to create inspirational spaces.

The Engage & Bloom programme teaches clients how to look
after their plants at home, as well as inspiring them in the world of planting
and nature through a range of engaging experiences, including workshops,
interactive QR codes, and educational pieces.

The Modern Workplace Challenge

The modern workplace presents numerous challenges to ensure employees are working at an optimal level that benefits both the individual and the wider organisation. Since 1950, research suggests that we have gradually become more disconnected from nature and the benefits it provides.

A 2023 study by the UK Government identified that people spend 80-90% of their time indoors. To make matters worse research suggests that on average an office worker spends 12 hours per day looking at a screen.

Offices commonly experience a disconnect from nature, due to urban environments and sterile interior settings, as well as the growing importance of technology that has often acted as a substitute for nature as a source of recreation and entertainment.

Increasing Importance of Well-being and Engagement for Productivity

Engage & Bloom is based on the concept of biophilia, which refers to a human being’s innate desire to connect with nature. This is further reinforced by numerous scientific findings, notably an experiment conducted by the Chelsea Flower Show.

This experiment invited participants to take part in a study that measured their creativity, happiness, and productivity across a variety of different workplace designs. The results found that allowing staff to make design decisions in a workspace enhanced with office plants can:

· Increase well-being by 47%

· Increase creativity by 45%

· Increase productivity by 38%

These findings highlight the significant benefits that simply being around plants can have on employees. However, the interactivity of the Engage & Bloom programme enables organisations and their employees to harness these benefits to an even more powerful extent.

The Innate Human Connection to Nature: Biophilia

Biophilia is described as ‘an innate love for the natural world, supposed to be felt universally by humankind.’ The biophilia hypothesis is based upon the belief that humans have an inbuilt tendency to seek connection with nature and other forms of life.

In fact, the word biophilia is a combination of two ancient Greek words: bio (meaning life) and philia (meaning love). The term was first used by German social psychologist Erich Fromm, who claimed that biophilia manifests as the ‘wish to further growth, whether in a person, plant, idea, or social group.’

The growing awareness and popularity of biophilic design is indicated in the below graph, which demonstrates how the word biophilia, along with related keywords, has seen a significant spike in how frequently it is mentioned in publications, particularly from 2008 onwards.

Engage & Bloom is a solution that combines both science and strategy through engaging workplace activities. As well as improving productivity and wellbeing, Engage & Bloom also promotes teamwork and fosters connections with nature and one another.

The Engage & Bloom programme applies Fromm’s concept of growth in terms of people, plants, and social groups by giving individuals the opportunity to enjoy a shared experience that connects them with plants and nature both on an individual and group level.

The Science of Wellness in the Workplace

Workplace wellbeing encompasses how employees feel at work and about work, with a focus on developing and displaying healthy behaviours.

More specifically, it can include some of the following elements:

A positive working environment
Job satisfaction and purposefulness
Good leadership and management
Pay and reward
Personal development
Physical and mental health

Impact of Stress, Poor Air Quality and Sterile Environments on Staff

Factors such as stress, poor air quality, and sterile environments can all have a negative impact on workplace wellbeing. Poor workplace mental health has been estimated to cost UK businesses an incredible £45bn each year. Furthermore, Lumien data reveals how wellbeing impacts employees 27% of the time, and as a result, companies are losing 17% productivity.

Annually, this equates to £5,318.45 per employee, representing a significant organisational cost that could be mitigated through the implementation of wellbeing-focused initiatives.

DISCOVER WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE PROGRAMMES

Talk to us today about Engage & Bloom

Call 0345 505 3333

Scientific Evidence Supporting Biophilia

Taking an evidence-based approach to workplace wellbeing allows employers to understand their employees wants and needs, along with areas of improvement.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 45% of people reported that visiting green spaces helped them to cope. Likewise, Harvard research finds that spending 20 to 30 minutes in an outdoor setting where people feel they are interacting with nature can lower stress hormone levels.

Cognitive and Productivity Benefits of Greenery in Offices

The concept of biophilia is supported by various studies and frameworks, including Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory which found that exposure to nature reduces mental fatigue, as well as helping improve focus and our ability to concentrate.

Likewise, Ulrech’s 1981 Stress Reduction Theory claims that natural environments promote recovery from stress, while urban environments tend to hinder it.

The Psychological Basis of Nature Engagement

According to the National Library of Medicine, individuals have less mental distress, less anxiety and depression, greater wellbeing and healthier cortisol profiles when living in areas with more greenspace.

This is reinforced by NHS research, which found that people who spend at least two hours a week in nature experience better health and higher psychological wellbeing than those who do not visit nature at all during an average week.

Sensory Benefits of Plant Interaction

Sensory planting encourages an increasingly engaging and
meaningful experience with plants, stimulating senses, including smell, sound,
touch, and sight.

According to the RHS, selecting plants that are particularly
good for your senses can improve mood and general wellbeing.

Examples of plants with sensory benefits include:

· Fragrant flowers, such as lavender, jasmine, and rose

· Herbs, including mint, basil, and rosemary

· Plants with a particularly textural appearance include lamb’s ear, ferns, and ornamental grasses.

· Vibrantly coloured plants that satisfy the visual sense

· Edible plants such as strawberry plants

Employee Engagement: Why it Matters

In their 2023 State of the Global Workplace Report, analytics and advisory firm Gallup found that nearly 6 in 10 employees are feeling disengaged at work. Traits of disengaged employees can include demotivation, missed deadlines, disinterest in team activities, and avoidance in taking initiative.

Such behaviours have also been described by the term ‘quiet quitting,’ whereby a disengaged employee only fulfils the bare minimum of their duties.

The Impact of Disengagement

Employee disengagement can result in several issues, both for an individual’s wellbeing and the organisation. Decreased productivity is a key risk of disengaged employees, along with high absenteeism and turnover rates and the subsequent recruitment and training costs.

The 2023 State of the Global Workplace report found that disengaged employees are estimated to cost the global economy $8.8 trillion dollars, which represents 9% of global GDP. As well as the financial implications, employee disengagement also results in an adverse impact on team morale, which may cause an overall reduction in workplace productivity and innovation due to an unfavourable working environment.

The Role of Nature in Engagement

Biophilic design can be classified into six key principles illustrated below:

The last two principles provide a clear insight into how biophilic design can foster a sense of purpose and belonging. Place-based relationships refer to the link between culture and ecology. This is based upon a human’s sense of connection with familiar surroundings and feelings of protection or stewardship towards such places, known as Place Attachment Theory.

A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology investigated the connection between green buildings and place attachment. It found that biophilic design and opportunities for connection to nature were amongst the most important aspects for supporting Place Attachment Theory and can enhance individual wellbeing, quality of life, as well as increase pro-environmental behaviours and community resilience.

When coupled with the attachment to nature and health and wellbeing benefits that biophilic design provides, it is clear to see the powerful impact that spaces with a strong biophilic element can have on an individual’s sense of belonging within that space.

How Interactive Experiences with Plants Create Meaningful Connections

Direct contact with vegetation represents one of the most successful ways of promoting human connection in design. Dr. Stephen Kellert claims that human evolution and survival require the management of natural environments, particularly with regards to sensory elements. Moreover, DelSesto highlights the variety of often overlooked ways that we interact with plants in daily life.

From clothing to writing materials, plants are used to produce essential daily items. What’s more, the exchange of plants as a mark of celebration or condolence highlights their powerful role in landmark events in our lives.

DelSesto’s below spectrum categorises people-plant interactions into key groupings: physical exertion, tactile immersion, and peaceful abiding. Different aspects can align particularly strongly with some of the identified benefits of biophilia. For example, interactions classified under the ‘peaceful abiding’ grouping are likely to be closely aligned to the benefits of stress reduction, while those classed as ‘tactile immersion’ may be particularly effective at boosting engagement and concentration.

Strategies Behind Engage & Bloom: Tailored Solutions for Every Workplace

Engage & Bloom comprises three modular packages, allowing tailored solutions for every workplace. In addition to an informative biophilic webinar, employees can dial in live and speak to our ‘Plant Doctor’ who will advise on care and maintenance of specific plants.

Furthermore, there is the opportunity to identify and learn about plant species simply by scanning a plant’s QR code, which brings up the relevant page of the Plantopedia. Silver and gold packages also include interactive and engaging biophilic-based workshops, which can encompass activities such as wreath making, floristry, and orchid arrangement.

Flexible Solutions to Suit Workplace Needs

Engage & Bloom is focused on creating tailored solutions for every workplace. The flexibility of several key offerings within the programme allows employers to implement activities in accordance with their workplace’s needs and schedules.

Plant giveaways, biophilic webinars, and workshops can be scheduled at a convenient time and location for the business, whether it is on-site or at a separate location as part of an out-of-office event.

Engagement Through Experience

According to Michigan State University, there are many activities workplaces can implement to improve group cohesion and build trust.

Such activities often give employees the chance to interact with colleagues in a different way and reveal different aspects of their personalities that may not come out during normal work interactions.

Other advantages of team building include:

Boosting employee engagement
Encouraging communication
Mitigating conflict
Increasing collaboration

Engage & Bloom workshops provide an opportunity for employees to experience these benefits, whether working directly together or enjoying a shared experience alongside each other to produce wreaths, orchid displays, and floristry bouquets.

As noted by McKinsey & Company, being amongst nature helps with attention span, creativity, well-being, and happiness and should act as a foundational resource for both individual and team development.

How Interactive Learning Builds Deeper Connection

Referring to DelSesto’s spectrum of people-plant interactions, the different activities within the Engage & Bloom programme can be classified within this framework. Floristry bouquets, moss art, orchid and wreath making workshops are categorised under the ‘tactile immersion’ category due to employees’ physical interaction with plant materials.

Other aspects of the Engage & Bloom programme, such as plant giveaways, dial-in plant clinics, and identifying plant species using a QR code and Plantopedia are categorised under the ‘peaceful abiding’ category, due to their focus on sensory engagement with plant environments and representations of plant environments. Such interactive and informative activities can promote deeper connections within the workplace.

The social element of a shared workplace activity can help employees to feel connected to one another and the activity. According to Times Higher Education, feeling connected to what is being learnt and the people one is learning alongside is what underpins engagement. They go on to state that feeling socially connected enhances an individual’s sense of belonging, which is essential to maintain motivation and feelings of safety and comfort.

Employee Satisfaction Surveys

Employee satisfaction following increased interaction with biophilia can be measured in several ways. Heightened creativity may be evident in subsequent projects and brainstorming sessions, while reported increases in productivity can also be observed.

Organisations may find that outlined objectives are being reached increasingly quickly and projects are completed ahead of schedule. In terms of wellbeing, employers may observe a positive change in the overall mood and atmosphere within the workplace

Client Success Stories

Recently, we brought the Engage & Bloom program to a leading social media platform’s London office. Employees fully embraced the experience, from learning about plant care to taking home their own plant, the event left lasting impressions and fostered stronger connections with nature in the workplace.

The client shared the following feedback after the event: “I’m so happy that you shared some beautiful pictures with me today. The plants look amazing, and I was extremely happy to see the engagement with our members; they looked happy. Well done to the Planteria team!”.

Case Studies

Engage & Bloom activities have been successfully implemented in a diverse range of workplaces and industries.

Wreath making makes a particularly popular seasonal workshop that can be adapted to the season, whether it is over the festive period, autumn, or spring. As such, materials can also be adapted to suit the season, theme, and even the organisation’s brand colours, creating a truly personalised experience for each individual workplace.

Quantifiable Benefits for Staff Engagement and Wellness

Awareness and application of biophilia within the workplace, through biophilic design elements in the office and Engage & Bloom engagement activities can be quantifiably measured using numerous metrics.

The outlined body of scientific research strongly suggests that organisations would see a reduction in absenteeism and the number of cases of reported stress and wellbeing-related issues when biophilic design and activities are regularly implemented within the workplace.

Implementing Engage & Bloom

According to the KPMG 2024 CEO Outlook Report, the majority of UK CEOs expect companies to shift towards a full return to office work within the next three years. As such, it is important for facilities professionals to look at ways to create calming and inviting workplaces.

The implementation of biophilic design principles is a key way to achieve this and demonstrate the facilities manager’s commitment to wellbeing and engagement. Introducing new and innovative biophilic initiatives can help facilities managers to further strengthen their client relationships and demonstrate proactive awareness of scientific and strategically backed initiatives that benefit their clients.

Preparing for an Engage & Bloom Rollout

The Engage & Bloom team will contact you to book in your events on a date that is convenient to your team. They will talk through the options with you and help you choose the best event type to suit your team, goals and/or the time of year.

For example, the wreath building workshop is most popular in Quarter 4 – as staff get to take home their own handcrafted wreath ready to decorate their home for Christmas.The Engage & Bloom team will identify what sort of space they need to hold the workshop or activities.

We recommend sending out company-wide communications for the larger events or specific invitations to the workshops. Allow staff enough time to ensure they are in the office on the specific days. The anticipation of a fun and engaging event can be a engagement piece in itself – reminding them that the company is committed to their wellbeing and have them looking forward to the event.

Partnership with Planteria Group

Planteria Group is committed to delivering tailored solutions for each individual workplace. With three packages available, employers can choose the one that is best aligned to their budgetary and organisational needs, with each package consisting of several Engage & Bloom initiatives. Silver and Gold packages also let organisations choose between 2-4 yearly workshops, with the opportunity to pick from several different workshop options and tailor them to suit their organisation’s needs.

Conclusion

Engage & Bloom is rooted in a scientific foundation. It’s based upon the key principles identified in Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory regarding nature exposure reducing mental fatigue. It is also based on Ulrech’s 1981 Stress Reduction Theory and its belief that natural environments promote recovery from stress.

Engage & Bloom harnesses the power of nature in the form of interactive initiatives that improve cohesion, build trust, and encourage enhanced team relationships.

As highlighted, the implementation of an Engage & Bloom workplace experience programme provides several key benefits, both in terms of individual employee wellbeing, productivity, and creativity. Additionally, there are a multitude of wider organisational benefits, including reduced absenteeism, labour turnover, and heightened team morale.

Discover tailored solutions that provide organisational, individual, and team benefits. Let us help you transform your workplace today.

About Planteria Group

Planteria is the UK’s leading office plant company, operating as an independent, family-run business of experts for more than 40 years and maintaining over 90,000 plant displays nationwide. We are committed to creating best-in-class biophilic design and have worked on some of the UK’s most prestigious projects.

You’ll find our work in offices, showrooms, and public buildings across the UK. Our Services: Design, installation and maintenance of planting for workplaces. Interior and exterior biophilic design, living walls and moss walls. We also offer corporate floristry and seasonal decorations, including orchids, Christmas trees and more workplace experience services via our Engage & Bloom Programme.

Contact Information

ENGAGE & BLOOM TEAM

T: 0345 505 3333

E: engageandbloom@planteriagroup.com

Discover ways to enhance your office environment with our expert insights on biophilic design, wellbeing, sustainability and the world of plants.

Planteria Group

Green ROI For FM Companies

Workplace Wellness

Benefits Of Greenery For Wellbeing

Biophilic design

Sustainable Green Building: How Planteria Helps You Achieve Environmental Certifications

Tags: Biophilic design, Office, Plant care tips, Planteria Group, Plants, Workplace

15 Things to Consider When Choosing Plants for Your New Office

It can be difficult to know where to begin when deciding which plants to choose for your office, so we’ve put together 15 essential factors to keep in mind.

Whether you’re moving into a new building or refurbishing your existing space, introducing greenery is a simple yet impactful way of enhancing your office. Plus, plants are scientifically proven to provide plenty of other important benefits.

For business owners they increase the value of your property and help attract talent. For your staff they increase wellbeing, creativity, and increase productivity by up to 15%.

1. Lighting Conditions

Lighting is one of the most important factors in determining which plants will thrive in your office. Before you decide which plants to go for, we like to establish the light you have available in your office, particularly the amount of natural light. You can then choose plants that are a good match for your lighting conditions.

For example, pothos, philodendron, rubber plants, and fiddle-leaf figs are all ideal for well-lit spaces, while in darker environments options will be more limited. However plants like the ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) and snake plant (Sansevieria) can thrive in low-light. There are also important considerations such as the colour of the light (very important for plant growth) and light schedules (some plants need periods of darkness).

2. Space Availability

Make the most of your office planting by considering all aspects of the space. While floorstanding plants can be an obvious starting point, consider other alternatives, including hanging planting and small desktop plants that add an uplifting feel to workstations.

You may also like to choose a trailing plant that will cascade down from shelves, creating an eye-catching feature. At Planteria, our team enjoys developing innovative and bespoke planting solutions. For the below project we added planters to the tops of lockers, transforming a practical office essential into a decorative feature.

A moss wall can create true wow factor in your office. As well as looking incredibly impressive, moss walls reduce noise levels- perfect for loud office environments. Similarly, a living wall is an impactful office planting solution that won’t take up any floorspace. Consider a professionally designed and installed living wall that reflects your company and brand, even potentially incorporating your logo. Installing a living wall in a customer-facing area also creates a memorable first impression for guests.

As well as plants, introducing fresh flowers into your office will have an undoubtedly uplifting effect on your employees. Assemble bouquets yourself or make it a team bonding activity. If you’d prefer to leave it to a professional, the Planteria floristry team can assemble and deliver regular bouquets to your office.

As well as creating an inviting and vibrant workspace for staff, they also help build a positive first impression for guests. For a simple yet striking option, choose an orchid. When combined with moss and flowers, they make an elegant addition to any office and are available in various sizes.

3. Sustainability

Sustainability is an important consideration with almost any purchase, and office plants are no different. Consider ways to make your office planting scheme more environmentally friendly. For example, Ecoponic is a pure mineral mixture of pumice and zeolite that acts as an alternative to soil. Ecoponic offers numerous benefits, including:

Permanent structural stability that keeps soil airy and enables root absorption
Optimal air pore volume, creating ideal conditions for growing
Circular, allowing it to be re-used and recycled infinitely
Peat-free, protecting vulnerable peatlands, wildlife and reducing emissions
Efficiency in water storage and absorption
Reduced likelihood of flies or pests due to a lack of organic material

As well as planting material, pots also provide an opportunity to make a more sustainable choice. Elho pots are made from 100% recycled plastic using wind energy. Plus, they’re recyclable. Likewise, Capi produces various sustainable planting solutions. Capi Waste Line products are made from recycled cork and marine debris.

Capi’s Nature range includes beige pots made from recycled sawdust, green designs made from recycled artificial grass and black options made from recycled textiles. When it comes to maintenance, Planteria also have a team of Walking Plant Technicians who visit client offices on foot to reduce emissions.

4. Creating a Story

Adding plants to your office space gives you an opportunity to be creative and incorporate meaningful links and references to your business. Our design team will create a planting scheme that matches your brand’s colours for a cohesive look and feel.

The below example shows how our Planteria design team took inspiration from Experian’s branding guidelines:

Shades of purple and pink were infused into the cabinet top planting, naturally blending the company’s branding with the greenery. Most of the pots were chosen in neutral colours, accented with hints of blue tones to link back into Experian’s branding.

You may also wish to draw inspiration from your logo or product/service offering when planning your planting scheme.

For example, when designing a scheme for a Legal & General whose logo featured an umbrella, we installed umbrella trees as a subtle yet clever nod to their brand.

Wanting to boost biodiversity?

Talk to us about planting that supports the planet.

5. Maintenance Requirements

While it’s natural to think about how your plants initially look, it’s crucial to consider how much maintenance they will require on an ongoing basis. Keeping your plants healthy and safe from pests can be a big task.

Most businesses opt to appoint a plant maintenance contractor where specialist plant technicians will visit and tend to your plants. These services normally offer free replacements for plants that are unwell, dead or growing too tall.

If you’re short on time and prefer to take care of your plants in-house, it makes sense to consider low-maintenance options, including ZZ plants, aloe vera, or philodendrons, which are great choices for those with busy schedules.

6. Size of the Plant

Before you go ahead and purchase your plants, it’s important to consider their size. Not just at the time you’re buying them, but the size they may potentially grow to. Larger plants can help to fill empty and expansive spaces but may overwhelm smaller rooms.

Likewise, a very small plant in a large space can look disproportionate. If you have limited space, consider smaller plants or even desk-sized options such as succulents or air plants.

TRANSFORM YOUR OFFICE

Ask us about our biophilic design services.

7. Air Quality Benefits

One of the most advantages of office plants is their ability to improve air quality. Some plants, like the philodendron selloum, dracaena warneckei, ficus benjamina and aglaonema greyound are known for their air-purifying properties, helping to remove toxins.

If you are wanting to make a significant difference to the air quality, it will require a large number of plants. A living wall is a brilliant way of naturally increasing oxygen levels and air quality.

8. Employee Preference

Why not share the process of choosing your office plants with your employees? Ask their preferences and get them involved in the process. After all, they will be surrounded by the plants every day. Involving employees in the process can also make them feel more accountable for the plants when it comes to taking care of them.

Plus, it demonstrates your commitment to their wellbeing and creating an office space that they will enjoy working in.

9. Cost and Budget

Plants come in a variety of price ranges, depending on their size, rarity, and species. Be sure to set a budget before you begin choosing your plants so you can select your plants in alignment with your budget.

While more affordable plants like snake plants and spider plants are great budget-friendly options, if you’re working with a larger project, you may wish to opt for larger or more exotic plants that add a unique focal point to your space, especially when they’re positioned in a key area, such as centrally in the office or in the reception area.

10. Safety Considerations

If you regularly have young children or pets in your office, it’s important to choose plants that are non-toxic. Some common office plants, like the aloe vera plant, are safe, while others, such as dieffenbachia or poinsettias, can be toxic if ingested.

Always check if a plant is pet-friendly before introducing it to the office if you know animals are going to be around.

11. Aesthetic Appeal

Looks aren’t everything when it comes to plants, but they do play a very important part. Consider the colour, leaf shapes, and sizes and how they will fit in with your office décor. If you’d like to create a minimalistic and contemporary office space, opt for sleek, modern plants like snake plants or bonsais.

For a vibrant or tropical aesthetic, choose plants with large, bold foliage such as monstera or fiddle-leaf figs. If adding plants is part of an office-wide refurbishment, consider making a moodboard beforehand so you can get a clear idea of the aesthetic you’re aiming for and which plants have been used in similar spaces.

12. Growth Rate

The growth rate of a plant will impact how often you need to repot it or trim it. If you prefer a more contained plant, choose slow-growing options that require minimal maintenance. For example, blue star fern, calathea and philodendron.

Some plants, like the ficus benjamina grow quickly and may require more frequent attention. Knowing the growth rate helps prevent your plant from outgrowing its space too quickly and allows you to stay on top of whatever maintenance is needed.

13. Temperature Tolereance

Plants have varying tolerances to temperature, so it’s essential to match them to your office’s climate. Remember to check the temperature and humidity levels in your office before choosing plants.

Always got the heating on? opt for cacti and succulents that generally prefer warm, dry conditions. If your office is a cooler climate, choose ZZ plants, aspidistra and Phoenix date palms that can thrive, even in cooler, more humid environments.

14. Pots and Containers

It’s not just the plant you need to consider; pots and containers have an important part to play in enhancing the visual appeal of your plant while also promoting healthy growth. Choose pots with proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Additionally, consider how the container fits with the overall aesthetic of the office. Ceramic, concrete, and modern metallic pots can provide a sleek look, while wooden or woven baskets create a natural and laidback feel. Likewise, square and rectangular planters and pots have a modern and streamlined appearance, while round shapes give an organic feel.

15. Seasonal Changes

Finally, it’s worth considering the impact that the different seasons will have on the plants you choose. Some plants may require additional maintenance during certain times of the year. Seasonality is also a consideration in terms of how your plants look too, with potential changes in leaf colour, volume and flowers across the different seasons.

As well as considering planting inside your office, don’t forget about the exterior. Whether it’s at the front entrance or a terrace an exterior planting scheme allows you to enjoy greenery and seasonal blooms in your outdoor environment.

Conclusion

Picking the right plants for your office can depend on several features, in terms of both visual appearance and practical considerations. Keeping these 15 factors in mind allows you to choose a selection of plants that will suit your space and be suitably maintained, creating a healthier, more enjoyable workspace for all.

If you’re short on time or would prefer to leave it to a professional, consider contacting the friendly Planteria team. We can take care of everything from coming up with a design that suits your space to installation and ongoing maintenance.

Get in touch today to see how we can transform your office space.

Discover ways to enhance your office environment with our expert insights on biophilic design, wellbeing, sustainability and the world of plants.

Planteria Group

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Biophilic design

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Tags: Facilities Management, Office, Workplace

Office Space Saving Plant Ideas

Managing budgets for office plants

A Facilities Manager may understand the phrase ‘squeezing a quart into a pint pot’ better than anyone else, and its hard to find office plant space saving tips. With office space, especially in City Centre locations at an all-time high, the careful planning and use of space is high on the agenda. For 2024 in the city centre of London rent is £77.50* per sq. ft with other areas also calculated by Oktra. Decisions about moving are not taken lightly and in times of growth, fitting more staff into your building can be like doing a 2000 piece jigsaw puzzle, painstaking and complicated! Modern-day Facilities Managers should perhaps be called ‘Workplace Managers’ as they now hold a much more holistic role, working closely with other senior colleagues to deliver a service to stakeholders that meet business objectives. It is no longer just about providing a safe, clean, fit-for-purpose environment where everything works well; it is now about providing competitive advantage, creating a strong brand image, employee engagement and retention. It is about corporate responsibility, green infrastructure, well-being and optimal productivity.

Why should you consider adding plants to your office space?

It has long been recognised that corporate planting is a key feature for the modern workplace with many benefits. Whether that means roof terrace space, ‘Green Infrastructure’ to break up the concrete jungle of an inner-city location, or planting solutions for interiors to bring tranquillity and beauty inside. Corporate planting is no longer just a ‘nice to have’, it has become essential. Including plants in your office space can be a great way to add some life and colour to your workspace. Desk plants, in particular, can be a great addition to your office desk. Research has shown that biophilic design relieves stress, negate ‘sick building syndrome’ improving sickness absence rates, improve air quality and plants of all shapes and sizes can help to restore concentration levels. The intricate patterns of leaves and office flowers do this by holding our attention, while making no demands on us, which allows our brains to rest and recuperate. In addition to improving your mood and productivity, desk plants can also help purify the air and add visual interest to your workspace. What is the answer then?

What are some office plant space saving ideas with limited floor space?

Office Space Saving Plant Ideas: Moss Wall

Creative and innovative plant solutions are available. It’s time to think outside the proverbial box. Living walls bring a room to life and look stunning inside or out. Whole walls can be planted in striking colours and patterns, echoing your design theme or corporate logo. On a smaller scale, plants become art inside the office. Don’t hang static two dimensional pictures, instead hang living pictures, elegant frames full of lush green planting. Living pictures can be used anywhere to add the wow factor and transform a boring office wall. We are all striving to be paper free, keeping the office uncluttered, but there will always be a need for storage in the office. Stationery supplies, documents and personal belongings must have a home. Sometimes cabinets can provide structure to an open plan office, sectioning off areas so teams can work in defined spaces. Cabinets can multi-task too. Cabinet top planting can be used effectively to soften clinical open plan offices, bringing lush colour and life in to an otherwise bland space with the added benefit that it stops the clutter of left-over snow-drifts of paper from the printer and abandoned coffee cups.

Creative office space saving plant ideas displays

Office Space Saving Plant Ideas: fire extinguisher

If you’re a Facilities Manager, I expect you know the location of every fire extinguisher in your building. Do your staff know where these are too? How about a planted fire-extinguisher stand as the perfect multi-tasking furniture. It’s completely functional and it also makes an attractive office feature. One would argue that it makes the office safer as everyone will take note of the location of your firefighting equipment! Looking for something completely different? Upside-down planters give a totally different perspective. Hanging from the ceiling, they take up no extra space but they do add a fun, fresh, modern look to your décor. Working well over desk space, or to accent your communal areas, perhaps over the breakfast bar or dining tables. Now is the time to explore the myriad of possibilities and be open-minded about trying out some exciting new solutions in planting to improve your building. There’s so much choice it’s just a case of finding what works best for you.

Contact Us

When we nurture that connection by adding plants to our own environment, we feel in balance, happier and calmer. We are on a mission to raise awareness of the importance of biophilia in the built environment. We offer a single service solution for facilities management and cleaning companies, which is why we are the preferred choice for these companies. If you’d like us to present to your team office space saving plant ideas or share case studies of work we have done as well as, discuss how we can support you and give you the competitive advantage to win tenders which include planting, contact us today. Information source: Oktra- The Cost of Office Space in London 2024

Tags: Biophilic design, Office, Plants, Workplace, Workplace wellness

We LOVE The Urban Jungle Trend

Having just a solitary plant by the window is no longer the norm – offices across the nation are creating their own little patches of green and incorporating plants into their interior décor.

The benefits of a green office space are many, from mental wellbeing to lower levels of stress. Green Plants for Green Buildings say that a productive office includes biophilic design or bringing the outside in. The urban jungle trend can help you accomplish this goal – and it’s a trend that we love here at Planteria.

Why Do We Love the Urban Jungle Trend So Much?

By adding planters, plant stands, indoor plants, hanging plants and more to the office, you can create a ‘jungle’ in the building or workspace (and even at home!) that boosts people’s wellbeing and productivity.

And, at Planteria, we believe this interior trend is here to stay.

For a start, this is not a new concept, as people have been trying to create ‘jungle vibes’ in their home and place of work for a long time. If you look at the popularity of hashtags such as #urbanjungle, #junglestyle and #junglehome on Instagram, it’s clear this trend is not just a fad.

For example, there are almost 5 million posts just with the #urbanjungle tag!

Also, with a growing number of people living in cities (it’s estimated that, by 2050, there will be 2.4 billion more people in cities), bringing the jungle indoors is an increasingly attractive option.

It’s difficult for us to imagine life without greenery, so it’s no wonder that the urban jungle trend appeals so much to us. Plants can create a soothing atmosphere and are a brilliant addition to commercial spaces in general, including offices.

After all, an office full of bright colours and vivid greens will make people feel at ease (since it meets their biophilic needs) and reduces employees’ stress levels. We also believe an indoor jungle can improve air quality, boost people’s moods and create a happier workplace, which is why we love this trend so much.

How Easy Is It to Reproduce the Trend at Work?

The short answer is that it’s incredibly easy to bring the jungle indoors with a trusted office plant supplier.

You don’t have to go as far as Amazon, who really took the jungle look to the next level by building the Spheres. These giant biodomes in their Seattle headquarters allow staff to escape the office and work surrounded by nature:

If you’re considering rewilding your interior, there are two things you must take into account:

That, besides the aesthetic, the space has to maintain its functionality as well.
And that you need to pick the right plants for your office.

So, with this in mind, make sure that the layout of your workplace still makes sense. The visual appeal and impact of the plants are undeniable, but you also want your employees and visitors to be able to easily navigate the office without obstacles in the way, for instance.

The urban jungle look is all about more plants and more coverage, so don’t skip the walls either – living walls or potted plants on walls can add to the jungle effect and maximise your floor space at the same time.

Choosing the right plants for the office is also important because you want something that is easy to maintain. Plants require TLC to look their best and offices are usually busy places so, in order to keep up the jungle look, low effort plants and flowers should be top choice. You can however leave that to us at Planteria Group and we can help pick the best ones for your space, and look after them for you too!

What’s So Fun About the Urban Jungle Trend?

Plants are a source of inspiration and this trend can help people to reconnect with nature and unleash their creativity. What’s more, plants bring life into interiors as well – if you remove all plants from a space, it’s easy to see how empty and boring it can look.

The urban jungle trend also allows people to have fun taking care of something living and to contribute to the aesthetic of their own home workspace, which appeals to many home jungle fans who prefer plants to pets, they are both cheaper and easier to care for and don’t require walking!

How Can Planteria Help?

Our expert plant technicians create solutions tailored to your workspace. We always take the building design and restrictions into consideration, which includes humidity levels, lighting and heat; this allows us to create a bespoke design that matches your unique requirements.

Our knowledge of office plants is unrivalled and we make sure to match your corporate image and select the right plants for your environment as well.

We have a wide range of plants to choose from, so you’ll be spoilt for choice with Planteria. From Dracaena Lemon Limes and Anthuriums to Sansevieria and Aglaonema Stripes, we provide beautiful plants for any type of office and sector, including hotels, restaurants and offices of every shape and size!

We offer many options for corporate plants at Planteria, so get in touch today to learn more about them and how we can help create an urban jungle in your office.

Tags: Environment, Flowers in the Office, Happiness, Office, Workplace, Workplace wellness

Working from Home & Office: How Plants Can Help

The UK workforce has transitioned to accommodate more remote work, presenting both advantages and challenges. Explore the benefits of working from the office, the appeal of cleaner office environments, and how integrating plants into both spaces can create a harmonious and productive work atmosphere, facilitating a seamless transition between home and office settings.

The Pros and Cons of Working from Home

Pros

Apart from self-employed individuals, such as freelancers, remote working was new for the vast majority of people. Most have adapted very well to the circumstances and have reported an increase in their productivity and efficiency. In fact, in a recent survey, 43% of bosses surveyed found that remote work had a positive impact on productivity since lockdown started.

After all, working from home allows you to have more flexibility when it comes to work hours, since you are able to create or adapt your schedule to fit your lifestyle. This means more time with family too.

It might also be your case that working in an office means having to deal with distractions that bring down your productivity levels; so, you may find that working from home allows you to focus on work and makes it easier to take a break.

Another benefit is not having to commute. Not only is commuting time-consuming and, therefore, an interference on work-life balance, but it can also be expensive. Due to this, you probably appreciate being able to save money on fuel or train fares; working from home also means you’re not spending money on coffee runs and eating out.

Cons

However, while there is no doubt that working from home offers a host of benefits, it can also have several downsides, which make people keen to return to the office.

A big issue with remote working is isolation. If you’re used to chatting with colleagues on a daily basis, you probably miss the face-to-face interactions and might end up feeling lonely. Loneliness is not conducive to productivity or creativity. On the contrary, if you feel lonely, you will likely feel less motivated and without energy as well.

Another disadvantage of remote working is how boring the experience can quickly become. Before the pandemic, you may have dreamed of working from home. However, it’s clear that looking at the same four walls every day without a change of scenery can be harmful to your mental health. This means cabin fever, stress or depression.

Working from home blurs the lines between professional and personal lives, as you may have been forced to work from your kitchen, bedroom or living room. Not every home environment is appropriate for remote work either, be it because of children in the room or simply lack of space, which can have a negative impact on work.

Something else to consider is how out of touch people have felt with their wider business community and with their clients. In the office, it’s easier for you to communicate with your peers, partners and customers but, when working from home, these connections are not as strong.

Returning to the Office

People are still working remotely but also returning to the office in a new balance of both.

It is and always has been crucial that workplaces ensure the safety and comfort of their staff, and you’ll be surprised at the key role plants can play in this process.

Plant Barriers

For example, office plants can be used to delineate areas and teams. They allow you to implement social distancing measures easily and, because you’re using plants instead of tape to mark spaces, your employees can benefit from a green and aesthetically pleasing office.

A 2016 study found that cognition can be boosted by 26% in green workspaces, and that people’s wellbeing and productivity improve with plants around them as well. This makes adding green barriers to the office a great argument.

Replacing Desks with Plants

If, because of social distancing, you have to remove desks, you don’t want the office to look sparse and empty. Adding plants to the newly vacated spots is a great solution because it makes the office look attractive and vibrant.

Plants Help with Anxiety

A fantastic benefit of plants in the office is that they ease anxiety and stress levels, perfect to help with the current circumstances.

Plants reduce stress at work, as they help people feel calmer and more positive. Both having visual access to plants and being allowed to care for them (passive and active involvement) can have a calming effect. So, by adding plants to the workplace, you can help your staff fight anxiety and stay relaxed.

Get In Touch

Tags: Flowers, Flowers in the Office, Office

Hotel Flowers Fit for A Royal Wedding

19th May is a day the world will be paying attention to, as the highly anticipated Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle commences.

As a provider of corporate floristry solutions, Planteria Group offer a plethora of flower options for hotels and commercial environments that are fit for a Royal wedding!

Why Flowers Are Essential Elements

Studies have shown flowers have a huge effect on an individual’s mood, impacting their happiness and providing long-term effects of self-satisfaction. Without us even realising, flowers have a greater impact than we think, proving they are an essential element of an interior design for numerous commercial buildings.

Hotels are part of a huge industry used every day, providing a service for those in need of accommodation for short periods of time. Flowers provide a touch of luxury for any hotel, making an impactful first impression.

Flowers have the power to trigger happy memories and the scent a beautiful bouquet produces can create a sense of fondness in many guests.

Our flowers for hotels cater to traditional, contemporary, classic or exotic designs. Our professionalism ensures we draw on a wealth of creativity, dedicated to help you plan stunning flower displays.

Hotel Flower Ideas for You

When it comes to choosing the right flowers for your hotel, the choice may feel overwhelming or confusing with the wide range of options available. This is where we can help. We buy seasonal flowers direct from the grower and can advise on the best choices available for your particular décor to help you choose the perfect one’s for you.

1. Calla Lily

The Calla Lily comes from the Greek word that signifies beauty, yet there is more to them than their stunning appearance. These beautiful flowers have become symbols of youth and rebirth. Commonly white, the Calla Lily may also come in a variety of colours including yellow, pink, green, purple, orange and black.

2. Proteas

Proteas are exotic flowers native to South Africa which are used in all seasons. This beautiful, and unusual flower is ideal for both large statement flowers or minimalist bouquets, allowing you to create an extravagant arrangement for your hotel.

3. Tropical Flowers

Tropical flowers are truly special, they are bold, striking and bright and can be used to create large, structural displays. Coming in an array of colours, these can be the perfect fit for any hotel interior.

Bespoke Flower Service

We offer a wide variety of different vase styles, which allows us to provide something fresh, inspirational and unique each time. Our flowers are sourced direct from the grower, ensuring our arrangements stay perfect for a long time.

We provide regular floristry for high end hotels. We’ve provided flowers for these hotels:

There are so many flower options when it comes to the finishing touches for your hotel. Our floristry service is available exclusively in Central London. If you’re looking for elegant hotel flowers, we can help you.

Get in touch with a friendly member of our team today by calling 0345 505 3333 or emailing enquiries@planteriagroup.com.

Tags: Office, Workplace wellness

It’s Alive! Buildings With Living Walls

Sadly, now that Halloween is over for another year, this isn’t an exposé on haunted houses, but it is about the benefits of biophilia. By adding a living wall to your building or office, you are more likely to improve your employee retention rates. This article will look at some of the benefits of having an office moss wall, whilst looking at some of the most inspiring uses of nature on buildings from around the world. Could your building be the next Churchill Arms?

The Benefits of Living Walls, Moss Walls and Living Pictures

It is well known that having plants in an office has many benefits. For example they can increase motivation and productivity by up to 15%. This means that smart employers are sure to be investing money in greener office environments. Some employers, especially smaller start-ups, might worry about the amount of space required to make an office green – a legitimate concern – which is one of the reasons why an office moss wall, or a living picture is an attractive option.

Living walls make use of space that isn’t being used already; without taking up precious floor space, they still offer all the benefits of having plants in the office. Faux versions are also available, whilst not so environmentally friendly, they do have the benefit of being low maintenance and long lasting and will give the outdoors indoors look.

In the past offices were often minimalist and stark, featuring black, grey and chrome. This look suggests power and efficiency, but an austere interior does not allow for individuality and it does not encourage creativity either.

We recommend that offices steer away from this power-oppressive mindset, and instead employ more plants into their designs. This will bring an eco-friendly touch, and with a specialised office moss wall, you won’t be sacrificing the professional aesthetic of your office either.

There are plenty of ways to incorporate an office moss wall into your building. By looking at some of the world’s most famous living walls, you might find yourself feeling quite inspired.

Cidade Jardim Shopping Mall (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

The Cidade Jardim shopping centre is inspired by the world’s most luxurious streets, and it makes extensive use of plants both indoors and out, and each of its stores overlooks a modern garden.

Cidade Jardim is Portuguese for ‘Garden City’, which could not be more true for this shopping centre. Climbing plants festoon the walls and balconies, and the floor gardens between the shops have natural-styled chairs for shoppers to take rest in.

The Churchill Arms Pub (Kensington, London, UK)

The Cidade Jardim shows how lots of plants can be used in a retail setting, but the Churchill Arms shows the draw of a spectacular planting display extravaganza that cannot be missed. Every year, The Churchill Arms beats every other establishment in London with its Christmas cheer, which has a noteworthy effect on its sales, too.

Each Christmas, punters flock to book their meal at the infamously Christmassy Churchill Arms in Kensington. It truly is a sight to behold. Consider what kind of audience your business attracts, and whether you too could benefit from showing off your Christmas cheer. When it comes to commercial Christmas Trees, you’ll be wanting the best if you want to stand out.

Edgware Road Tube Station (Marylebone, London, UK)

London is becoming greener and greener each year. The Churchill Arms is one example of green Christmas cheer, but living walls can thrive all year round. The Edgware Road tube station in Marylebone, London, is one such example of an outdoor living wall that is not just eco-friendly, but artful too.

Holding an amazing 14,000 plants from 15 different species, Edgeware Road is a vibrant example of how you can attract attention to your business through living walls. These plants curl around one another in waves of colour and texture that really catch the eye.

Moss Walls

Moss walls are a fantastic option for businesses looking to make their offices greener. They are low-maintenance, space-friendly, and very decorative. Differing from other living walls, moss walls (made from preserved moss) do not require water or light and will neither grow nor decompose.

We stock moss in 16 different colours, and we’re able to create an entirely personal design for your office moss wall, such as your company logo.

Keep your building or office looking lively by introducing more plants. Your employees will surely benefit from it, and therefore so will your business.

If you have any questions about living walls or office moss walls, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. Likewise, if your creativity has been sparked by some of the amazing walls we’ve covered in this article, why not request your free quote on a moss wall today?

Tags: Christmas Trees, Office, Workplace

How to Have the Perfect Christmas

Christmas may well be the most wonderful, magical time of the year, but it’s not without stress. From buying presents for so many different people, having to wrap each one in beautiful paper (and desperately trying to find an online tutorial for wrapping), to the mad last-second dash to the supermarket the night before to pick up the forgotten cranberry sauce, a lot of time and effort goes into making that perfect Christmas.

With autumn drawing in and thoughts turning to the festive season (you may have noticed advent calendars are already making an appearance), here’s a handy guide to ensure you’re fully prepared and can enjoy the big day with the minimum amount of stress.

Gift Buying

When it comes to present buying, it really is never too early to start. Some people are organised enough that they buy the bulk of their Christmas’s gifts in the January sales for the following Christmas, while others leave it to the very last minute, trying to grab what they can from the rapidly emptying shelves in late December. Ideally, you should start looking for inspiration around the middle of September and begin with drawing up a list of everyone you need to buy for, not forgetting the office Secret Santa.

If you’re a working professional and don’t have the time to go shopping during the week, get online and start browsing some of your favourite online retailers in your lunch break. They will often have recommendations for gifts that may spark some ideas.

If you have children, take them shopping with you at the weekend and take note of where their little eyes wander. Chances are they will drop not-so-subtle hints as you walk past toys and gadgets that take their fancy. Make a note on your phone of all these moments to help compile that Christmas list. Or you could even ask them to send you links online to what they want; kids are so tech savvy these days they might even do a better job of navigating those online shops than you.

One top tip for present gathering is to make a list of what you’ve bought for who as you’re going along – not only does it make things easier come wrapping time, but if you hang onto the list, you know you won’t be at risk of buying someone the same thing again next Christmas.

Card Writing

Despite email and instant messaging, many people still want to write, send and receive physical Christmas cards. It’s a lovely tradition that may be one of the only times you contact that distant cousin or that old University friend of yours.

If sending cards is for you, the first thing you need to do is check those all-important postal dates.

For international post, the dates vary widely, from dates as early as September all the way to mid-December, depending on the destination. Check the Royal Mail website for a comprehensive list of all countries and prioritise your international letters first. It helps to draw up a list of everyone you’re sending cards to, to avoid missing anyone.

Alternatively, it can be a nice idea to save the money you would have spent on cards and instead donate it to a charity of your choice. A first-class stamp is around 67p, if you were to send out 50 cards, you would end up spending £33.50! Which doesn’t even include the cost of the Christmas cards themselves. Consider a festive email card for people like your work colleagues; they’re just as merry, and you’ll be able to do some real good with the money you save.

Getting Away

Sometimes getting away from the day-to-day planning for Christmas can be a great way to unwind and enjoy some of the festive cheer. If you’ve got the cash to spare and some holiday time to take, German Christmas markets can be a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit – Nuremberg is famed for its Christmas market, but Berlin and Dresden are also excellent choices.

Copenhagen is another great Christmas destination if you want a winter wonderland, or you could really push the boat out and take a trip to New York to see the incredible show they put on around this time of the year. A mini break is a great chance to escape the office and get some shopping done.

If you are planning a getaway then you need to book well in advance or the fares will skyrocket and availability will go down, so get searching in September or early October to avoid disappointment.

Stress-free Cooking

We all put so much pressure on ourselves to make the big Christmas dinner a showstopper. Let’s face it, by the time you’ve panic-bought all that food (and it’s always too much) and slaved away in the kitchen (when you should be having fun), you’re probably in no fit state to enjoy it. Christmas should be about spending time with your family, not getting hot and flustered making bread sauce and your own Yorkshire puddings.

If you’re too busy with work, cut a few corners and take some of the stress out – order online for home delivery, and remember that frozen roast potatoes and cranberry sauce from a jar are just as good. Nobody should be expected to produce a home-made black forest gateau at the drop of a hat. Treat yourself to an upmarket supermarket dessert. The kids aren’t going to notice the food’s not home-made, and if any guests pass comment, then you know not to invite them next year.

Christmas should be a time to relax with family and maybe drink a little more than you should. Take some of the worry out by getting organised early, then you can enjoy the big day and leave the stress to Father Christmas.

Decorations

If your decorations have seen better days, it might be time to invest in some new ones. The major DIY stores will start to display their Christmas stock a good couple of months before the big day, and when it comes to decoration buying, it can be best to do it in person rather than rely on the internet. Sometimes the decorations which look nice online can look cheap and tacky once they arrive.

It’s always nice to have the office decked out at the beginning of December, so decide who on your team will be responsible for stringing up the tinsel. A sparkling tree with some baubles or some festive bunting certainly wouldn’t go amiss, either.

If you’ve got kids, decoration buying is all part of the build-up and fun. It can also be a good excuse to distract them with a little creative crafting, and home-made decorations almost always end up being the most treasured. You can take advantage of all the wonderful ideas and tutorials online to discover something that your children would love to make themselves. You could try getting them to craft tree ornaments from polymer clay, or use old jam jars, glitter and some glycerine to make their very own Christmas snow globes.

Finally, there’s the big one. It’s an age-old dilemma – real or artificial? Each family and each office has their own ‘tree traditions’. Artificial Christmas trees are of a much higher quality than they were even a handful of years ago, so if you can find a nice one, it can be reused for years to come.

For others, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the smell of fresh pine. The British Christmas Tree Growers Association (yes, that’s a thing) say you can buy your tree from the 1st December onwards and still have it looking lush and healthy throughout the festive season. However, don’t forget to keep it watered every day, to make sure the tree will dazzle beneath those fairy lights for many weeks to come.

At Planteria, we can take the stress out of your Christmas this year by doing all of your Christmas tree arrangements for you. Our complete commercial Christmas tree services have something suitable for any space, from smaller trees for offices, right through to show-stopping centrepieces perfect for hotels, bars and large reception areas. We have a wide range of colours to choose from, real or artificial, undecorated, with lights only or fully decorated if you like. Additional extras include presents under the tree and artificial garlands and wreaths, created in our standard tree colour choices. When the festivities are over, you can even arrange to have us collect your tree after Christmas; it’s all included in our fantastic service.

Get in touch with Planteria today to find out how we can meet your needs this Christmas.

Tags: Christmas Trees, Office

Planning a Work Christmas Party

Christmas in the Office – get ahead with our guide…

Are you the person who is responsible for playing ‘secret-santa’ to ensure that your organisation gets into the Christmas spirit when December arrives? If the answer is yes then you’d better get your skates on because it is not too soon to be thinking about Christmas!

Not a job for the faint-hearted, it is one of those infamous poisoned chalices. Organising the office Christmas party can be a mine-field, with someone ready to complain about the location, someone-else happy to pick fault with the catering and … probably a few who think they could have done a better job themselves!

You may not be able to please everyone, but it’s very possible to please (in fact, delight) the majority.

We’ve created a quick guide to steer you through the main points to ensure that you give your team an unforgettable Christmas.

Get your Christmas Party Sorted!

Start Early

The earlier you start the better the chance of securing your preferred venue and entertainment, and the majority of your colleagues can save the date in their diaries.

Set the date

Check with key dates in the company calendar, and then send out your invitations and remember to add an RSVP by date. Send out plenty of reminders as the party gets closer.

Know your budget and stick to it

Decide on the theme and type of the event – There are so many options here whether you’re going for a shared party, private dinner, a whole venue or a group activity or experience. You’ll know what suits your team best.

Select a venue and get it booked!

Visit the venue if you haven’t used it before. Consider;

Capacity – is it the right size for your anticipated number of guests?

Location — is it accessible, good for cabs and public transport? If not, are you arranging coaches or hotel accommodation?

Facilities — Does it have what you need? a PA system, or space for presentations, live entertainment, dance floor etc?

If you book a hotel or restaurant here’s a check list for your diary of information to provide the venue with…

The number of people attending – 6 weeks before the event.

Any special dietary requirements – 4 weeks before the event.

The choice of menu selected – 4 weeks before the event.

A seating plan – 2 weeks before the event.

Deck the Halls – Order your Tree and Decorations!

Order your office christmas tree and decorations. Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a beautiful tree and decorations. Order it now and you can be the Christmas Fairy, organising for your fabulously festive, professionally decorated tree to magically appear in the office in early December to dazzle and delight your colleagues.

This is the easy bit, get everything in one place. Go on-line now at Planteria place your order and secure your tree to be delivered early December and collected after Christmas. Choose the size and type of tree you want and select your decoration theme, don’t forget to order matching wreaths and garlands for the finishing touch. Leave the rest to us!

Merry almost Christmas!

Tags: Christmas Trees, Office, Workplace

Christmas Trees for Business: Stand Out for the Festive Season

Christmas is a magical time, and most people will agree that part of the fun, is the build up to it and the decorations everywhere. We enjoy seeing decorations go up in streets, towns and businesses across the country. Twinkling lights and bright colours lift up the gloomiest commute home.

Christmas Trees Can Make Your Office, Hotel or Store Stand Out from the Crowd

You may have seen beautiful trees in some office receptions, hotels and store windows and thought they look stunning and wondered how, as if by magic, a 20ft tree went up overnight?

Part of the difficulty of getting a Christmas tree for your office or business is actually getting it back to the premises, especially if you are in busy city centre location. Of course, decorating a large tree may involve using a step ladder and takes time and a practiced eye. So, who does this job at your office? Maybe it’s you, and you already have a ‘to-do’ list as long as your arm, as well as everything else that goes on during the holiday festivities? This is the perfect job to outsource to the professionals, and if it isn’t your job, do pass this on right colleague, they’ll thank you for it!

Leave It To Planteria, We’ll Do It All For You

Planteria does the hard work for you, providing a bespoke and professional Christmas Tree service that caters for business needs, practically and professionally. Our service ensures that your Christmas tree is hand-picked, delivered and decorated, with all the fuss associated with these yuletide festivities completely eliminated. This gives you the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the occasion, without running the risk of decorating-related workplace injuries.

Not only that, but with a wide range of colours to choose from you can select the perfect theme for your location, or even match your corporate branding. Simply order your Christmas Tree online, choose, real or artificial, with lights only or fully decorated. You can add wrapped decorative ‘presents’ to complete the finished look, and also add complementing wreaths and garlands.

Select your chosen delivery slot and pay for your tree. Planteria will contact you to confirm your exact delivery in November, and will then deliver and decorate your tree in situ on that date. We will also collect your tree on your pre-selected collection date after Christmas, this is all part of the service and included in the price.

No more attempting to hire a vehicle large enough to transport an enormous tree, all the while unloading and parking in a busy city centre. From your initial order all the way through to post-Christmas collection, we have you completely covered.

The Tale of our Christmas Trees

Our Christmas trees are grown on sustainable UK Christmas tree farms which harvest and replant trees every year. It generally takes about 10 years to grow a Christmas tree from seed to a size ready for cutting. A Christmas tree farm is carbon positive for most of the year as the trees absorb Carbon and emit Oxygen. Once a Christmas Tree has graced your office or venue, it can be recycled, typically sent through a chipper to be used as mulch for parks and green areas.

We start preparing for the holiday season in July and August, with our Tree specialists visiting Christmas tree farms to ‘tag’ the type and size of trees that we want on behalf of our clients, wandering through acres and acres of fields to pick out the perfect trees. The specific need of the client determines the type of tree we select for them: larger trees, which sell out quickly, are often reserved for clients with premises that call for larger statement centrepieces – particularly hotels with spectacular lobbies and organisations with airy atriums.

We offer a first come, first served basis for these larger trees, and therefore to avoid disappointment, we suggest that customers looking for a Christmas tree on a ‘grander’ scale – that is, 10 feet or taller – should order as early in the year as possible. These taller trees are sourced from a specialist farm in the South East and are show-stoppers to suit all spaces.

Christmas Trees for Busy Companies

When ordering a tree on behalf of your business, chances are that you have chosen a tree that is significantly larger than the standard, domestic tree and decorating it to an acceptably high standard will be incredibly difficult. Remember – this tree will be associated with your business. You need it to look the part.

Our corporate office Christmas trees service is a popular choice for this reason – delivered to a high standard, we are on point as far as colours and trends are concerned. This year, we have introduced two brand-new colour schemes, tapping into current fashion trends with Rose Gold, and a Silver & Gold combination. This is in addition to the classics; Red & Gold, and Blue & Silver, if these combinations aren’t to your taste, we have a eleven colour schemes available, all of which can be mixed and matched to suit your needs.

Want to Find Out More?

If our service sounds like something of interest to you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss how we can work together to meet your particular needs. Our professional team are versatile and operate successfully to achieve the look you desire at a cost-effective price, ensuring your vision becomes a reality and your holiday season remains entirely stress-free.

Tags: Office, Stress, Workplace wellness

How to Reduce Work Related Stress

April is national “Stress Awareness Month” and as we take a look at the issue of stress in the workplace, we’re pleased to offer some suggestions for making things better for you and your colleagues.

Stress is dubbed “the health epidemic of the 21st-century” according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). “Health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity but a positive state of complete physical, mental and social well-being (WHO, 1986), a healthy working environment is one in which there is not only absence of harmful conditions but an abundance of health promoting ones”.

Clinical research shows that stress is an underlying factor in at least 70% of all visits to GPs. And stress can lead to many chronic diseases including increased rates of heart attack, hypertension, obesity, addiction, anxiety and depression.

So why does stress make us sick? Under conditions of prolonged periods of stress the body’s nervous system is put under pressure and goes into fight or flight mode, this means the sympathetic system is highly engaged and the parasympathetic system is suppressed disrupting our natural balance, increasing levels of hormones including; glucocorticoids and prolactin, cortisol levels increase and insulin levels can decrease. This imbalance creates the health issues we have mentioned above.

What Causes Stress In the Workplace?

Stress can occur in a range of circumstances; having no control over workload and not receiving enough support, for example.

Stress in response to demands which are not matched by abilities or knowledge is an issue. In this case managers need to be open to listening to colleagues, seeking to understand the situation and provide the support and training needed.

Job content including monotony, under-stimulation, carrying out seemingly meaningless tasks. Workload and pace including having too much or too little to do, or constant time pressure, can all cause stress.

Lack of development opportunities, job insecurity, bullying and harassment, poor leadership and communication are all other examples of stress inducing situations in the workplace.

Making Changes For The Better

A healthy lifestyle including exercise and finding healthy ways to unwind such as, spending time outdoors in nature, practising yoga and meditation are all coping strategies to make people feel more in control. Studies have shown that spending time in nature restores mental energy.

Allowing for flexibility of working schedules where practicably possible demonstrates trust and allows employees to manage their own time better, this has been proven to be good for morale.

Environmental factors and Biophilic Elements can make a big impact too. A worker’s surroundings can have a significant effect on their productivity and overall job satisfaction both of which factor into stress levels. Organisations which invest in attractive offices, with bright or calming colour schemes, plants and artwork, provide happier places to work. The addition of biophilic elements, such as plants, natural materials and biomorphic design, provide a more calming and productive experience at work (read more about Biophilia, and why bringing nature to work can improve health & wellbeing).

“Mental fatigue” that feeling of brain fog, inability to concentrate or having racing thoughts can be greatly alleviated by exposure to restorative environments, which research has found, generally means the great outdoors. One study found that people’s mental energy bounced back even when they just looked at pictures of nature. (Pictures of city scenes had no such effect).

Providing space where workers can get away from their desk for a break even for a short time, can help boost productivity for the rest of the workday.

Communication is also a critical issue for the handling of stress and stress related absence. Encouraging an open and transparent dialogue, offering help and support, and communicating clearly about work-related issues without fear of reprisals or stigma, creates a great culture within a company.

See other Tips to Boost Workplace Wellness

Sources:

uk.businessinsider.com/scientific-benefits-of-nature

www.who.int/occupational_health/topics/stressatwp/en

www.sbnonline.com/article/decrease-workplace-stress

scitechconnect.elsevier.com/stress-health-epidemic-21^st-century

The Most Sustainable Planting Scheme

The Most Sustainable Planting Scheme

whats included

Walking Plant Technicians

100% Public Transport

UK Grown Plants

Less Road MIles

Ecoponic Substrate

Saving our vulnerable peat-lands

what is ecoponic?

Peat Free

Reduced Water use

Less chance of flies or pests

Infinite Lifecycle

Recycled & Sustainable Planting Containers

Plants donated to the local community

Ecovardis Gold

plant grow pots 100% recycled

Zero waste to landfill

pollinator friendly planting

Planting for the planet

habitats for nature

making the office a destination (for nature)

Read More

The Science and Strategies Behind Engage & Bloom

Harnessing nature for workplace wellness and engagement

An Introduction to Engage & Bloom

The Modern Workplace Challenge

Increasing Importance of Well-being and Engagement for Productivity

The Innate Human Connection to Nature: Biophilia

The Science of Wellness in the Workplace

Impact of Stress, Poor Air Quality and Sterile Environments on Staff

DISCOVER WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE PROGRAMMES

Scientific Evidence Supporting Biophilia

Cognitive and Productivity Benefits of Greenery in Offices

The Psychological Basis of Nature Engagement

Sensory Benefits of Plant Interaction

Employee Engagement: Why it Matters

The Impact of Disengagement

The Role of Nature in Engagement

How Interactive Experiences with Plants Create Meaningful Connections

Strategies Behind Engage & Bloom: Tailored Solutions for Every Workplace

Flexible Solutions to Suit Workplace Needs

Engagement Through Experience

How Interactive Learning Builds Deeper Connection

Employee Satisfaction Surveys

Client Success Stories

Case Studies

Quantifiable Benefits for Staff Engagement and Wellness

Implementing Engage & Bloom

Preparing for an Engage & Bloom Rollout

Partnership with Planteria Group

Conclusion

About Planteria Group

Contact Information

Read More

15 Things to Consider When Choosing Plants for Your New Office

It can be difficult to know where to begin when deciding which plants to choose for your office, so we’ve put together 15 essential factors to keep in mind.

1. Lighting Conditions

2. Space Availability

3. Sustainability

4. Creating a Story

Wanting to boost biodiversity?

5. Maintenance Requirements

6. Size of the Plant

TRANSFORM YOUR OFFICE

7. Air Quality Benefits

8. Employee Preference

9. Cost and Budget

10. Safety Considerations

11. Aesthetic Appeal

12. Growth Rate

13. Temperature Tolereance

14. Pots and Containers

15. Seasonal Changes

Conclusion

Read More

Managing budgets for office plants

Why should you consider adding plants to your office space?

What are some office plant space saving ideas with limited floor space?