3. The State of the Industry in the UK
In the UK the interior landscaping industry is relatively small but growing in momentum
We spoke to some of our members about where the industry is at this moment and where they thought it
was heading. We've identified a few 'trends' that have already or are just beginning to emerge.
4. The pull of biophilia
Planning for green installations is likely to be architect or
designer led at project conception whether it's a new build
or a refurbishment. This makes it easier for members to
plan green planting in right from the start. Specifiers are
definitely being influenced by the biophilia movement.
5. The pull of biophilia
"There is definitely a growing desire for
green planting everywhere from inside
corporate buildings to around them and on
them“
6. The pull of biophilia
It is definitely a great time for green walls,
green roofs and landscaped terraces with an
added focus on biodiversity."
7. The pull of biophilia
It is definitely a great time for green walls,
green roofs and landscaped terraces with an
added focus on biodiversity."
10. Increasing value and investing in wellbeing
Greening buildings both inside and out is seen to increase property value and to entice and retain
key employees. "It has also gained credibility as part of investment in wellness programmes for
businesses wishing to be seen to be acting in the best interests of their employees health and
wellbeing" is the view of Matt Monkton, MD of Enterprise Plants.
11. Increasing value and investing in
wellbeing
"There is also a return to larger
installations including atria being
noticed around the country. This
has also lead to the use of larger
trees for these areas." he
commented.
12. An eye to investment and management costs
"With budgets tighter than ever, businesses are keen to capitalise on their planting spends so they are more
likely to consider purchase rather than rental," added Thomas Palfreyman. The current Chair of
plants@work, Madeleine Evans of Tivoli Services agreed and added that businesses are also factoring in
maintenance costs to ensure they keep management costs lower.
13. Trends: Cabinet tops, table tops, cacti and succulents
Interior planting trends vary but common ground has been seen in the desire for cabinet top and table top
planters away from floor planters. These of course save space and adhere to all health & safety concerns
over floor planters.
14. Trends: Cabinet tops, table tops, cacti and succulents
There's also a trend towards a more relaxed and homely feel i.e. more eclectic rather than corporate. The
call for cacti and succulents is popular to achieve this follows trend picked up on Instagram and in the press
for the popularity of succulents.
15. The influence of Millennials
Creative Director at Indoor Garden design and plants@work ambassador, Ian Drummond feels that this trend
started from the domestic level too particularly in relation to Millennials. they have been really engage with
succulents at first as they have a concern for the environment and invariably no outdoor space in their
homes. This started about five years ago and is now branching into their love of larger plants that need more
care and attention.
16. The influence of Millennials
He agreed that this has led to a
less corporate look in offices
especially in the media and design
agencies where most of the staff
are Millennials. Plants are
favoured as they make their
workspaces look and feel more
domestic where the trend is
developing into furniture too.
Very positive for the industry as it
enhances the look. And its across
all areas corporate, hospitality,
events and even Christmas.
17. Terrariums
Also seen a big trend with terrariums as another popular choice for modern offices as these are contained.
People are so fascinated with them that Indoor Garden Design has run workshops in offices for employees as
well as for IKEA and at Kings College in London.
18. Artificial plants
Sarah Heath for Nature at Work said, "With improvements in the production of artificial materials, these are
also becoming more popular again. They definitely add that necessary green element to rooms when
conditions don't allow for live plants.
19.
20. Darren + Ian
If there's one area that still needs
it's businesses recognising the
value of professional maintenance
by skilled technicians who are
difficult to find and we really need
to get more young people into the
industry
21. In general there is more desire for green in, on or around buildings
Generally specified by architect or designer
More at project conception so that it can be planned in
A swing to purchase of plants and planters rather than rental (last 1-2 years)
Re-emergence of larger installation project - Atria etc
Architect and designer led on new builds and refurbs
Maintenance budgeted for - purchase means keeping management costs lower
Trend - more table top and cabinet top planting
Green walls, green roofs and terraces more - support the on, in & around theory
Huge focus on biodiversity
Use of biophilic and biomimicry
Increased interest in artificial - improved and moss
Also a trend towards a more relaxed and homely feel i.e. more eclectic rather than
corporate
Seen to increase property value and to entice and retain key employees
investing in wellness
22. Madeleine
Sarah Heath + David Snell
Mathew
Ian Darren
With thanks in particular to plants@work members: Urban Planters, Tivioli Services, Enterprise Plants,
Indoor garden Design and Nature at Work + The Plantman
