Interior Plantscaping
Utilizing Plants in Your Interior Design Scheme
By Vincent E. O'Connell
Interior plantscaping is said to have originated in the Denver metro area in the late 1950s or the very early 1960s when a creative group of horticulturists came up with the novel idea of placing plants in offices for hire. Today plantscaping can be seen everywhere from hotels to banks, restaurants, airports, and of course, our clients' homes.
When the focus needs to be drama, the use of oversized pottery or urns can be an inspiring way to begin the process. Planters, urns and pots now come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, styles, textures and finishes. Resin planters can be textured and finished to resemble stone and concrete when budget and weight are concerns. Designer Frank Gallagher, dubbed "The Poet of Pots," says he never views the giant pots he creates as something to hold plants, but rather as extensions of the architecture, a gift for the eyes to experience and the mind to feel comforted by.
When considering live plants for an interior space, several questions must be addressed before proceeding. The available light is an important ingredient for proper plant maintenance. In order to stay healthy, each plant requires a certain intensity, quality and duration of light. Low-light areas are ideal for plants such as dracaena, aglaonema and certain palms. In a setting that is very dark, a plant service may rotate the plant selection more frequently in order to maintain the beautiful design and keep plants healthy.
Another important factor to consider is maximizing the allotted area, especially if space is a factor. Large impressive silk plants can by utilized in surprisingly small decorative containers. Architectural wall pockets and niches can be designed using a combination of live plants with silk and preserved plants to create a convincing and elegant effect. Preserved plants now use freeze-dried techniques, along with branches, berries, feathers and fabric to re-create tropical fan palms, fish-tail palms and spectacular floral centerpieces. A good plantscape design must also evaluate plant access issues. Sub-irrigation systems can allow for longer periods of time between watering or service calls when accessibility is limited, so that live- plant maintenance can be successful.
Finally, a key issue is keeping the plantscape flourishing, beautiful, clean and pest free. Not all plant companies adhere to the level of quality and service that may be required, so be sure to check references. A common problem with failing plantscapes can be overgrown plants along with many plants that are dead or dying. If left unchecked and untreated, an infestation of mealy bugs and scale can occur, creating a much larger challenge to clean up. A reputable plantscape service can alleviate a pest problem by re- moving specific plants, branches and leaves that are most infected. When the plants are professionally cleaned and kept clean, 98 percent of bugs are eliminated and the rest are easily managed. Depending on the extent of the problem, some cases require that predatory insects that feed on the problem bugs be introduced to help with the elimination process. This system is also the least toxic method for controlling pests, and is the most desirable for an indoor application. When replacing plants, be sure to keep complementary colors, scale and texture in mind.
Indoor waterfalls now also come in artful, stunning materials. Today you can choose waterfall fountains in copper and slate, copper and glass, or stainless steel, as well as unique cascading waterfalls that flow over evocative paintings. Many are lighted to create a dramatic visual, and all offer soothing water sounds.
You will know your design in plantscaping is a success when you receive positive feedback from your client and the client receives rave reviews from their friends and family for years to come.
February 2006 Builder Architect Edition Issue