BLOG: Transforming Corporate Offices into Green Sanctuaries with Preserved Gardens

The Importance of Green Spaces in Corporate Offices

Bringing green into corporate offices is more than just a trend; it’s a vital shift towards a healthier workspace. Green spaces or preserved gardens within these environments play a crucial role in not just beautifying the space but also in enhancing employee well-being and productivity. Studies show that having plants ( living ones in the form of potted plants, or preserved plants in the planters or in the form of preserved gardens) around can significantly reduce stress, increase creativity, and foster a happier and more efficient workforce. It’s not all about the looks; it’s about making the office a place where people can feel refreshed and inspired.

When employees are less stressed and more content, they tend to be more productive, which is good for business. Moreover, green spaces with living plants tend to contribute to cleaner air, diminishing the amount of carbon dioxide in the office and filtering out pollutants, leading to a healthier breathing environment. So, integrating preserved gardens or green areas in corporate offices is a smart move. It’s an investment in your employees’ health, happiness, and ultimately, in the success of your business.

Introduction to Preserved Gardens: A Sustainable Choice

As much as living plants – in the form of potted plants or indoor gardens – are initially ideal for greening workplaces, they can be problematic in terms of maintenance requirements, potential bug infestation, and allergic reactions among employees. This leads the facilities team and owners to start shying away from them. Preserved gardens are now the go-to solution for businesses seeking to add a touch of green to their corporate spaces without the high maintenance of traditional plants, applying Biophilic Design Principles.

Preserved gardens consist of real plants that have undergone a special treatment process to maintain their fresh and vibrant appearance for years without requiring water or sunlight. This sustainable choice reduces the need for constant replanting and watering, thereby conserving resources. Additionally, they bring nature into workspaces without the need for daily care, making them a practical and eco-friendly option for busy office environments. With preserved gardens, you can enjoy the beauty of greenery in your office every day without increasing your carbon footprint.

The Environmental Benefits of Opting for Preserved Gardens

Choosing preserved gardens for corporate offices isn’t just about enhancing the aesthetics; it’s a step towards environmental responsibility. These gardens, crafted with preserved plants, significantly reduce water usage. Unlike live plants that require constant watering, preserved ones need no water at all, which means massive savings in water resources, especially crucial in areas facing drought conditions. Additionally, preserved gardens demand no pesticides or fertilizers, chemicals that can harm local wildlife and pollute waterways. This choice helps in reducing your carbon footprint since the maintenance of live plants often involves using electrical equipment and combustible engines which the gardeners drive to the location that both emit carbon. Think of it as a double win – you get to enjoy green spaces without contributing to environmental harm.

How Preserved Gardens Enhance Employee Well-being

Bringing nature into the office isn’t just about beauty; it’s a smart move for boosting employee well-being. When we talk about preserved gardens and preserved moss walls in a corporate setting, we’re spotlighting a unique blend of nature and ease. These aren’t your average potted plants. Preserved gardens and planter inserts are specially treated green moss and plant species that maintain their freshness without the need for soil, water, or direct sunlight. This means minimum to no work to keep them looking great.

So, what does this green touch do for employee well-being? First off, it slashes stress. Just seeing greenery can put our minds at ease, making us feel more relaxed and calm. This can lead to lower stress levels and a happier, more productive team. Then there’s the air quality. Though preserved gardens don’t have the same air-purifying power as live plants, they do contribute to a healthier indoor environment by adding a touch of nature without the allergens that some live plants can bring, and surely without any chemicals used to clean them. All these air quality statements are only true only if a preserved garden / preserved moss wall provider that offers compliance with CDPH’s VOC Standards, and 100% Bio-based tests. Garden on the Wall® has proven itself as the industry leader by being the most transparent provider of preserved moss, preserved plants that are used in these indoor gardens and indoor planters.

Moreover, preserved gardens can spark creativity. Being around greenery can inspire our brains to think outside the box, find unique solutions, and come up with fresh ideas. It’s like nature whispers to our imagination, encouraging it to run wild. Lastly, these gardens can enhance the overall aesthetics of an office, making it not just a place to work, but a space where employees feel comfortable and inspired. It’s a simple equation: better environment equals happier employees, which often leads to better job performance.

In sum, introducing preserved gardens into a corporate office can significantly enhance employee well-being — cutting down stress, boosting belonging feel, firing up creativity, and improving the working environment. These benefits collectively foster a more productive, healthier, and happier workplace.

Planning the Transformation: Steps to Create a Green Sanctuary

First, you’ll want to assess your space if you’re planning to use live plants. How much room do you have? Are there areas that get more light? Next, decide on the type of plants. Some need more sun; others thrive in shade. Then, think about maintenance. Who will take care of the plants? After that, consider airflow and humidity. Offices can be dry, so pick plants that can handle not so humid environments. Also, plan for growth. Plants get bigger. Make sure they have space to grow without overcrowding. Finally, get creative with layout.

With the use of preserved plants that are used in planters or preserved gardens, you can avoid all these pre-planning, since none of these would be an issue once a preserved garden/preserved plants are used. Mixing heights and types of preserved plants in the planters spread around the space can make your office look like a true green sanctuary. Remember, it’s not just about adding plants. It’s about creating an environment where people feel better, work better, and connect with nature.

Key Elements of Designing Preserved Gardens for Corporate Spaces

When transforming corporate offices into green sanctuaries, there are several key elements you need to think about. First, it’s crucial to choose the right plants. Some plants that are used in these preserved gardens resemble the local fauna which will establish a deeper connection to and with employees, especially in an office environment. Second, consider the space. Preserved gardens can be set up in various spaces such as lobbies, meeting rooms, or even on walls to create a plant art. Think creatively but also practically about where a garden can fit without disrupting workflow. Also to add, the use of Lichen Moss (Reindeer Moss) in high traffic areas is not advisable since Lichen Moss tends to dry when heating is on, and once the Lichen Moss dries, it becomes brittle to be prone to damage. Third, using preserved plants in different planes – horizontal as planter inserts and vertical in the form of preserved gardens – will create more nature like space that serves better in Biophilic Design principles. Indoor Nature Exposure (INE) is an important aspect in the study of Biophilia and Neuroarchitecture. Lastly, think about the benefits. Adding greenery to your office isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also about improving morale and boosting employee wellbeing. Design your preserved gardens and preserved planters so they maximize these benefits. With these elements in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a serene and productive workspace.

Maintenance and Care for Preserved Gardens in an Office Setting

Caring for preserved gardens in an office is straightforward. These gardens, full of preserved plants, don’t need water, sunlight, or soil to stay lively. No watering means no risk of messy spills on important documents or equipment. But, they do need some attention to keep looking fresh. First, keep them away from direct sunlight; it fades their colors. Also, avoid high humidity areas; too much moisture isn’t good. Dust them lightly with a soft brush or use compressed air from a distance to avoid damaging delicate parts. That’s about it. They’re designed to last and bring a touch of green to your workspace without the hassle of regular maintenance. Simple, right? Absolutely, when a right company to provide these gardens are chosen. With so many new companies coming into the market with unproven health and longevity claims, it is always important to check the track record of the preserved garden providers. Garden on the Wall® has proven itself with over 1720 projects (as of April 2024) to ensure the ease of mind for the workplace clients.

Case Studies: Successful Corporate Green Sanctuaries

Many companies have turned their office spaces into eco-friendly sanctuaries, and the results are impressive. For example, Google’s headquarters in California integrates living plants into its office design, positively impacting employee productivity and wellbeing. They use a mix of preserved gardens and living green walls to purify the air and create a calming environment. Another notable case is Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle, featuring the famous Spheres—three glass domes filled with over 40,000 plants from around the world. This bold move has not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of their offices but also promotes a greener, healthier workplace for their employees. Similarly, Etsy’s Brooklyn office is LEED Platinum certified and uses a hydroponic garden that recycles water to grow vegetables, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and employee health.

Likewise, there are a significant number of workplace projects where preserved gardens are utilized as indoor natural exposure. Garden on the Wall® specializes in curating nature-oriented and human-centric transformative workspaces – over a thousand of them – for over 10 years. From Google to Amazon, to IBM, to Adobe, to TripAdvisor, to Hachette Books, to Capital One, to Deutsche Bank, there are over a thousand office spaces that Garden on the Wall® has furnished and installed with these preserved gardens and planters. These installations help all these employees to reduce their stress, anxiety, feel more connected, and be more productive.

The pier reviewed case studies show that transforming corporate offices into green sanctuaries is not just a trend but a proven method to boost morale, productivity, and the overall well-being of employees while also making a positive environmental impact. Last but not least, it is important to note that when Biophilic Design principles are applied in a workplace, turnover numbers reduce significantly, leading to a better bottom line for companies.

Addressing Challenges: Common Concerns with Preserved Gardens

When turning corporate offices into green sanctuaries with preserved gardens, it’s not all sunny days and fresh blooms. Some common concerns might make you think twice, but let’s address these challenges head-on. First, people worry about the maintenance of these gardens. Good news – preserved gardens are low on upkeep. They don’t need water or sunlight, making them easier to manage than your typical office plant. Second, the cost can raise eyebrows. Initially, setting up a preserved garden might seem pricey. But, consider this: no ongoing costs for water, fertilizer, or replacing plants. It’s a smart long-term investment. Lastly, there’s the question of durability. Will these gardens last? Absolutely. Preserved gardens keep their beauty for years without fading once the right company that stood the test of time is utilized. Garden on the Wall® is the only preserved garden / preserved moss provider that has over 1720 installations (as of April 2024) where all of these installations are still being enjoyed by their clients. With this information at hand, these challenges that the companies anticipate to exist can be eliminated easily.

With a bit of planning and the right approach, transforming the office spaces into a green paradise is more than possible especially with the use of preserved gardens and preserved moss walls and surely with the use of planters that are fit out with preserved plants.

Summary: The Future of Office Spaces with Preserved Gardens

The future of office spaces is green and vibrant, thanks to preserved gardens. These eco-friendly havens are not just good for the planet; they boost employee morale, creativity, and productivity. Unlike traditional office setups that often feel sterile and uninspiring, the inclusion of green spaces brings a breath of fresh air into the work environment.

Preserved gardens, moss walls and planters crafted with preserved moss & plants specifically, offer a sustainable solution by requiring no water, sunlight, or ongoing maintenance, making them a cost-effective and hassle-free way for greening corporate spaces. They create a soothing atmosphere that reduces stress and enhances overall well-being. As companies look towards more sustainable and employee-friendly office designs, integrating preserved gardens is becoming a key trend. This shift not only reflects an awareness of environmental issues but also a commitment to improving the quality of the workspace for better output and happier teams.