Akcelo

The Brief.

Our client’s problem that needed solving.

Our client wanted as much nature as possible and wanted a natural finish to their pots. They also wanted a tree in their entry! We love a challenge.

We were able to commit to getting their installation done on an urgent basis, including the tree. While it’s might be easy enough to commit to this if you are using generic planters and standard plants, we always prefer to be unique.

We paint our own planters individually, based on our client’s custom needs. Nothing was to be ‘plastic’ looking. In addition, while we always use real plants, the client wanted artificial plants in certain areas, and we were able to come up with a solution for these areas which worked in with the living plants to ensure they looked real and worked well.

Design and Installation.

Our solution.

The designer for this project, Cachet Group, were great to work with, and had already purchased a significant tree, a Ficus Benjamina, for their entry. When the Ficus Benjamina arrived at our nursery, it had some issues with bugs/mites which came with the tree. We set the tree up in our irrigation system and began the rescue. As we began our consultation process, we realised there would be a few issues with this installation.

Firstly, we noted that the plant’s root system was far too large for the well in the joinery on site, and would have caused a major issue for installation.

Second, the Benjamina, in our opinion, would not survive in this space. The plant itself was not suited to the environment.

Above and Beyond:

The tree is an exceptional design element, so we had to make this work.

Only a smaller planter would fit into the joinery, so the root ball needed to be small enough to fit. We replaced the plant for the client with one of our own Ficus Sabres, a plant specifically planted and grown indoors so that it would flourish in the entry for this client. Our Sabre fitted perfectly into this space.

Next, we offered to include a complete rescue of the Benjamina on the client’s behalf until they decide what to do with it.

Going above and beyond by including the new tree and rescuing the other plant on the client’s behalf is something we are proud of in supporting the best outcome for the client.

Thinking outside the box:

The site was an old industrial office, and it presented some other challenges. To get the artificial plants set up to look as authentic as possible, we needed to have access to some high positions. Living plants would not have worked in these spaces as there would have been too much disruption in the workplace for servicing.

Desk pots were included with Lady Valentines and other variegated plants including Golden Hearts and Happy Plants to support the brief of including colour in these areas. These planters were a mix of styles to give variation to the look, as well as including textured paint on the floor plants to have the natural look, without the expense of real concrete or the difficulties of delivery and installation of heavy pots. Our client was pleased that these pots are all recycled and sustainable.

Keeping everyone safe:

There was a request for black mulch, but we quickly dissuaded the client on this as these can have toxic effects on some people indoors as well as some of our own staff. Black pebbles are also great, but can quickly become dusty, rather than glossy and bright, so not the ideal look that is intended. For this reason, we used natural wood/bark mulch.