Office Design For Millennials: Bring Nature Indoors
Find out about office design for millennials and how bringing nature indoors can encourage productive collaboration in the office. Read the full article.
New Study Yields Exciting Developments on the Power of Office Plants
A study reported in the DutchNews.nl reports that office plants may reduce sick days by a fifth. Read the full article.
Great Plants for Low Light Spaces
Many office spaces, and homes for that matter, aren’t always basking in the sunlight. Certain spaces may let a sliver of light in during certain hours, but the nature of your office or home design may leave you wanting for more light. Additionally, this lack of light may make you think that plants aren’t suitable for your indoor spaces.Luckily, this is a misnomer. There are many plants that can survive and thrive in low light conditions. Consider the following plants:
Our Top Plants for Low Light Spaces
Sansevieria
Golden Pothos
Dracaena Lisa
Dracaena Janet Craig
Dracaena Warneckii
Aglaonema Chinese Evergreen
So, before you clutter up your home and office window sills with nothing but plants, we suggest heading to your nearest greenhouse and picking up a Golden Pothos, or two. As we learn more about all of the advantages to having plants in the office there’s more than one reason to bring some greenery into your office and home spaces.Everliving Greenery is a Chicago Area Plant Rental Company with a 38-year history in office plant design and maintenance. If you are interested in learning more about the services we offer we invite you to contact us today.
3 Reasons Why Your Lobby Needs a Plant Rental Program Now
A neglected lobby can make an unintended statement to visitors about the quality of services or products provided by your business. As a Chicago rental company that provides plant rental and maintenance to a variety of office and business spaces, we know that the little details can often make the greatest impact. And here are 3 great reasons why you should consider the impact of a plant rental program on your lobby.
Plant Rentals are an inexpensive way to change the look and feel of your lobby
It’s time to change up that antiseptic lobby with a fresh color pop infusion of lively lush greenery. You may even start to notice that visitors spend more time relaxing in your lobby.
They also offer a bounty of health benefits
Plants are nature’s air filtration system. They filter and absorb toxins to cleanse the air and can help to reduce stress and illness.See more benefits.
Plants can reduce your energy bills
A lobby sees a lot of entrances and exits throughout the day, and as a result you end up paying a lot to heat and cool and areas that are essentially experiencing a non-stop draft. Because they are water absorbers, plants can actually help to regulate humidity levels, which in turn can save you on energy costs.Everliving Greenery provides tropical plants for your lobby that accommodates the size and aesthetics of your space no matter the size. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
How Does Our Office Plant Rental Program Work?
It starts with a visit to your office space to determine the ideal size of the plants for your space. We offer the largest plant varieties in many sizes in the Chicago area, so we’re sure to have what you are looking for. And if you don’t like the plant choices we can substitute them for something that is more your style.One of the most frequent questions we are asked is: where do your plants come from? Our tropical plants come from the finest nurseries in Florida, Hawaii, and California, where we individually choose each plant. Before we deliver and install your plant we take the time to clean each plant for an impressive first impression.We also choose the best planter and placement based on the structure and design of your office from our extensive supply of containers.Delivery and installation is scheduled at a time convenient for you. We understand that your business reputation extends to those performing services in your workplace, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our installers are professional, friendly, and respect your business.
Office Plant Lease Programs
Lease programs for office plants offer a convenient option for easily maintaining and supplying plants for your business. Our lease programs run from 12 to 36 months and include the plants, as well as decorative planters and a replacement guarantee.If you have a business in the Chicago area and want to know more about the advantages of plants in your office, we invite you to contact us for your free consultation.
Consider sending plants to the office this time
If you work in an office space you’ve watched as your co-workers (and most likely yourself) have been congratulated, celebrated, and wooed with the delivery of a beautiful bouquet of flowers. But we’re here to convince you to upgrade this traditional practice with a little bit of practicality. Forgo that temporary flower arrangement for a permanent office fixture and send that special someone a plant as your next office gift.
Plants you say?
Indeed we do! A flower arrangement is always a beautiful and thoughtful gift, but it also one that has an expiration date. On the other hand, office plants provide long-lasting beauty. And if you don’t have a green thumb there are great office plant rental companies out there who not only help you choose and install office plants, they can also maintain them!Another reason to consider sending an office plant over a flower arrangement is sensitivity. When we say sensitivity we don’t mean a jealous co-worker, what we’re talking about is flowers with a strong scent. No one wants their anniversary bouquet to send their fellow employees into sneezing fits.Do you know that plants don’t just look great and last longer than flowers, they have been shown to benefit the office in a multitude of ways? Plants can actually absorb unhealthy gases such as those found in plastics, cigarette smoke, detergent, cleaners, cosmetics, and pesticides, making the air cleaner. They can also help boost productivity and even help you feel better!So when that next birthday, anniversary, or occasion comes around, consider sending your special someone an office plant. And if you’re looking to make an even bigger impact on the office, consider hiring a plant rental company to transform that dull, dreary workplace into a green space that encourages health and creativity.
Making a Space for Nature in the Office
In the balance of nature and technology it seems like tech is always winning the battle. It’s no wonder, as technology finds a way into every part of our lives we become more and more attached to our screens. However, making room for the inspiring and motivating influence of nature in our lives demands consideration.Making a space for nature in the work environment can be as simple as bringing in a grouping of potted plants. In fact, there are many plant rental companies who provide this service. They provide and maintain your plants, while your office takes advantage of the benefits:
Bringing plants into the office is a great way to balance nature and technology, but that’s just the beginning:
Welcome natural light into work-spaces by creating open spaces. Avoid blocking windows with office furniture.
Encourage your employees to take breaks outside
Create quiet spaces for relaxation
Decorate your office with natural elements
Add water features
Learn More About Biophilic Design | Everliving Greenery Blog
Why are plants transforming office spaces into productivity boosting botanical areas?
Because it works.
Did you know:
The Amazon offices in Seattle feature treehouses, an extensive plant collection, and an on-staff horticulturist.Not to be outdone, Microsoft also encourages their employees to work outdoors, with their own treehouses in Redmond, Washington.The advantages of including plants in your office space are well worth the cost of plant maintenance programs:
They create a welcoming atmosphere for your employees and client
Reductions in sick days have been observed
Employee moods have improved
Plants clean the air of chemicals and bacteria
While most businesses may not be able to offer expansive outdoor spaces filled with tree houses, they can certainly achieve these same benefits. In fact, office plant rental services make it easy for you to turn your office into a creativity boosting green space.A plant rental service works with you to discover the best plants for your space, and that’s just the beginning. They take care of the installation and maintenance of your plants. All that is left for you to do is enjoy the view and get ready to start basking in the benefits of plants in the office.
Protecting Indoor Plants during the Winter months
Your heater is taking its toll on indoor plants
Staying warm during a Chicago winter often means cranking up the heater and running it all day and through the night. As your furnace runs it dries the air. When an indoor plant is exposed to dry air it will close the pores located on its leaf pores in an effort to conserve water. This can result in yellowing and drooping of leaves.It seems counter-intuitive but most plants need more water during the winter because forced air from the furnace dries plants out. We add more water to the plants under our care during the winter. We water the same schedule, bi-weekly, but add extra volume each watering.
Is your plant in the right spot?
Tropical plants are especially sensitive to the wrong placement. You may think placing them near a heating vent would help them through the long winter months. However, this can quickly result in the situation discussed above: dry air. If you don’t notice your plant’s reactions quickly enough, this can be deadly. Placing your tropical plants in spaces that are prone to drafts can create the same issues.Keep your plants away from heat vents, doors, and indoor drafts during the winter.
Give your plants a helping hand
If you have a humidifier, use it near your plants to improve the humidity of the air. Grouping your plants together can also help them out, as they can benefit from each other as they release water through their leaves.
Sunny side up
If you live in the Chicago area we don’t need to tell you that there is less sun in the winter. Make sure your plants are in an area that receives sunlight but beware of drafts from windows.
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A low cost way to boost productivity in your office
A recent article from the New York Times highlighted something that our team at Everliving Greenery has quite an interest in – biophilic design. The article discusses an architecture firm in Manhattan that has welcomed green design into their offices, literally.
They’ve filled their office space with plants.
It’s no surprise why. Adding plants to your office has shown to be an effective concentration booster. From the article: “people who worked in offices with leafy green plants concentrated better and were 15 percent more productive than those who went about their day in spartan offices without them.”Whether you ask your employees to bring in plants from home, or hire a plant rental company, adding plants to your office is a must when you consider the advantages that the impact of a relatively low-cost improvement will have on your workforce.The same article also notes that, “Levels of the stress hormone cortisol tend to be higher in enclosed spaces like office cubicles that are artificially lit and deprived of outside views. Poor ventilation — which is common in many older office buildings — raises the levels of carbon dioxide, which studies have shown can impair cognitive performance and dampen mood.”Plants can filter out many unhealthy gasses found in office spaces, and they also look great. If you are interested in an office plant rental service contact us today.
What’s wrong with my indoor plant?
For those who don’t really have a green thumb, plant care usually begins and ends with watering. If your plants have a problem, it’s either too much or not enough water. Luckily, we have 2 green thumbs and 8 green fingers each, so we know that there are a few more things that can be wrong with your plant.
Is it in the right light?
How to tell if your plant is getting too much light
A tell-tale sign of a plant that is coping with too much light is a fading of the green color on the leaves. This discoloring is a result of heat damage to photosynthetic process. Another sign can sometimes be droopy leaves (wilting because of insufficient water is usually the culprit for this one). When it is too much light, the leaf is drooping to reduce the amount of surface that light is hitting.
How to tell if your plant isn’t getting enough light
Does your plant look like it’s on the run? Plants who seem to be leaning towards the light source are shouting out for more access to the source, and will actually start growing in that direction.
Is your plant getting enough nutrients?
The wrong nutrient levels can be affecting your indoor plants. As a result your plant may look pale or sickly. To remedy this, try replacing your soil with one rich in nitrogen.Sources:Determining what's wrong with your plants.How to kill a plant - death by light.
Modern Abstractions: Combining modern design with tropical plants
As a Chicago area plant rental company, we are very interested in the latest design trends. One of our favorites has always been the combination of natural plants life and modern architectural. The contrast between the clean lines that are a trademark of modern design and the natural design of plant growth combine to create stunning impressions for homes, offices, and outdoor spaces.One of our favorite combinations is geometric patterns and tropical plants.Geometric PatternsThis restaurant and in Ho Chi Minh City was converted from a home that opened onto an alleyway into a beautiful space surrounded by geometric panels with glass insets. Set against these glass walls are flourishing tropical plants. The result is a clean space where lights plays against the greens and glass.Tropical PlantsThe natural color variety and uniqueness of design found in tropical plants make them one of the most sought-after varieties when complimenting modern design. Here in Chicago, as the weather turns colder, there is nothing like an indoor tropical plant or two to help remind us of sunnier days. Many people think it is hard to care for tropical plants in northern states, when in actuality it is just a matter of placing them in the right space and following care instructions.
Learn more about some of our favorite tropical plants
DracaenaNeoregeliaAnthuriumCan your modern office space benefit from the addition of tropical plants? Contact us today for a free consultation.
Feeling under the weather? These plants may help you feel better.
Plants may help you with colds, insomnia, and chest congestion.
Need a Humidifier? Try introducing Areca Palm into your home.
The Areca Palm, also known as golden cane palm, butterfly palm, or yellow palm, is one of nature’s most effective little humidifiers. This tropical plant can grow up to 39 feet and expels up to 1 liter of water vapor every 24 hours, helping you breathe easier and feel better faster.Source
Help keep your home’s air clean with a Peace Lily.
NASA's clean air study discovered that the Peace Lily is a power house when it comes to filtering the air in your home or office. Chemicals like trichloroethylene, xylene, formaldehyde, ammonia, and benzene can often be found in the air. Peace Lilies can help filter these chemicals by releasing oxygen, purifying the air. Be aware that a Peace Lily can be toxic to both cats and dogs.Looking for more helpful plants? This article can help.Help keep the air clean in your office space with the additional of a plant rental service.If you are interested in adding plants to your office space that help to filter the air of harmful chemicals, reduce stress, and increase productivity contact us today. We are a plant rental company offering the design and maintenance of tropical plants for Chicago area offices.
What to look for in a great plant rental service?
As increasingly more office managers are discovering that interior landscape designs can update the look of their office spaces and improve the well-being of their employees, the question arises: what to look for in a plant rental service?
Look for a plant rental business with lots of ideas for your space.
If your plant rental company is as excited about improving your space as you are, that’s a great sign. During your design consultation, be on the lookout for ideas that are not only unique, but take into consideration your space and ideas. These types of ideas mean that your plant rental company isn’t just good at their job, they are also listening to your ideas.
Choose a plant rental company with a variety of options.
Your office space is unique, and a professional plant rental company will be able to offer a variety of plant options in order to bring a unique vision of your interior landscape design to life. Ask about plant variety as well as container availability.
Last, but certainly not least, your plant rental company needs to have solutions to your needs.
You are busy running your business, you don’t have time for ongoing plant care. Look for a company that is able to provide ongoing plant maintenance to ensure healthy plants that are free of pests. Ask them about their policies if a plant needs to be replaced, as well as ongoing maintenance fees.And speaking of great plant rental services. If you live in the Chicago area Everliving Greenery can add plants to your office space. We offer flexible plant rental plans to brighten your office. Contact us today!
Fall Flower Container Ideas
It’s that time of year again. The mornings have a nip of chill in the air, and the pumpkin spice lattes are brewing. One of our favorite aspects of fall is the opportunity to create spectacular plant displays that take advantage of autumnal plants. Below you will find some of our favorite fall container ideas.
Pumpkins & Squash
You can’t go wrong with adding a pumpkin or squash to your fall plant displays. They add a colorful seasonal splash to your display, as well as a bit of fall whimsy that is sure to delight. Pumpkins also make great containers for your display. Simply carve them out and fill with your favorite fall flowers.
Kale & Cabbage
Using these hearty vegetables as ornamentation adds a unique twist on the traditional fall container design.
Fall Ornamentation
Drop some glass pumpkins in a clear container, fill with water and add a beautiful fall bouquet. Visit your local craft store and purchase some faux fall leaves to drape around your arrangements. With so many options out there you really can’t go wrong!
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, or just simply mums, are the most easily recognizable fall flower. Choose mums with red, yellow and bronze petals set the perfect tone for your fall flower display. Unlike most blooming plants, mums bloom from late August to November, creating a colorful scene well that will make a statement your Thanksgiving guests will adore.
Looking to add a touch of fall to your office plants?
Call us today to discover how Everliving Greenery can transform your office plants for the fall. We offer a variety of plants and containers to liven up your workspace. We even service your plants, so all you have to do is enjoy! Contact us now and schedule a time for us to visit your workplace. We’ll create flower displays you are sure to love.
Benefits of hiring a plant rental company
We’ve talked about the benefits of plants in the office. We’ve discussed the health and productivity increases that can result from plants in the work space, but let’s talk about the benefits of a plant rental for your office.
Plant Rental vs Plant Purchase
Plant Rental is Cost Effective
Purchasing new plants for your office is not the same as buying a new piece of office furniture. A plant will require attention, care, proper watering, lighting, and maintenance to keep bringing that fresh splash of green to the office. Don’t forget that stunning new container, and you will also need to consider transportation for your new office plants.Purchasing enough plants to make a statement in your office can quickly become costly. A plant rental company saves you money by ensuring that splash of green doesn’t become a tumble of brown, wasting your green in the process.
Plant Rental gives you the freedom to change things up
Were you certain that anthurium plants were exactly what your office needed, but a month later realized you had made a horrible mistake? When you source your plants from a plant rental service a change in scenery is just a phone call away. From anthurium to neoregelia, or even dracaena, a plant rental company gives you the freedom to change it up.Their design experience can help you discover which plants will look best for your unique space. They can determine and provide the right plant container for your space. And when you’re looking for a new look, your plant rental company is just a phone call away.
Looking for a plant rental company in the Chicago area?
Everliving Greenery is a team of horticultural experts who have making local Chicago office spaces a little greener since 1980. If you are interested in discovering more about enhancing your interior spaces, contact us today. We’re excited to help!
Plant Profile: Neoregelia Plants
The Neoregelia is one of our favorite plants. They are great indoor plants from the Bromeliaceae, or Bromeliad family. This plant family contains almost 3,500 species (including the pineapple) and are known for vibrant coloring and dramatic shape.The overlapping leaf design of many bromeliad plant leaves allows them to store water. This interesting leaf design turns the neoregelia in a watering hole for many animals, including: salamanders, tree frogs, and crabs.
Basic Plant Care for Neoregelia plants
Watering
Water the center of the plant, keeping the urn ¼ full. Be sure to flush the urn with fresh water every month. Keep the roots moist, but allow to dry thoroughly between watering.
Light
Avoid direct sunlight, as it will cause your neoregelia to burn. We recommend a bright natural light.
Temperature
Bromeliad Plant | Everliving Greenery Chicago Office Plant Rental Company
Bromeliads such as Neoregelia will need to be brought inside during the winter months. They do well between 50 °F and 90 °FOne of our favorite office rental plants is a member of the Bromeliads. The Neoregelia Green Apple are a great addition to any space, but we really love the stunning statement they make within an office environment. If you are looking for the perfect addition to your Chicago Office Décor give us a call and find out it a Neoregelia plant is right for you.Source
Cheap ways to increase productivity in the office
1. Encourage productive office socialization
A team that enjoys each other’s company is always a great productivity booster. One way to get your team together is engaging in group activities. Volunteering is one of our favorite options. Your employees will work together, connect with their community, and bring that feel-good attitude back to the workplace.
2. Foster happiness in your office
Productivity and happiness go hand in hand. Studies have shown that happy employees get stuff done.
Ways to increase employee happiness
• Recognize employee progress• Treat your employees with respect• Communicate openly with your staff• Provide growth opportunities
… and speaking of growth opportunities
3. Fill your office with plants
Plants in the office provide so many wonderful benefits. One of our favorite things about plants is that they make us feel better. And when we feel better our happiness increases. And when we’re happier in the office? You guessed it, our productivity increases!
Here are just a few ways plants make us feel better
• They improve well-being• They increase attentivenessOur Chicago area plant rental business can help fill your office with green, beneficial, happiness boosting plants! Contact us today and ask about our affordable lease options. We are sure to have the right program for your unique office space.
What is Biophilic Design?
Think of Biophilic Design as a way of reintroducing nature back into our lives in a substantial way. Born out of the growing trend towards green architecture which works to decrease environmental impact, biophilic design works to bring us closer to nature.Or bring us back to natureHumans evolved within the natural world, and it is only recently in our human history that we moved away from the natural and now spend most our time in a modern, human created world. We live in contained spaces, away from nature. Biophilic design seeks to reacquaint us with the nature world.The result is not only beautiful buildings, it’s also so much more than that.We’ve talked a lot about the benefits of plants in the workplace on our blog, and that’s exactly what biophilic design seeks to nurture.
Biophilic Design in the workplace
The focus of this type of design is connecting us to those aspects of nature that improve our wellbeing. Plants have been shown to have a positive impact on our health, fitness, and they just make us feel better. Imagine an office that is engaging with nature at all times, within a building design to foster that interaction.Productivity within the workspace could reach new heights. And while a more inspired workforce is great, as an office plant rental service we are always excited when people embrace more nature in their life.We’re excited to see how this new design trends changes the landscape!Interested in learning more? If you live in the Chicago area the Chicago Botanical Garden is hosting a screening of the documentary Biophilic Design: the Architecture of Life. Learn more here Source