Organics

A major accessorizing element within the space is organics, whether living or dried, potted or displayed in a decorative vase, or a self sustaining ecosystem the incorporation of natural items provides a strong connection with nature.

Guidelines

General

In addition to using organics as a decorative device the use of organics may enhance the retail merchandising of each product through the display of ingredients utilized within a product type.

There are several types of display styles that may be used. The use of any living item within the space will require maintenance and upkeep and the following outlines the benefits and detractions from using each style.

Stems:

Frequently changed depending on the variety of stem. Leaves last longer than flowers. If stems are utilized ensure that at minimum a weekly flower service replaces all stems to guarantee healthy, beautiful organics.

When displaying stems the vase or vessel is the primary focal feature.

Care should also be taken to select simple and pure stem styles that are neatly arranged in single stem or multiple stem formats.

Potted:

Potted plants and flowers have a longer shelf life than cut stems. Non-flowering plants last longer than flowering plants. Ensure that at minimum a monthly plant service replaces all dying plants to guarantee healthy, beautiful organics.

A limited number of potted species grow within an interior environment. Coordinate with a plant service to select varieties that thrive indoors.

Specialty lighting systems may be worked into the design to extend the life of a living installation.

Dried:

Dried organic installations have an almost indefinite shelf-life. These require an initial upfront investment. Replacement occurs when items are damaged or are no longer in fashion.

Minimal maintenance is required. Depending on the installation periodic cleaning may be necessary to keep dried items free of dust and dirt.

Many varieties are available. Large scale dynamic installations may be created rather inexpensively.

Living Walls:

Living walls are the most costly to install and maintain yet can be one of the most dynamic installations. Usually large scale these vertical gardens can host a variety of grasses, flowering vines or herbs.

Great opportunity for natural aromatherapy.

Maintenance and replacement of plants is very high. Consider modular installations that allow for each section to be replaced independently from one another to minimize the costs of having to replace the entire unit at one time.

Utilize an interior landscape consultant if living walls or vertical gardens are incorporated into the design.

Hydroponics:

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using a mineral nutrient solution in lieu of soil.

This is a dynamic, self sustaining system that may be implemented in a variety of ways. The advantages to a hydroponics system are faster growth, higher yields, and growth in places that do not normally support gardening.

Hydroponics offers many different setup types in regards to irrigation, nutrient solutions, lighting, and maintenance. Use of a qualified hydroponics consultant is recommended for these systems.

Organics Objective Guidelines